The sea-mans dictionary, or, An exposition and demonstration of all the parts and things belonging to a shippe together with an explanation of all the termes and phrases used in the practique of navigation / composed by Henry Manwaring ...

The Rudder.

Is that peece of timber, which hangs at the sterne∣post of the ship, having foure, or five, or six irons, which are called Pin∣tels, according to the bignesse of the ship fastned to them, which Pin∣tels are fitted for the Gudgins at the sterne post, this is the bridle which governes the ship; the narrower the Rudder is, the better, if the ship doe feele it, for a broad Rudder doth hold much water, if the helme be put over to any side, but if the ship have a fat-quarter, so that the water cannot come quick and strong to the Rudder, then she will require a broade Rudder: The putting to of the Rudder, is termed the hanging the Rudder; The part or edge of the Rudder, which is next the sterne∣post, is called the in-side of the Rudder, the after-most part, is called the Rake of the Rudder.