Gunboats were small, shallow-draft vessels armed with one or two heavy guns, designed for coastal defense and shallow-water combat rather than open-ocean operations. The United States built a fleet of gunboats used in the Barbary Wars against Tripolitan corsairs in the early 19th century.
Quick Facts
| Ship Class | Warship, Oar/Sail Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Era Used | late 18th-early 19th century |
| Typical Crew | 20-40 |
| Guns / Cannons | 1-2 heavy guns plus small arms |
| Speed / Handling | Slow under sail, maneuverable by oar in shallow water |
| Notable Use | Core of Jefferson's gunboat fleet used in the Barbary Wars |
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