Three-deckers fell out of favour in the mid-eighteenth century after unsuccessful 80-gun ships gave the type a poor reputation. British designers nevertheless produced successful later ships including Royal George, Britannia, and HMS Victory. Reducing unarmed upperworks and concentrating more of the battery on the main gun decks lowered windage and topweight while preserving heavy firepower. Better weight distribution and hull design made the three-decker viable again.
Chapter · 1:32:39-1:34:39
How Britain made the three-decker work again
After flawed 80-gun ships discredited the type, British designers reduced upperworks, redistributed guns, and refined hull form to produce successful later three-deckers such as HMS Victory.