Taffrail Log


A taffrail log is a device used to measure the speed of a ship through water. It consists of a rotor with blades that is towed behind the ship, attached to a rope that is wound around a rotating drum. The rotation of the rotor is transmitted to the drum, which is connected to a set of gears that drive a mechanical register. The register records the number of rotations of the drum, which can be used to calculate the distance traveled by the ship and its speed. The taffrail log is typically used as a backup to electronic speed sensors, and is particularly useful in situations where the ship's speed cannot be measured by other means, such as in shallow water or when the ship is drifting.


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