The fourth rate created a difficult design choice because it was the smallest two-decker yet often operated among frigates. A ship-of-the-line hull favored stability and battery weight, while a frigate hull needed more speed and responsiveness from limited sail power. Those competing requirements could make fourth rates hard to balance successfully. Razees benefited from retaining a broad third-rate or larger hull beneath reduced upper works. That stable foundation allowed them to sail close to the wind while smaller designs needed a different balance to gain maneuverability.
Notable Point · 1:22:02-1:24:04
Fourth rates exposed a hull-form compromise
Fourth rates sat awkwardly between stable two-deck ships of the line and faster frigates, while razees benefited from retaining a larger hull beneath reduced upper works.