Pirate Brigantine

A Brigantine is a two-masted vessel having the foremast square-rigged, as in a brig, the main mast being rigged as in a schooner. Pirate Ship book (Amazon affiliate link)

Much of the coasting trade of the world is carried on by schooners, brigs, and brigantines. These vessels were formerly employed in the Baltic, and to some extent in the West Indies and the Mediterranean. Schooners are usually 80 to 100 feet long, 20 to 25 feet broad, 10 to 15 feet deep, and have a gross tonnage of 130 to 200 tons. Brigs are generally larger, varying in tonnage from 200 to 350 tons; they are 90 to 115 feet long and 24 to 30 feet broad. Brigantines usually occupy, as to size, a position intermediate between schooners and brigs.

“SHIP.” LoveToKnow 1911 Online Encyclopedia. © 2003, 2004 LoveToKnow.

The Pirate Brigantine

The Pirate Ship 1660–1730 (New Vanguard, 70) (Amazon affiliate link)

This shallow-draft, two-mast brigand’s ship provided great maneuverability and speed from its various square and fore/aft-rigged sail possibilities. It was valued in the Mediterranean, where its earlier versions sometimes included oars that were better for diminished winds. Longer, heavier, roomier, and better manned than the smaller sloops and schooners, it was usually the first choice for prolonged battles instead of quick hits. A larger cargo area combined with moderate firepower meant the versatile brigantine also saw widespread use as a trade ship. 70–80 foot length, 125–150 tons, 100+ men, 12 guns.

See also our page about all pirate ships.