What kept gun crews busy outside battle?

What did gun crews do outside action when sail handling did not occupy all of them?

They performed the ship's constant maintenance, seamanship, boat, and boarding duties and regularly drilled or fired the guns.

Artillery specialists did not wait idle between engagements. Sailors cleaned the ship, maintained guns and carriages, repaired rigging and sails, handled boats, prepared boarding parties, and practiced serving the battery. At sea the Royal Navy could fire guns daily, while ships in populated harbors might rehearse the motions without live ammunition. These routines kept weapons ready and employed gun crews across the ship's work.