I have just finished making the hammock cranes and netting for the HMS Victory 1:72 scale. Given that sections of cranes are all different heights, with the ones on each side of the poop deck tapered - how were the hammocks stored? Were they placed horizontal or vertical or in some other way. To date the best advice is that they were folded in half and placed vertically with the folded end upwards. This would mean that the hammocks would stand well proud of the hammock cranes and netting on all the section, except along each side of the gangway. Most models I have seen the hammock have not been displayed or are folded and standing upright.
Welcome aboard
Take a look at this german forum, where this subject was already discussed. Topic there was started also by @dafi
www.segelschiffsmodellbau.com
also @Bonden made hammocks on his last model, but covered them with some canvas
Seeleute & Das Leben an Bord » Rund um die Hängematten
Im MSW abgegriffen, eine Anleitung zum Hängemattenbau. Mehr ein großes Mehlwürmchen als das, was wir normalerweise darstellen. PDF-Dokument ist
www.segelschiffsmodellbau.com
also @Bonden made hammocks on his last model, but covered them with some canvas
The info you received is correct. Your assessment of what the whole business looked like is also correct.