Wooden gun decks offered little internal structure to stop shot traveling along the ship's length. A raking broadside could strike personnel, upset heavy guns and carriages, and turn the ship's own equipment into crushing hazards. Presenting a ship's side to enemy fire reduced that danger compared with exposing the bow or stern. The physical arrangement of the gun decks helps explain the tactical logic of maintaining a line of battle.
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Raking fire helps explain the line of battle
Fire entering through a bow or stern could sweep an open gun deck, overturn carriages, and maim crews, making formation discipline essential.