Difference between revisions of "Ships"

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Key information about all ships featured in the naval game mode.
 
Key information about all ships featured in the naval game mode.
  
== 50-Gun Frigate ==
+
== 🏛️ 50-Gun Frigate ==
[[File:Frigate50gun.webp|thumb|50-Gun Frigate (modelled after '[[wikipedia:French_frigate_Proserpine_(1809)|La Proserpine]]')|alt=]]
+
[[File:Frigate50gun.webp|thumb|50-Gun Frigate (modelled after '[[wikipedia:French_frigate_Proserpine_(1809)|La Proserpine]]')|alt=]]''Modelled after 'La Proserpine'''
  
=== Firepower ===
+
The Frigate is the undisputed queen of the ocean. It is the most resilient vessel but requires the most coordination to operate effectively.
This ship features 50x 6-pounder cannons (located on all sides of the vessel). It's the only ship to feature [[wikipedia:Chase_gun|chase guns]].  
 
  
Maximum Range:  
+
* '''Firepower:''' 28x 18-pounder cannons (lower deck) & 22x 9-pounder cannons (top deck).
 +
* '''Note:''' This is the only ship featuring '''Chase Guns''' (forward/rear firing).
 +
* '''Max Range (18-pdr):''' ~625 meters
 +
* '''Max Range (9-pdr):''' ~550 meters
 +
*'''Sails & Rigging:''' 6 sets of sails (3 square). Maximum speed: '''14 knots'''.
 +
* '''Interaction:''' Press '''E''' (PC) or '''B/Circle''' (Console) to climb the three sets of rigging to reach the '''Fighting Tops''' for sharpshooting.
 +
* '''Points:''' Sinking this ship awards the enemy '''300 points'''. Friendly fire sinks deduct the same.
 +
* '''Crew Spawns:''' 1 Captain, 12 Marine, 10 Sailor, 10 Adept Sailor, 1 Musician, 1 Surgeon, 2 Carpenter.
  
Bottom deck cannons ~625 meters
+
== ⚓ 13-Gun Brig-Sloop ==
 +
[[File:Brigsloop13gun.webp|thumb|13-Gun Brig-Sloop]]The "Workhorse of the Fleet," offering a perfect balance of speed and firepower.
  
Top deck cannons ~550 meters  
+
* '''Firepower:''' 12x 6-pounder cannons & 1x powerful '''Carronade''' at the bow.
 +
* '''Max Range (Carronade):''' ~575 meters
 +
* '''Max Range (6-pdr):''' ~525 meters
 +
*'''Sails & Rigging:''' 6 sets of sails (2 square). Maximum speed: '''13 knots'''.
 +
* '''Interaction:''' 2 sets of climbable rigging leading to Fighting Tops.
 +
* '''Points:''' Sinking awards '''100 points'''.
 +
* '''Crew Spawns:''' 1 Captain, 8 Marine, 3 Sailor, 3 Adept Sailor, 1 Musician, 1 Surgeon, 1 Carpenter.
  
=== Sails & Rigging ===
+
== ⛵ 8-Gun Schooner ==
This ship has 6 sets of sails (3 of which are square sails).
+
[[File:Schooner8gun.webp|thumb|8-Gun Schooner (modelled after '[[wikipedia:HNoMS_Axel_Thorsen_(1810)|Axel Thorsen]]')|alt=]]''Modelled after 'Axel Thorsen'''
  
The 3 sets of rigging on this vessel are climbable by pressing "E". Once climbed, you will stand on one of the [[wikipedia:Top_(sailing_ship)#:~:text=A%20fighting%20top%20was%20an,fighting%20top%20of%20the%20Redoutable.|fighting tops]]. These fighting tops are located halfway up the mast.
+
A light escort vessel designed for speed and harassment. Its low profile makes it exceptionally difficult to hit at long range.
  
