Pirate Ship Model

Pirate ships were often commandeered merchant vessels or other types of ships acquired from the Pirates through a fierce mutiny. Other Pirate ships were once fitted as privateers, and when the profiteering contract ended, the crew would keep the ship and turn to piracy.

The Pirates needed their ships to be incredibly fast, well armed and equipped with large amounts of cargo space. They would often alter the captured ships they now called their own to meet these needs. Speed was of the most importance, as the pirating vessel was their only means of a successful escape.

Pirate crews often consisted of more men than merchant crews they preyed upon, and the extra cargo and living space they would add was needed for the men as well as the treasures and goods they stole.

Many Pirates preferred smaller faster ships such as sloops, brigantines and schooners. Caribbean sloops, with their unique ability to enter shallow waters without the threat of grounding, were one of the favorite ship designs for Pirateering. Sometimes the Pirates would pierce the hull inserting an array of swivel models mounted on the wales. They would remove the forecastle and lower the quarterdeck so the upper deck continued from bow to stern.

Click on image above to view!