As naval guns grew heavier and more expensive, a full broadside battery became harder to accommodate and pay for. Turrets offered wider firing arcs for those heavy weapons. That advantage remained restricted while ships needed sailing masts as insurance against unreliable engines. Dependable triple-expansion machinery later made it possible to dispense with the sailing rig, with benefits beyond the increase in speed. The timing of a successful turret ship therefore depended on propulsion technology as well as the readiness of the guns and mountings.
Notable Point · 19:12-21:10
Larger guns favoured turrets before engines could free their firing arcs
The weight and cost of larger guns encouraged turret armament, but reliable engines were needed before ships could dispense with obstructing sailing rigs.