Life on Old Wooden Ships: Hygiene, Food Preservation, and Ship Maintenance

Life aboard historic wooden ships, particularly during long voyages, presented numerous challenges that required sailors to adapt to limited resources and harsh conditions. This comprehensive guide will explore how they managed issues related to hygiene, food preservation, and ship maintenance.

Urination and Excretion

Urination: Crew members would urinate over the side of the ship when weather and sea conditions permitted. For privacy, they used designated areas at the stern of the ship. However, in instances where privacy was not an option, sailors would simply relieve themselves overboard.

Excretion: Ships were equipped with sea closets, which were early versions of modern toilets. These were essentially chambers with holes that allowed excreta to fall into the water.

Food Storage Without Refrigeration

Preservation Methods: Sailors relied on various methods to preserve food for long voyages. Salting: Meat and fish were heavily salted to prevent spoilage. Drying: Foods like fruits and fish were dried to extend their shelf life. Pickling: Vegetables were often pickled in brine or vinegar. Canning: In the 19th century, canning became more common, allowing for longer storage of various foods.

Storage: Food was stored in barrels, crates, or special containers made of wood or metal. These were often kept in the ship's hold, which offered some protection from heat and light.

Bathing

Limited Opportunities: Bathing was infrequent due to limited water supplies. Sailors would often wash their faces and hands with a small amount of water.

Sponge Baths: When possible, crew members might use a sponge or cloth with seawater or fresh water for a quick wash.

Sea Baths: In some cases, sailors would jump overboard for a swim, especially in warmer climates. However, this was not a regular practice.

Wooden Ships and Rot Resistance

Types of Wood: Ships were often built from naturally rot-resistant woods like oak, teak, or cedar. These woods contain natural oils and compounds that help prevent decay.

Preservation Techniques: The wood was treated with tar, pitch, or other substances to protect it from moisture and marine organisms.

Design Considerations: Proper design, including ventilation, and regular maintenance helped reduce the risk of rot. Ships were built with a slight angle to allow water to drain off easily.

Life on historical ships was challenging, requiring sailors to adapt to limited resources and harsh conditions. The methods they used for hygiene, food preservation, and ship maintenance reflect their ingenuity and the necessity of survival at sea.