Sailors' pay rates dated from 1658 and had remained adequate into the Seven Years' War, but subsequent inflation reduced their purchasing power. The Army, militia, and naval officers received increases while sailors did not. Coppering expenditure contributed to resistance to raising their pay. Coppered ships also needed fewer returns to port, which helped maintain blockades but kept crews at sea longer. The Navy gained greater endurance while sailors faced harder service and fewer opportunities for leave without corresponding adjustments to their conditions.
Notable Point · 1:33:59-1:35:59
Why longer blockades intensified sailors' pay grievances
Sailors missed pay rises granted elsewhere while coppered hulls prolonged service at sea and reduced leave.