The Dutch fluyt was a bulk cargo ship designed to be sailed with a very small crew, making it economical for trade but poorly defended and thus a favored target of pirates and corsairs throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Its capture often provided pirates with a ready-made prize vessel.
Quick Facts
| Ship Class | Merchant |
|---|---|
| Era Used | late 16th-18th century |
| Typical Crew | 10-15 |
| Guns / Cannons | few or none |
| Speed / Handling | Slow but cost-efficient cargo carrier |
| Notable Use | Frequently targeted by Barbary corsairs and Caribbean pirates for its cargo |
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