How long did it take to build and commission a wooden third-rate ship of the line?
Short answerAbout three to four years with seasoned timber and uninterrupted construction, though pauses could extend the total time.
NotesThe rough estimate is three to four years, assuming seasoned timber is already available and construction proceeds without interruption. Pauses could extend the calendar time. The book Building the Wooden Wall is recalled as following the construction of a third-rate and informing that estimate.