Why did ship's carpenters receive such significant pay in sailing navies?
Short answerThey and the sailmakers performed essential repairs that kept wooden ships, masts, sails, and gun equipment operational, so their skills were indispensable at sea.
NotesA carpenter and sailmaker were not peripheral craftsmen on a sailing warship. Together they could carry out much of the repair work needed after ordinary wear, gunnery damage, damaged spars, torn sails, and hull leaks. Royal Navy carpenters received specialist service training rather than simply transferring ordinary land-based methods aboard. Their experience was valued ashore as well: after sufficient sea service, a ship's carpenter could sit the examinations for recognition as a master carpenter sooner than someone following the civilian route. Their pay and status therefore reflected both the breadth of their responsibilities at sea and the scarcity of their skill.