=== Points ===
+
* '''Firepower:''' 8x 4-pounder cannons & 8x '''Swivel Guns''' (anti-personnel).
If sunk, the opposing faction will be given 300 points ([[Game Modes|Naval Battlefield]]). If sunk by friendly fire, the same amount of points will be deducted from its own faction.
+
* '''Max Range (4-pdr):''' ~500 meters
 +
* '''Sails:''' 4 sets of sails (1 square). Maximum speed: '''12 knots'''.
 +
* '''Points:''' Sinking awards '''50 points'''.
 +
* '''Crew Spawns:''' 1 Captain, 2 Marine, 2 Sailor, 2 Adept Sailor, 1 Musician, 1 Surgeon, 1 Carpenter.
  
=== Crew ===
+
== 🎯 2-Gun Schooner ==
Default class spawns:  
+
[[File:Schooner2gun.webp|thumb|2-Gun Schooner|299x299px]]A glass cannon designed for extreme range support.
  
1 [https://wiki.holdfastgame.com/Classes:_Command#Naval_Captain Captain], 12 [https://wiki.holdfastgame.com/Classes:_Rank_%26_File#Marines Marine], 10 [https://wiki.holdfastgame.com/Classes:_Crewman#Sailors Sailor], 10 [https://wiki.holdfastgame.com/Classes:_Crewman#Adept_Sailors Adept Sailor], 1 [https://wiki.holdfastgame.com/Classes:_Support#Violinists Musician], 1 [https://wiki.holdfastgame.com/Classes:_Support#Surgeons Surgeon], 2 [https://wiki.holdfastgame.com/Classes:_Support#Carpenters Carpenter]
+
* '''Firepower:''' 2x 24-pounder cannons mounted on '''Rotating Platforms'''.
 +
* '''Max Range (24-pdr):''' '''~825 meters''' (Highest in game).
 +
* '''Sails:''' 3 sets of sails. Maximum speed: '''10 knots'''.
 +
* '''Points:''' Sinking awards '''30 points'''.
 +
* '''Crew Spawns:''' 1 Captain, 2 Marine, 2 Sailor, 1 Adept Sailor, 1 Musician, 1 Carpenter.
  
Total - 37
 
 
=== Names ===
 
Possible British 50-Gun names:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|(0) HMS Superb||(1) HMS Brave||(2) HMS Thames||(3) HMS Wolfe||(4) HMS Argo
 
|-
 
|(5) HMS Leander||(6) HMS Renown||(7) HMS Adamant||(8) HMS Ambuscade||(9) HMS Maidstone
 
|-
 
|(10) HMS Spartan
 
|(11) HMS Justinian
 
|(12) HMS Indefatigable
 
|(13) HMS Surprise
 
|
 
|}
 
Possible French 50-Gun names:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|(0) Annibal||(1) Intrépide||(2) Pomone||(3) Incorruptible||(4) Formidable
 
|-
 
|(5) Tamise||(6) Scipion||(7) Mont-Blanc||(8) Achille||(9) Andromaque
 
|-
 
|(10) Résolue||(11) Réunion||(12) Néréide||(13) Diane||(14) La Proserpine
 
|-
 
|(15) Acheron
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|}
 
== 13-Gun Brig-Sloop ==
 
[[File:Brigsloop13gun.webp|thumb|13-Gun Brig-Sloop]]
 
 
=== Firepower ===
 
This ship features 12x 6-pounder cannons & 1x carronade (located on the front, left & right sides of the vessel).
 
 
Maximum Range:
 
 
Carronade ~575 meters
 
 
6-pounder cannons ~525 meters
 
 
=== Sails & Rigging ===
 
This ship has 6 sets of sails (2 of which are square sails).
 
 
The 2 sets of rigging on this vessel are climbable by pressing "E". Once climbed, you will stand on one of the fighting tops. These fighting tops are located halfway up the mast.
 
 
=== Points ===
 
If sunk, the opposing faction will be given 100 points (Naval Battlefield). If sunk by friendly fire, the same amount of points will be deducted from its own faction.
 
