Britain needed large numbers of frigates for dispersed commitments and built many relatively light ships to meet that demand. A frigate did not have to perform every heavy combat task because ships of the line could supply greater fighting power. When American heavy frigates became troublesome, British third rates could reinforce the blockade and force them to withdraw. The American heavy-frigate choice is connected here to Congress's limited willingness to fund larger warships. A two-decker also had the height to fire down into a single-deck opponent, giving it an advantage beyond the nominal number of guns.
Notable Point · 34:37-36:19
Why Britain built lighter frigates
Britain's lighter frigates operated within a fleet that could bring in ships of the line, while American heavy frigates reflected a different funding constraint.