United Kingdom start-up 1870

[Darman]

So, this is intended to be a civilian vessel that during wartime may or may not be outfitted to act as a Letter of Marque vessel.  This vessel is distinct from a privateer in that it is a fast merchant ship during peacetime and during wartime it continues to be a fast merchant ship with a caveat: its owners may decide to apply for a letter of marque allowing this vessel to carry guns to defend itself from enemy raiders so it may fight its way free of a blockade or through a blockade, and also snap up any unarmed enemy vessels it may run across.  As such it is lightly armed, and it is primarily a merchant vessel (and paid for in cash, not BP, except the armament, which may be added after a 2 month refit at the coast to add armament). 

Lynx, United Kingdom Letter of Marque laid down 1870
Corvette (Unarmoured)

Displacement:
   377 t light; 385 t standard; 385 t normal; 385 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (100.00 ft / 100.00 ft) x 24.00 ft x (10.00 / 10.00 ft)
   (30.48 m / 30.48 m) x 7.32 m  x (3.05 / 3.05 m)

Machinery:
   Immobile floating battery

Complement:
   43 - 56

Cost:
   £0.013 million / $0.053 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 0 tons, 0.0 %
   Machinery: 0 tons, 0.0 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 110 tons, 28.6 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 8 tons, 2.0 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 267 tons, 69.4 %
      - Hull below water: 124 tons
      - Hull above water: 50 tons
      - Above deck: 93 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     507 lbs / 230 Kg = 6.7 x 6 " / 152 mm shells or 0.5 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.04
   Metacentric height 0.6 ft / 0.2 m
   Roll period: 12.7 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 100 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.00
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 2.00

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.561 / 0.561
   Length to Beam Ratio: 4.17 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 10.00 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 0 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  9.50 ft / 2.90 m,  7.00 ft / 2.13 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  7.00 ft / 2.13 m,  7.00 ft / 2.13 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  7.00 ft / 2.13 m,  7.00 ft / 2.13 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  7.00 ft / 2.13 m,  7.00 ft / 2.13 m
      - Average freeboard:      7.20 ft / 2.19 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 50.2 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 51.0 %
   Waterplane Area: 1,645 Square feet or 153 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 144 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 40 lbs/sq ft or 197 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.84
      - Longitudinal: 5.04
      - Overall: 1.00
   Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is excellent
   Room for accommodation and workspaces is cramped
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, rides out heavy weather easily

Half of natural speed (10 knots) is 5 knots for 5% of normal displacement, plus 5% of normal displacement to bring sailing speed up to 10 knots under sail, plus an additional 14% of normal displacement for an extra 7 knots making her top speed under sail 17 knots.  which totals 24% of normal displacement is allocated to sails and rigging.
50 tons in hull above water for 25 passengers. 
103 tons below waterline for cargo. 

Lynx, United Kingdom Letter of Marque laid down 1870
Corvette (Unarmoured)

Displacement:
   370 t light; 380 t standard; 380 t normal; 380 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (100.00 ft / 100.00 ft) x 24.00 ft x (10.00 / 10.00 ft)
   (30.48 m / 30.48 m) x 7.32 m  x (3.05 / 3.05 m)

Armament:
      4 - 4.75" / 121 mm 21.0 cal guns - 24.00lbs / 10.89kg shells, 30 per gun
     Muzzle loading guns in broadside mounts, 1870 Model
     4 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
     Aft Main mounts separated by engine room
      1 - 4.75" / 121 mm 21.0 cal gun - 24.00lbs / 10.89kg shells, 30 per gun
     Muzzle loading gun in deck mount, 1870 Model
     1 x Single mount on centreline, forward deck aft
      Weight of broadside 120 lbs / 54 kg

Machinery:
   Immobile floating battery

Complement:
   42 - 55

Cost:
   £0.017 million / $0.070 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 13 tons, 3.4 %
   Machinery: 0 tons, 0.0 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 117 tons, 30.7 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 10 tons, 2.5 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 241 tons, 63.4 %
      - Hull below water: 100 tons
      - Hull above water: 50 tons
      - Above deck: 91 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     461 lbs / 209 Kg = 12.3 x 4.8 " / 121 mm shells or 0.5 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.03
   Metacentric height 0.6 ft / 0.2 m
   Roll period: 12.8 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 100 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.39
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 2.00

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.554 / 0.554
   Length to Beam Ratio: 4.17 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 10.00 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 0 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  9.50 ft / 2.90 m,  7.00 ft / 2.13 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  7.00 ft / 2.13 m,  7.00 ft / 2.13 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  7.00 ft / 2.13 m,  7.00 ft / 2.13 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  7.00 ft / 2.13 m,  7.00 ft / 2.13 m
      - Average freeboard:      7.20 ft / 2.19 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 54.3 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 51.8 %
   Waterplane Area: 1,632 Square feet or 152 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 134 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 46 lbs/sq ft or 222 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.82
      - Longitudinal: 5.70
      - Overall: 1.00
   Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is excellent
   Room for accommodation and workspaces is cramped
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather

Half of natural speed (10 knots) is 5 knots for 5% of normal displacement, plus 5% of normal displacement to bring sailing speed up to 10 knots under sail, plus an additional 14% of normal displacement for an extra 7 knots making her top speed under sail 17 knots.  which totals 24% of normal displacement is allocated to sails and rigging.
50 tons in hull above water for 25 passengers. 
100 tons below waterline for cargo. 