 
=== Crew ===
 
Default class spawns:
 
 
1 Captain, 8 Marine, 3 Sailor, 3 Adept Sailor, 1 Musician, 1 Surgeon, 1 Carpenter
 
 
Total - 18
 
 
=== Names ===
 
Possible British 13-Gun names:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|(0) HMS Sphinx||(1) HMS Camilla||(2) HMS Daphne||(3) HMS Ariadne||(4) HMS Perseus
 
|-
 
|(5) HMS Narcissus||(6) HMS Porcupine||(7) HMS Eurydice||(8) HMS Hyaena||(9) HMS Champion
 
|-
 
|(10) HMS Myrmidon||(11) HMS Squirrel||(12) HMS Crocodile||(13) HMS Cossack||(14) HMS Cyane
 
|-
 
|(15) HMS Banterer||(16) HMS Boreas||(17) HMS Laurel||(18) HMS Comus||(19) HMS Garland
 
|-
 
|(20) HMS Perseus||(21) HMS Volage||(22) HMS Hermes||(23) HMS Myrmidon||(24) HMS Seagull
 
|-
 
|(25) HMS Neptune||(26) HMS Dart||(27) HMS Beaver||(28) HMS Mutine||(29) HMS Saint Lucia
 
|-
 
|(30) HMS Peterel
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|}
 
Possible French 13-Gun names:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|(0) Falcon||(1) Cheveret||(2) Espiègle||(3) Le Venguer||(4) Atalante
 
|-
 
|(5) Fortune||(6) Modeste||(7) Henriette||(8) Brutus||(9) Lacédémonienne
 
|-
 
|(10) Aventurier||(11) Anacréon||(12) Salamine||(13) Affronteur||(14) Papillon
 
|-
 
|(15) Cerf||(16) Déterminée||(17) Bonaparte||(18) Carlotta||(19) Ligurienne
 
|-
 
|(20) Furet||(21) Argus||(22) Vendicare||(23) Aréthuse||(24) Bayonnaise
 
|-
 
|(25) Berceau||(26) Diligente||(27) Teulié||(28) Sardine||(29) Mignonne
 
|-
 
|(30) Mercure||(31) Lodi||(32) Iéna||(33) Oreste||
 
|}
 
== 8-Gun Schooner ==
 
[[File:Schooner8gun.webp|thumb|8-Gun Schooner (modelled after '[[wikipedia:HNoMS_Axel_Thorsen_(1810)|Axel Thorsen]]')|alt=]]
 
 
=== Firepower ===
 
This ship features 8x 4-pounder cannons & 8x swivel guns (located on both the left & right sides of the vessel).
 
 
Maximum Range:
 
 
4-pounder cannons ~500 meters
 
 
=== Sails ===
 
This ship has 4 sets of sails (1 of which is a square sail).
 
 
=== Points ===
 
If sunk, the opposing faction will be given 50 points (Naval Battlefield). If sunk by friendly fire, the same amount of points will be deducted from its own faction.
 
 
=== Crew ===
 
Default class spawns:
 
 
1 Captain, 2 Marine, 2 Sailor, 2 Adept Sailor, 1 Musician, 1 Surgeon, 1 Carpenter
 
 
Total - 10
 
 
=== Names (shared w/ 2-Gun Schooner) ===
 
Possible British 8-Gun/2-Gun names:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|(0) HMS Pickle||(1) HMS Pictou||(2) HMS Whiting||(3) HMS Charlotte||(4) HMS Musquito
 
|-
 
|(5) HMS Crafty||(6) HMS Alban||(7) HMS Lord Nelson||(8) HMS Ballahoo||(9) HMS Landrail
 
|-
 
|(10) HMS Barracouta||(11) HMS Capelin||(12) HMS Kingfish||(13) HMS Grouper||(14) HMS Haddock
 
|-
 
|(15) HMS Herring||(16) HMS Mackerel||(17) HMS Pike||(18) HMS Pilchard||(19) HMS Snapper
 
|-
 
|(20) HMS Bream||(21) HMS Chub||(22) HMS Cuttle||(23) HMS Porgey||(24) HMS Mullett
 
|-
 
|(25) HMS Tang||(26) HMS Cuckoo||(27) HMS Magpie||(28) HMS Jackdaw||(29) HMS Landrail
 
|-
 
|(40) HMS Woodcock||(41) HMS Wagtail||(42) HMS Crane||(43) HMS Quail||(44) HMS Pigeon
 
