Why frigates could not simply mount long 32-pounders everywhere

What stopped frigates from carrying more long 32-pounder guns?

Their weight, recoil forces, crew demands, and effects on displacement and hull structure limited where and how many could be mounted.

The answer makes clear that gun choice was an engineering and personnel problem as well as a question of desired firepower. Long 32-pounders required more crew, added substantial weight, and imposed recoil loads on the hull when fired. Their mass also changed displacement and sailing qualities, so simply replacing lighter guns could undermine the vessel that carried them. This technical constraint helps explain why shorter, lighter carronades were attractive despite their decisive range disadvantage.