Maintenance

The upkeep of a boat and its equipment involved the whole family. Fishing nets, which constantly snagged on rocks, debris and old anchors, had to be repaired or replaced. This was often a Saturday-morning job. Fishing nets were a major investment and their loss could mean financial hardship. Before the First World War a cotton shrimp net cost £4 and a whole set of gear £10. Cotton nets only lasted six months. Sails were often stitched together by the wives, and the fishermen themselves would sew the heavy ropes onto the sails which would also be weatherproofed with boiled linseed oil and red ochre (or red lead).

Boats had to be constantly maintained. They were painted at the start of the season and barnacles and weed had to be cleaned off the hull at least once a fortnight in summer.