Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:07:01-4:07:16

Why a razee could beat a new frigate as an 1815 command

A cut-down ship of the line offers the heavy battery of a larger hull with much of the speed and maneuverability desired in a frigate command.

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Question

Would you rather command a new frigate or a razee around 1815?

Short answer

A razee, because it combines a heavy battery with the speed and maneuverability of a cut-down hull.

Notes

A razee is the preferred command over a newly built frigate around 1815. Cutting down a ship of the line could retain a much heavier battery than an ordinary frigate carried. Removing upper works also produced a faster and more maneuverable ship than the original line-of-battle hull. The appeal lies in combining cruiser handling with unusually powerful guns.