BOOT-TOPPING

BOOT-TOPPING is chiefly performed where there is no dock, or other commodious situation for breaming or careening; or when the hurry of a voyage renders it inconvenient to have the whole bottom properly trimmed and cleansed from the filth which gathers to it in the course of a sea-voyage. It is executed by making the ship lean to one side, as much as they can with safety, and then scraping off the grass, slime, shells, or other materials that adhere to the bottom, on the other side, which is elevated above the surface of the water for this purpose, and accordingly daubed with the coat of tallow and sulphur. Having thus finished one side, they make the ship lean to the other tide, and perform the same operation, which not only preserves the bottom from the worm, but makes the ship slide smoothly through the water. See CAREEN and DOCK.

Reference Works