It's sleek shape enables it to reach much higher speeds than larger ships, while it's thin frame allow for better handling. It has a sleek shape, thin frame, and a strong hull able to withstand heavy broadsides. It combines much of the same firepower of the second rate with the excellent maneuverability of the fourth rate. The third rate, however, is a different story. I wouldn't suggest adding them to your fleet. The fifth rate is a poor fighting ship, and is even more worthless than the fourth rate. The fifth rate has 32-38 guns, and is massively useless against heavier ships unless in larger numbers. It does make an excellent pirate-hunter, however. It is useful at the early-game stage, but should not by any means be the mainstay of your fleet. It's lack of firepower (compared to the third rate) is made up for quite well by its speed and maneuverability, but it has no chance against a second rate or larger. The fourth rate has (depending on your nationality and game (i.e., ETW/NTW)) about 54-64 guns. It's plain and simple: Anything 98 guns and above is just to cumbersome to be a worthy addition to any fleet, except perhaps as an admiral's flagship (which should not be thrown into the thick of combat - ever).Ĭutting back to smaller ships, I closely examined the fighting capabilities fourth rates and the smaller fifth rate:
Even the Santísima Trinidad, however impressive it may be, is better off kept as a prize ship and nothing more. Heavy first rates, however, and horrendously difficult to maneuver, and are the most unresponsive ships imaginable. Second rates and first rates are quite bulky, and have a difficult time turning around. Obviously, a one-on-one battle between a third rate and a first rate would likely end in victory for the first rate, but 5 first rates versus 5 third rates almost always ended with victory for the third rates. I noticed that when it came down to overall ability, the third rate had all other ships beat soundly. I alternated between commanding the fleets each game to try to make it as even as possible. 60-70% of the time, the outmanned and outgunned fleet won. In my 'study,' I pinned fleets of smaller ships (5th-3rd rates) against fleets of larger ships (2nd-H1st rates).
While I do not have exact numbers/details to give you, I can assure you I did a thorough investigation. After playing out about 30-40 custom naval battles, I have come to a surprising conclusion.
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