The procurement case changes when the class is tested against the waters for which it was intended. Low freeboard and draught could make the ships poor performers in rough northern waters, where the armour belt sat too low. Forced-draught performance could worsen the problem by placing the ship deeper in the water. In the Pacific, China, and Australian stations for which the Orlandos were intended, those limitations did not carry the same operational meaning.
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The Orlando class in its intended waters
The Orlando class was designed for overseas commerce protection, not for heavy-weather service with the battle fleet in the North Sea.