A 3rd rate ship, as defined by the British rating system, was a ship of the line which mounted between 64-80 guns. Usually, this would mean two gun decks. Despite their relative size and power compared to larger 1st and 2nd rates, it was considered that 3rd rates maintained an effective, perhaps even superior balance between sailing ability, firepower and cost.
For a number of nations, 3rd rates were the most popular ship size. Cheaper to operate and easier to sail without the sacrifice of offensive capability, the only ships a 3rd rate could not single-handedly engage were larger three-decked ships. A large number of 3rd rates were built and employed on a variety of missions.
In Black Seas, a small 3rd Rate is classified as a large ship of 64 ship points. It lacks a broadside carronade and stern light cannon that its larger brethren, but can easily outpace the larger 1st and 2nd rates.
Upgrade your Royal Navy Small Third Rates with this pack of finely detailed metal figureheads and backplates, allowing you to field HMS Africa, Poliphemus, and Lion.
Models supplied unassembled and unpainted