|-
 
|(45) HMS Rook||(46) HMS Widgeon||(47) HMS Sealark||(48) HMS Malta||(49) HMS Gozo
 
|}
 
Possible French 8-Gun/2-Gun names:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|(0) Chandenque
 
|(1) Venus
 
|(2) Trompeuse
 
|(3) Hunter
 
|(4) Emilie
 
|-
 
|(5) Magicienne
 
|(6) Renard
 
|(7) Byoneuse
 
|(8) Floretta
 
|(9) Deux Amis
 
|-
 
|(10) Enfant Prodigue
 
|}
 
 
== 2-Gun Schooner ==
 
[[File:Schooner2gun.webp|thumb|2-Gun Schooner]]
 
 
=== Firepower ===
 
This ship features 2x 24-pounder cannons (located on both the front & back of the vessel).
 
 
Maximum Range:
 
 
24-pounder cannons ~825 meters
 
 
=== Sails ===
 
This ship has 3 sets of sails.
 
 
=== Points ===
 
If sunk, the opposing faction will be given 30 points (Naval Battlefield). If sunk by friendly fire, the same amount of points will be deducted from its own faction.
 
 
=== Crew ===
 
Default class spawns:
 
 
1 Captain, 2 Marine, 2 Sailor, 1 Adept Sailor, 1 Musician, 1 Carpenter
 
 
Total - 8
 
 
=== Names ===
 
Refer to 8-Gun Schooner names.
 
 
== Rocketboat ==
 
 
[[File:Rocketboat.webp|thumb|Rocketboat]]
 
[[File:Rocketboat.webp|thumb|Rocketboat]]
  
=== Firepower ===
+
== <big>Support Vessels</big> ==
This ship features 1x rocket launcher & 2x swivel guns. Only long-range rockets are loadable. 
 
  
Maximum Range:
+
=== The Rocketboat ===
 +
The Rocketboat is a psychological weapon. While its accuracy is notoriously poor, its ability to cause chaos on an enemy deck is unmatched.
  
Rocket launcher ~225 meters 
+
* '''Weaponry:''' Features a single '''Long-Range Rocket Launcher'''. Unlike standard cannons, rockets have an erratic flight path and explode upon impact.
 +
* '''The Fire Hazard:''' Rockets have a high chance of igniting enemy sails or decking. A well-placed rocket can force an entire enemy crew to stop firing and pull out buckets to extinguish flames.
 +
* '''Fragility:''' The Rocketboat is the most fragile vessel in the game. A single well-placed Round Shot from a Frigate or even a lucky Musket volley can sink it.
 +
* '''Tactical Tip:''' Do not sit still. Use your 11-knot speed to "kite" larger ships. Fire your rocket, then immediately turn to present a smaller profile while you reload.
 +
* '''Crew Spawns:''' 4 Marine, 1 Sailor
  
=== Sails ===
+
----
This ship has 1 square sail.
 
  
=== Points ===
+
=== 🚣 The Gunboat ===
If sunk, the opposing faction will be given 10 points (Naval Battlefield). If sunk by friendly fire, the same amount of points will be deducted from its own faction.
+
[[File:Gunboat.webp|thumb|Gunboat|298x298px]]The Gunboat is a versatile scout and sniper. It is often used to pick off low-health ships or harass larger vessels from a distance where their heavy guns struggle to aim.
  
=== Crew ===
+
* '''Weaponry:''' Armed with a '''4-pounder bow cannon'''. While it lacks the "stopping power" of an 18-pdr, it reloads significantly faster.
Default class spawns:  
+
* '''Swivel Power:''' Equipped with two Swivel Guns. These are perfect for sniping the enemy Captain at the wheel or clearing the deck of a Rowboat attempting to board.
 +
* '''Role:''' Excellent for defending the Frigate from stealthy Rowboat boarders or providing supporting fire to a Schooner in a duel.
 +
* '''Tactical Tip:''' Because the gun is fixed at the bow, you must aim the entire boat to line up a shot. This makes "weaving" while reloading a vital skill for Gunboat pilots.
 +
* '''Crew Spawns:''' 4 Marine, 1 Sailor
  
4 Marine, 1 Sailor
+
== 🛶 Rowboat ==
 +
[[File:Rowboat.png|thumb|297x297px|Rowboat]]
 +
Rowboats are small, maneuverable craft that rely entirely on the physical exertion of the crew. They do not have sails and are unaffected by wind direction.
  
