Referring to 18th-century sailing ships, which vulnerability increased due to longitudinal flexing in heavy seas?

💡 Explanation

When a wooden ship experiences longitudinal flexing, caulking compression/decompression cycles occur because changes in hull shape weaken the seal between planks allowing water ingress and separation. Hull planking separation is the outcome; rudder post failure, mast snapping and cannon dislodgement have mechanics independent on longitudinal flexing.

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