The “fast crab” was a swift, heavily oared boat used in the Pearl River Delta during the early-to-mid 19th century by opium smugglers and pirates, capable of outrunning Qing patrol vessels through sheer speed under oar.
Quick Facts
| Ship Class | Small/Fast, Smuggler-Raider |
|---|---|
| Era Used | early-mid 19th century |
| Typical Crew | many oarsmen, galley-style |
| Guns / Cannons | light |
| Speed / Handling | Very fast, heavily oared |
| Notable Use | Used by opium smugglers and pirates in the Pearl River Delta |
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