Fourth Rate Ship of the Line (ETW Unit)

Fourth Rate Ship of the Line (ETW Unit)
Class	4th Rate
Unit Size	152 men
Weaponry	56 guns
Morale
Melee Attack
Ranged Attack
Defence
Charge Bonus
Accuracy
Range
Ammunition
Region	Global
Recruitment Cost	1850
Upkeep Cost	460
Turns to Build
Unit Limit
Building Requirements	Dockyard
Technology Requirements	None
Attributes

The fourth rate is the smallest vessel styled a “ship of the line” (of battle), carrying as many as 60 guns.

Overview

Ships of the line of battle are the mainstay of fighting fleets: strong and stable gun platforms for battering enemy vessels into submission. The designation of “fourth rate” for ships of this size is a British Royal Navy one, and covers a number of designs, all with very similar handling and combat power. All fourth rates are square-rigged, two-deck ships, with up to 60 guns on board in a mixture of calibres: usually a mixture of 24-, 18- and 12-pounders, with the heavier guns mounted on the lower deck.

Even though fourth rates are obviously smaller than the third-rate 74s, their firepower is much lower than a simple number-of-guns comparison would indicate. There is no structural strength or space for coping with the recoil of massive guns. As a result, a fourth rate may only have half the weight of fire of a larger ship, although partially it makes up for this by being a handier sailing vessel, especially in shallow waters.

Historically, it was obvious by the 1750s that ships of this size were not tough enough to stand in the line of battle against larger vessels. Over time, various admiralties removed these smaller battle ships from the active service, or sent them to minor stations where they were unlikely to encounter powerful enemies. Some survived as converted transports.

Overview

Fourth rates carry considerably more firepower than fifth rates, at the cost of some of its mobility. Fourth rates are a decent compromise of speed, durability, and firepower, although they are still a little too weak to use as boarding ships and flagships.

Critically, fourth rates possess less range than any of its lighter counterparts. This means that lighter ships such as fifth and sixth rates can effectively kite fourth rates. Fourth rates are thus better suited to direct engagements, where it is outclassed by third rates and the first and second rates.