The Hydra-class ships had been ordered from France in 1885 and usually operated together. Refits improved their armour and guns, but their engines could not be upgraded, leaving their top speed at 17 knots. Even that modest speed was about half a knot above the Ottoman Brandenburg-class ships. Each Hydra-class ship carried three 10.8-inch guns, providing a substantial battery in a low-lying coastal defence vessel. Their usefulness against older opponents survived despite a speed limit that separated them from Averof.
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Hydra-class refits improve weapons while leaving speed unchanged
The Greek coastal defence ships retained useful heavy guns and a slight speed advantage over the Ottoman battleships, despite refits that left their original engines in place.