Quote Originally Posted by Oleander Ardens View Post
In Naval battles it will be very interesting to see how important the topography of the sea (currents, riffs, land) and the weather itself are. The properties of the ships (speed relative to the wind, maneuverability), their pieces (range, weight, rate of fire) and their crew (size, morale, skill) are decisive.

So if first rates have with their heavy pieces operated by large crews the great range and terrific firepower they should I think it will difficult to do them much harm with frigates, as long the AI is decent.
I do so much enjoy these discussions.

The thing about Heavy Frigates and Razees is that their gun compliment was of heavier caliber higher up on the ships than the Ships of the line. That enabled them to have more firepower at longer range than the larger ships.

While I would never close on an undamaged SOL I do think that a small squadron could for the most part do them serious damage from long range.

I can not find much data on the gun ranges. We know that the large Carronades were short range low velocity pieces. The data I did find stated that the long 24#s could shoot about a mile at max elevation (long shot) but there max effective range was deemed at 1200 yards/meters. 18# and 24#s seem to have also been used as chasers, leading me to the conclusion that these were the most accurate and longest ranged of the guns.

With four or so ships staying out of range until a favorable opportunity presents it self for a rake or transom shot I think you could give the larger more powerful, but slower fleet a real run for their money. Especially in heavy seas!

As I said it is something I would like to try. It may prove totally unsuitable but to me it is worth the investigation.