>>10969453Lastly a direct comparison between the two and which is best suited for its stated purpose of privateering. I would argue the newer ship (Ship 2) is the ideal choice for piracy while the other (Ship 1) would stand up better in a naval battle scenario, based on the following points:
>race-builtShip 2 is a good example of a race-built galleon, with no forecastle and a reduced sterncastle, making the overall vessel more streamlined and allowing for better speed and manoeuvrability. In naval engagements of the day these characteristics usually were not decisive factors in the overall outcome (with notable exceptions) as the doctrine of the day was an emphasis on line-of-battle warfare where maintaining position in the line was paramount.
>cannon placementShip 1 is of the conventional broadside style where the guns are mounted low in the hull and fire out of embrasures along the sides. Ship 2's centerline turntable mounts did not come into use until some time after the Golden Age of Piracy and are a bit of an anachronism here but offer significant advantages: being able to engage from positions other than directly parallel to the enemy; the ability to alternate fire between both sides of the ship with half the cannon necessary to do so effectively in the broadside manner; more stability from being mounted on the centerline; being mounted higher on the ship allowing for better disabling shots against masts, rigging and deck crew. If we're considering the line-of-battle warfare of the period (prior to the American Civil War and the widespread adoption of centerline cannon mounts) Ship 1 is more suited with its lower gun deck to inflict crippling damage to the enemy hull.
Both ships are more than adequate for the task, indeed very few pirate ships were ever purpose-built; generally they were the standard ship designs of the day, with myriad modifications and alterations to suit their corsair needs.