Total - 5
+
==== 1. Deployment ====
 +
Rowboats are found attached to the stern or sides of larger vessels like the '''Frigate''' and '''Brig-Sloop'''.
  
=== Names (shared w/ Gunboat) ===
+
* '''Launching:''' To deploy a rowboat, the mother ship must be stationary or moving at a very low speed.
Possible British Rocketboat/Gunboat names:  
+
* '''Interaction:''' Approach the rowboat on the deck and press <code>E</code> (PC) or <code>X/Square</code> (Console) to lower it into the water.
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|(0) HMB Aimwell||(1) HMB Pelter||(2) HMB Borer||(3) HMB Plumper||(4) HMB Teazer
 
|-
 
|(5) HMB Tickler||(6) HMB Swinger||(7) HMB Force||(8) HMB Piercer||(9) HMB Attack
 
|-
 
|(10) HMB Fearless||(11) HMB Conquest||(12) HMB Assault||(13) HMB Acute||(14) HMB Sparkler
 
|-
 
|(15) HMB Bouncer||(16) HMB Boxer||(17) HMB Biter||(18) HMB Bruiser||(19) HMB Blazer
 
|-
 
|(20) HMB Cracker||(21) HMB Clinker||(22) HMB Crash||(23) HMB Contest||(24) HMB Adder
 
|-
 
|(25) HMB Spiteful||(26) HMB Steady||(27) HMB Courser||(28) HMB Defender||(29) HMB Eclipse
 
|-
 
|(40) HMB Furious||(41) HMB Flamer||(42) HMB Furnace||(43) HMB Growler||(44) HMB Griper
 
|-
 
|(45) HMB Grappler||(46) HMB Galiant||(47) HMB Hardy||(48) HMB Haughty||(49) HMB Hecate
 
|-
 
|(50) HMB Hasty||(51) HMB Tigress||(52) HMB Meteor||(53) HMB Mastiff||(54) HMB Minx
 
|-
 
|(55) HMB Manly||(56) HMB Pouncer||(57) HMB Wrangler||(58) HMB Rattler||(59) HMB Ready
 
|-
 
|(55) HMB Safeguard||(56) HMB Staunch||(57) HMB Janissary||(58) HMB Cody
 
|
 
|}
 
Possible French Rocketboat/Gunboat names:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|(0) St. Roche||(1) Vésuve||(2) Cruelle||(3) Duguay-Trouin||(4) Génie
 
|-
 
|(5) Marie-Rose||(6) Deux Frères||(7) Tartane||(8) Patronne||(9) Esperance
 
|-
 
|(10) L'Anglais||(11) Triton||(12) St. François
 
|
 
|
 
|}
 
== Gunboat ==
 
[[File:Gunboat.webp|thumb|Gunboat]]
 
  
=== Firepower ===
+
==== 2. Rowing Mechanics ====
This ship features 1x 4-pounder cannon & 2x swivel guns.
+
The speed of the rowboat is determined by the number of players actively "sitting" in the rowing positions.
  
Maximum Range:
+
* '''Coordination:''' To maximize speed, rowers should ideally be Marines or Sailors.
 +
* '''Steering:''' The person at the very rear (the stern) acts as the coxswain, controlling the direction of the boat.
  
4-pounder ~500 meters
+
=== Survival & The Lifeboat Role ===
 +
When a ship is "Foundering" (sinking), the Rowboat becomes a lifeboat.
  
=== Sails ===
+
* '''Saving the Captain:''' In organized play, the priority is to get the Captain and the Surgeons into the Rowboat to maintain leadership and healing capabilities for the remaining crew.
This ship has 1 sail.
+
* '''The Guerilla Move:''' If your ship sinks, don't give up. A single Rowboat full of survivors can board an enemy ship, kill their crew, and effectively "steal" their vessel, turning the tide of the entire match.
  
