Drachinifel compares Constellation's added armament with trying to put much heavier guns aboard an existing light frigate. In the age-of-sail example, an 18-pounder frigate hull could not simply be assumed suitable for 24- or 32-pounder weapons. Larger purpose-built ships or larger hulls cut down into frigates offered different ways to carry the extra weight. The fourth rate reappears in this explanation as a large frigate rather than a small capital ship. The comparison is about hull capacity and stability, rather than a literal proposal to reproduce sailing-warship practice.
Notable Point · 2:03:59-2:04:56
Heavier frigate guns required suitable hulls
The response to American heavy frigates illustrates why increased armament called for larger or cut-down hulls.