Fifth-rate

Encyclopedia : F : FI : FIF : Fifth-rate

Rating system of the Royal Navy

Ships of the line

First-rate
Second-rate
Third-rate
Frigates

Fourth-rate
Fifth-rate
Sixth-rate
Unrated

Sloop-of-war
Gun-brig
Cutter

In the British Royal Navy, a fifth-rate was a sailing frigate mounting 32 to 40 guns on a single deck.

Fifth-rate ships acted as fast scouts or independent cruisers and included of variety of gun arrangements from 32 12 pounders to 36, 38 or even 40 18 pound guns. Tonnage ranged from 700 to 1450 tons, with crews of 215 to 294 men.

To be posted aboard a Fifth-rate ship was considered an attractive assignment, for fifth raters were often assigned to interdict enemy shipping -- meaning the prospect of prize money for the crew.

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