=== Points ===
+
=== Tips for Rowboat Crews ===
If sunk, the opposing faction will be given 10 points (Naval Battlefield). If sunk by friendly fire, the same amount of points will be deducted from its own faction.
 
  
=== Crew ===
+
* '''The Musician Trick:''' Having a Musician in the Rowboat playing a drum or fife doesn't help with speed, but it is excellent for morale during a daring boarding charge.
Default class spawns:  
+
* '''Equip Melee:''' Ensure all boarders have their bayonets fixed or cutlasses drawn before reaching the enemy hull.
 +
* '''The Grapeshot Threat:''' If you see an enemy cannon being turned toward you and the barrel is glowing with a "shotgun" spread visual, '''jump out'''. You have a better chance of surviving in the water than being wiped out in the boat.
  
4 Marine, 1 Sailor
+
----
  
Total - 5
+
=== Comparison Summary ===
  
=== Names ===
+
* '''Longest Range:''' 2-Gun Schooner (825m)
Refer to Rocketboat names.
+
* '''Fastest Vessel:''' 50-Gun Frigate (14 knots)
 +
* '''Highest Durability:''' 50-Gun Frigate
 +
* '''Most Agile:''' 8-Gun Schooner

Latest revision as of 14:02, 20 January 2026

Meet the Fleet!

Key information about all ships featured in the naval game mode.

🏛️ 50-Gun Frigate

50-Gun Frigate (modelled after 'La Proserpine')

Modelled after 'La Proserpine'

The Frigate is the undisputed queen of the ocean. It is the most resilient vessel but requires the most coordination to operate effectively.

  • Firepower: 28x 18-pounder cannons (lower deck) & 22x 9-pounder cannons (top deck).
  • Note: This is the only ship featuring Chase Guns (forward/rear firing).
  • Max Range (18-pdr): ~625 meters
  • Max Range (9-pdr): ~550 meters
  • Sails & Rigging: 6 sets of sails (3 square). Maximum speed: 14 knots.
  • Interaction: Press E (PC) or B/Circle (Console) to climb the three sets of rigging to reach the Fighting Tops for sharpshooting.
  • Points: Sinking this ship awards the enemy 300 points. Friendly fire sinks deduct the same.
  • Crew Spawns: 1 Captain, 12 Marine, 10 Sailor, 10 Adept Sailor, 1 Musician, 1 Surgeon, 2 Carpenter.

⚓ 13-Gun Brig-Sloop

13-Gun Brig-Sloop

The "Workhorse of the Fleet," offering a perfect balance of speed and firepower.

  • Firepower: 12x 6-pounder cannons & 1x powerful Carronade at the bow.
  • Max Range (Carronade): ~575 meters
  • Max Range (6-pdr): ~525 meters
  • Sails & Rigging: 6 sets of sails (2 square). Maximum speed: 13 knots.
  • Interaction: 2 sets of climbable rigging leading to Fighting Tops.
  • Points: Sinking awards 100 points.
  • Crew Spawns: 1 Captain, 8 Marine, 3 Sailor, 3 Adept Sailor, 1 Musician, 1 Surgeon, 1 Carpenter.

⛵ 8-Gun Schooner

8-Gun Schooner (modelled after 'Axel Thorsen')

Modelled after 'Axel Thorsen'

A light escort vessel designed for speed and harassment. Its low profile makes it exceptionally difficult to hit at long range.

  • Firepower: 8x 4-pounder cannons & 8x Swivel Guns (anti-personnel).
  • Max Range (4-pdr): ~500 meters
  • Sails: 4 sets of sails (1 square). Maximum speed: 12 knots.
  • Points: Sinking awards 50 points.
  • Crew Spawns: 1 Captain, 2 Marine, 2 Sailor, 2 Adept Sailor, 1 Musician, 1 Surgeon, 1 Carpenter.

🎯 2-Gun Schooner

2-Gun Schooner

A glass cannon designed for extreme range support.

