Copper sheathing

[kiwi taff]

Hi,
Perhaps this is an old subject, however, can anyone tell me between what years copper sheathing was used?
Thanks

 

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[Narked1]

According to the "DIXON KEMP Manual of Yacht and Boat Sailing and Architecture
(11th and final edition, 1913)":

Copper Bottomed.--
The bottom of a ship sheathed with copper. According to Charnock (Vol. III., page 20), copper sheathing was first introduced in the Navy as a remedy against the attacks of worms in 1758.

See also:
Charles F.T. Young: The Fouling and Corrosion of Iron Ships: Their Causes and Means of Prevention, with Mode of Application to the Existing Iron-Clads.
The London Drawing Association, London, 1867. pp 36-49. Interesting article on the use of various materials used for sheathing ships, particularly iron vessels.

Copper-alloy sheathing was first used by the Royal Navy in 1761, and became widespread in the Navy during the Revolutionary War. French naval ships would adapt this technology next (see Boudriot 1993), and eventually the British merchant fleet (starting by the end of the century, and commonplace in the early 1800s--see Rees 1971). By the 1780s, the navy was mandating the use of copper-alloy fasteners below the waterline, to solve the problem of rapid corrosion brought about by the contact of disimilar metals (Galvanic Corrosion) and seawater.
In 1832, George F. Muntz developed a cheaper, more durable alloy of copper and zinc (59-61% copper, 38-40% zinc, and 0.5-1% tin). This was extremely popular by the 1850s, and was the most common type of hull protection on merchant ships until the invention of anti-fouling paint in the early 20th century.

The use of copper sheathing on some smaller wooden vessels continues to this day in one form or another. Recreational wooden boats may use an anti-fouling paint that contains a certain amount of copper.

Hope this helps,
Mike