Longboat

The longboat was the largest ship’s boat carried aboard sailing vessels, rowed by a dozen or more men and sometimes fitted with a small sail. Buccaneers used longboats to land raiding parties, navigate rivers, and attack coastal towns beyond the reach of their main ships.

Quick Facts

Ship ClassShip's Boat/Raiding Craft
Era Used17th-18th century
Typical Crew10-20
Guns / Cannonsswivel gun possible
Speed / HandlingOar and small sail powered
Notable UseUsed by buccaneers such as Henry Morgan for river and shore raids

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