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 Rank: Amateur level 2  Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/09/2009 Posts: 44 Points: 98 Location: Liverpool
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On a more serious note, can anybody tell me exactly what defines the ratings of a ship. eg I have heard that a first-rate ship is one with 100 or more guns. Is it simply a gun-count is there more to it than that?
I think they go down to 7th rate ships (only one gun maybe???!!!)
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 Rank: Pro Groups: Joined: 24/08/2009 Posts: 48,051 Points: -13,308
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A lot more to it than just gun number, but in short......
First rate, 100 guns or more, Flagships were invariably First Rates and carried over 800 men.
Second rate 90-98 guns, about 740 men.
Third rate 64-84 guns, about 600 men.
Fourth rate 44-54 guns, usually found on distant stations where in peacetime they were apropriate to requirements whilst being reasonably cheap to maintain & man.
Fifth rate 32-40 guns, were popular with both officers & men, and prized by flag-officers as they were his eyes of the Fleet.
Sixth rate 24-28 guns, again were popluar with both officers & men, because both the Fifth & Sixth rates were the most likley to be detached from the fleet for special duties and were therefore more often in a position to obtain prize money.
These major ships were in turn supported by a host of smaller vessels, Ketches, Sloops, Schooners & Brigs.
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Rank: Amateur level 2 Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/09/2009 Posts: 44 Points: 98 Location: Liverpool
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Thanks! interesting.
I guess the system has changed a lot for modern ships.
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Rank: Pro  Groups: Registered
Joined: 20/03/2010 Posts: 226 Points: 647 Location: Merseyside
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If memory serves me right Hms Victory was downrated to 2nd rate and her royal masts were removed. Dave H
Current builds :- Hachette 1/16 Tiger Tank
H.M.S Victory, Santisima Trinidad (Section), 1/8 scale Aston Martin DB5, 1/8 scale McLaren, YNWA
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