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 Class | Ship's Boat/Raiding Craft |
|---|---|
| Era Used | 17th-18th century |
| Typical Crew | 10-20 |
| Guns / Cannons | swivel gun possible |
| Speed / Handling | Oar and small sail powered |
| Notable Use | Used by buccaneers such as Henry Morgan for river and shore raids |
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