Pirates operated in every kind of ship, from galleys to junks. Usually they had no choice, they sailed in whatever vessel they captured. The schooner was an ideal craft fast, maneuverable, and with a shallow draft that allowed her to hide in rivers and bays. The sail plan with square sails only at the tops of the masts, allowed the
boat to sail close to the wind. "Schooner" comes from the American verb scoon, meaning to skim along the water.
Cannons were expensive to operate, their weight slowed the ship down, and they were only used against unarmed vessels. Besides, no pirate wanted a gunfight. They aimed to strike fast
boat to sail close to the wind. "Schooner" comes from the American verb scoon, meaning to skim along the water.
Cannons were expensive to operate, their weight slowed the ship down, and they were only used against unarmed vessels. Besides, no pirate wanted a gunfight. They aimed to strike fast
UNDER FIRE
Cannons were loaded through the muzzle with powder, wadding, and shot. A gun's recoil, capable of breaking a man's leg, was absorbed by ropes. A single cannon ball weighed 20 lb (9 kg). To get greater range and hit a vessel on the waterline, gunners skimmed shots off the sea. Double balls and shrapnel were used against the rigging to do the most damage. and get away as quickly as possible.
Cannons were loaded through the muzzle with powder, wadding, and shot. A gun's recoil, capable of breaking a man's leg, was absorbed by ropes. A single cannon ball weighed 20 lb (9 kg). To get greater range and hit a vessel on the waterline, gunners skimmed shots off the sea. Double balls and shrapnel were used against the rigging to do the most damage. and get away as quickly as possible.
CAPTAIN'S CABIN
Was placed at the stern, this was out of the worst weather and could be defended in case of mutiny. It was also used to store charts and money.
STORES AND ARMORY
These were kept at the bottom of the boat due to their weight. To prevent damage they were tied down in rough weather.
