The available fifth-rate force provides useful numbers, although it is not the ideal answer to every enemy fleet. Dutch third rates make a purely numerical comparison misleading because individual ship quality also changes the odds. Force assessment becomes a recurring balance between quantity and quality in war. More hulls provide presence and concentration, while heavier ships may be necessary against stronger opponents.
Notable Point · 39:34-40:09
Balancing fleet quantity against ship quality
A discussion of fifth rates and enemy fleets turns into a broader point about the recurring quantity-versus-quality problem in war.