A Manual of the Examination of Masters and Mates as Instituted by the Department of Marine and Fisheries of Canada (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1875 edition. Excerpt: ...windlass and heave away. As soon as the sheers are nearly erect, catch a slack turn with the after guys and fore heel tackles, also be prepared to steady tant the fore guys. Come up the purchase, and see if the block will plumb the masthole, if not, make it do so by slacking the necessary guys; after which, look round and see that your heel tackles and guys are hauled well taut and are properly secured. 149. Shifting sheers.--Although shifting or taking down sheers immediately after getting them up, does not fall into the natural order of events, yet it is taken here so that all work appertaining to the sheers may be kept together. Wet the deck on the fore side of the sheers so that the shoes may slip more easily. Ease away the after guys, until the head of the sheers is canted well forward; now haul away upon the fore heel tackles and when the sheers are nearly in the position required, take a turn with the after guys, and belay when the lower block plumbs the masthole. 150. Taking down sheers.--Get your sheers alongside the mast, and keep the topping tackle hooked on forward to prevent the heads of the sheers from falling aft.; send down the main purchase, lash each sheer leg to the mast head, cast off the head lashing and hoist each spar singly over the side. TAKING IN A LOWER MAST. 151. In flush decked vessels, the mizenmast is the first spar taken in, because when all the masts are stepped, the sheers are then upon the fore side of the foremast and this latter spar can be used to support the head of the sheers, when they are canted over to take in the bowsprit. But in the case of vessels having a house abaft, so made, that there is not room enough for the sheers between it and the bulwarks, then the mainmast should be the first to be...