  • Firepower: 2x 24-pounder cannons mounted on Rotating Platforms.
  • Max Range (24-pdr): ~825 meters (Highest in game).
  • Sails: 3 sets of sails. Maximum speed: 10 knots.
  • Points: Sinking awards 30 points.
  • Crew Spawns: 1 Captain, 2 Marine, 2 Sailor, 1 Adept Sailor, 1 Musician, 1 Carpenter.
Rocketboat

Support Vessels

The Rocketboat

The Rocketboat is a psychological weapon. While its accuracy is notoriously poor, its ability to cause chaos on an enemy deck is unmatched.

  • Weaponry: Features a single Long-Range Rocket Launcher. Unlike standard cannons, rockets have an erratic flight path and explode upon impact.
  • The Fire Hazard: Rockets have a high chance of igniting enemy sails or decking. A well-placed rocket can force an entire enemy crew to stop firing and pull out buckets to extinguish flames.
  • Fragility: The Rocketboat is the most fragile vessel in the game. A single well-placed Round Shot from a Frigate or even a lucky Musket volley can sink it.
  • Tactical Tip: Do not sit still. Use your 11-knot speed to "kite" larger ships. Fire your rocket, then immediately turn to present a smaller profile while you reload.
  • Crew Spawns: 4 Marine, 1 Sailor

🚣 The Gunboat

Gunboat

The Gunboat is a versatile scout and sniper. It is often used to pick off low-health ships or harass larger vessels from a distance where their heavy guns struggle to aim.

  • Weaponry: Armed with a 4-pounder bow cannon. While it lacks the "stopping power" of an 18-pdr, it reloads significantly faster.
  • Swivel Power: Equipped with two Swivel Guns. These are perfect for sniping the enemy Captain at the wheel or clearing the deck of a Rowboat attempting to board.
  • Role: Excellent for defending the Frigate from stealthy Rowboat boarders or providing supporting fire to a Schooner in a duel.
  • Tactical Tip: Because the gun is fixed at the bow, you must aim the entire boat to line up a shot. This makes "weaving" while reloading a vital skill for Gunboat pilots.
  • Crew Spawns: 4 Marine, 1 Sailor

🛶 Rowboat

Rowboat

Rowboats are small, maneuverable craft that rely entirely on the physical exertion of the crew. They do not have sails and are unaffected by wind direction.

1. Deployment

Rowboats are found attached to the stern or sides of larger vessels like the Frigate and Brig-Sloop.

  • Launching: To deploy a rowboat, the mother ship must be stationary or moving at a very low speed.
  • Interaction: Approach the rowboat on the deck and press E (PC) or X/Square (Console) to lower it into the water.

2. Rowing Mechanics

The speed of the rowboat is determined by the number of players actively "sitting" in the rowing positions.

  • Coordination: To maximize speed, rowers should ideally be Marines or Sailors.
  • Steering: The person at the very rear (the stern) acts as the coxswain, controlling the direction of the boat.

Survival & The Lifeboat Role

When a ship is "Foundering" (sinking), the Rowboat becomes a lifeboat.

  • Saving the Captain: In organized play, the priority is to get the Captain and the Surgeons into the Rowboat to maintain leadership and healing capabilities for the remaining crew.
  • The Guerilla Move: If your ship sinks, don't give up. A single Rowboat full of survivors can board an enemy ship, kill their crew, and effectively "steal" their vessel, turning the tide of the entire match.

Tips for Rowboat Crews

  • The Musician Trick: Having a Musician in the Rowboat playing a drum or fife doesn't help with speed, but it is excellent for morale during a daring boarding charge.
  • Equip Melee: Ensure all boarders have their bayonets fixed or cutlasses drawn before reaching the enemy hull.
  • The Grapeshot Threat: If you see an enemy cannon being turned toward you and the barrel is glowing with a "shotgun" spread visual, jump out. You have a better chance of surviving in the water than being wiped out in the boat.

Comparison Summary

  • Longest Range: 2-Gun Schooner (825m)
  • Fastest Vessel: 50-Gun Frigate (14 knots)
  • Highest Durability: 50-Gun Frigate
  • Most Agile: 8-Gun Schooner