[Darman]

Here is another, slightly larger merchantman.  Can also be converted to a Letter of Marque during wartime.  During which time she will be refitted with guns. 

Chasseur, United Kingdom Letter of Marque laid down 1870
Corvette (Unarmoured)

Displacement:
   620 t light; 633 t standard; 633 t normal; 633 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (121.00 ft / 121.00 ft) x 26.75 ft x (13.00 / 13.00 ft)
   (36.88 m / 36.88 m) x 8.15 m  x (3.96 / 3.96 m)

Machinery:
   Immobile floating battery

Complement:
   63 - 82

Cost:
   £0.022 million / $0.087 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 0 tons, 0.0 %
   Machinery: 0 tons, 0.0 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 175 tons, 27.7 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 13 tons, 2.0 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 445 tons, 70.3 %
      - Hull below water: 253 tons
      - Hull above water: 50 tons
      - Above deck: 142 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     726 lbs / 329 Kg = 9.6 x 6 " / 152 mm shells or 0.6 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.01
   Metacentric height 0.7 ft / 0.2 m
   Roll period: 13.4 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 100 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.00
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 2.00

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.527 / 0.527
   Length to Beam Ratio: 4.52 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 11.00 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 0 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  9.00 ft / 2.74 m,  7.60 ft / 2.32 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  7.60 ft / 2.32 m,  7.60 ft / 2.32 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  7.60 ft / 2.32 m,  7.60 ft / 2.32 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  7.60 ft / 2.32 m,  7.60 ft / 2.32 m
      - Average freeboard:      7.71 ft / 2.35 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 53.1 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 49.0 %
   Waterplane Area: 2,134 Square feet or 198 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 142 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 47 lbs/sq ft or 229 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.84
      - Longitudinal: 4.83
      - Overall: 1.00
   Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is excellent
   Room for accommodation and workspaces is extremely poor
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, rides out heavy weather easily

Half of natural speed (11 knots) is 5.5 knots for 5% of normal displacement, plus 5.5% of normal displacement to bring sailing speed up to 11 knots under sail, plus an additional 12% of normal displacement for an extra 6 knots making her top speed under sail 17 knots.  which totals 22.5% of normal displacement is allocated to sails and rigging.
50 tons in hull above water for 25 passengers. 
253 tons below waterline for cargo. 

Chasseur, United Kingdom Letter of Marque laid down 1870
Corvette (Unarmoured)

Displacement:
   614 t light; 633 t standard; 633 t normal; 633 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (121.00 ft / 121.00 ft) x 26.75 ft x (13.00 / 13.00 ft)
   (36.88 m / 36.88 m) x 8.15 m  x (3.96 / 3.96 m)

Armament:
      8 - 4.75" / 121 mm 21.0 cal guns - 24.00lbs / 10.89kg shells, 50 per gun
     Muzzle loading guns in broadside mounts, 1870 Model
     8 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      1 - 4.75" / 121 mm 21.0 cal gun - 24.00lbs / 10.89kg shells, 50 per gun
     Muzzle loading gun in deck mount, 1870 Model
     1 x Single mount on centreline, forward deck centre
      Weight of broadside 216 lbs / 98 kg

Machinery:
   Immobile floating battery

Complement:
   63 - 82

Cost:
   £0.030 million / $0.118 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 23 tons, 3.6 %
   Machinery: 0 tons, 0.0 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 186 tons, 29.4 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 19 tons, 2.9 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 405 tons, 64.0 %
      - Hull below water: 213 tons
      - Hull above water: 50 tons
      - Above deck: 142 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     653 lbs / 296 Kg = 17.4 x 4.8 " / 121 mm shells or 0.5 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.00
   Metacentric height 0.7 ft / 0.2 m
   Roll period: 13.6 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 100 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.47
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 2.00

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.527 / 0.527
   Length to Beam Ratio: 4.52 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 11.00 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 0 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  9.00 ft / 2.74 m,  7.60 ft / 2.32 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  7.60 ft / 2.32 m,  7.60 ft / 2.32 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  7.60 ft / 2.32 m,  7.60 ft / 2.32 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  7.60 ft / 2.32 m,  7.60 ft / 2.32 m
      - Average freeboard:      7.71 ft / 2.35 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 57.7 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 49.0 %
   Waterplane Area: 2,134 Square feet or 198 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 131 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 53 lbs/sq ft or 261 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.82
      - Longitudinal: 5.50
      - Overall: 1.00
   Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is excellent
   Room for accommodation and workspaces is extremely poor
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather

Half of natural speed (11 knots) is 5.5 knots for 5% of normal displacement, plus 5.5% of normal displacement to bring sailing speed up to 11 knots under sail, plus an additional 12% of normal displacement for an extra 6 knots making her top speed under sail 17 knots.  which totals 22.5% of normal displacement is allocated to sails and rigging.
50 tons in hull above water for 25 passengers. 
213 tons below waterline for cargo. 

[KWorld]

On this one, how's the seakeeping at speed?

[Darman]

On this one, how's the seakeeping at speed?

You know I didn't even think to check that... so now I need to add engines and put in her top speed :p 

[KWorld]

Heh, that's one reason when I did my cargo barque that I fitted her with a short-legged engine.  ;)  Of course, now that we've updated the sailing rules, I'll have to update her speed to keep it working.  Oh, well, price of progress.

[Walter]

Stability is lower than what I would want on a ship...

[KWorld]

Stability is lower than what I would want on a ship...

Length-to-beam is also pretty low.

[Darman]

HMS Shannon, United Kingdom Cruiser laid down 1870
Central citadel ship
Armoured Corvette (Broadside ironclad)

Displacement:
   4,170 t light; 4,374 t standard; 4,656 t normal; 4,882 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (263.48 ft / 260.00 ft) x 54.00 ft x (22.25 / 23.08 ft)
   (80.31 m / 79.25 m) x 16.46 m  x (6.78 / 7.03 m)

Armament:
      2 - 10.00" / 254 mm 15.0 cal guns - 370.54lbs / 168.08kg shells, 50 per gun
     Muzzle loading guns in Coles/Ericsson turret mount, 1870 Model
     1 x Twin mount on centreline, forward deck centre
      6 - 9.00" / 229 mm 15.0 cal guns - 270.13lbs / 122.53kg shells, 100 per gun
     Muzzle loading guns in broadside mounts, 1870 Model
     6 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      Weight of broadside 2,362 lbs / 1,071 kg

Armour:
   - Belts:      Width (max)   Length (avg)      Height (avg)
   Main:   8.00" / 203 mm   169.00 ft / 51.51 m   8.00 ft / 2.44 m
   Ends:   6.00" / 152 mm     90.98 ft / 27.73 m   8.00 ft / 2.44 m
   Upper:   8.00" / 203 mm   169.00 ft / 51.51 m   8.00 ft / 2.44 m
     Main Belt covers 100 % of normal length

   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)
   Main:   10.0" / 254 mm   6.00" / 152 mm            -

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, simple reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 2,016 ihp / 1,504 Kw = 12.00 kts
   Range 3,000nm at 7.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 508 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   281 - 366

Cost:
   £0.264 million / $1.054 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 122 tons, 2.6 %
   Armour: 1,258 tons, 27.0 %
      - Belts: 1,151 tons, 24.7 %
      - Armament: 107 tons, 2.3 %
   Machinery: 494 tons, 10.6 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 1,876 tons, 40.3 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 486 tons, 10.4 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 420 tons, 9.0 %
      - Above deck: 420 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     6,424 lbs / 2,914 Kg = 18.4 x 10.0 " / 254 mm shells or 1.7 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.18
   Metacentric height 2.7 ft / 0.8 m
   Roll period: 13.8 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 93 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.69
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 1.87

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a round stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.522 / 0.527
   Length to Beam Ratio: 4.81 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 16.12 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 37 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 15.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  13.00 ft / 3.96 m,  12.00 ft / 3.66 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  12.00 ft / 3.66 m,  12.00 ft / 3.66 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  12.00 ft / 3.66 m,  12.00 ft / 3.66 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  12.00 ft / 3.66 m,  12.00 ft / 3.66 m
      - Average freeboard:      12.08 ft / 3.68 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 46.9 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 77.6 %
   Waterplane Area: 9,543 Square feet or 887 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 149 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 132 lbs/sq ft or 643 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.86
      - Longitudinal: 3.84
      - Overall: 1.00
   Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is excellent
   Room for accommodation and workspaces is cramped
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather

Half of natural speed (16 knots) is 8 knots for 5% of normal displacement, plus 4% of normal displacement to bring sailing speed up to 12 knots under sail, which totals 9% of normal displacement is allocated to sails and rigging.

[Darman]

HMS Amyethyst, United Kingdom Sloop of War laid down 1870
Corvette (Unarmoured)

Displacement:
   1,850 t light; 1,965 t standard; 2,304 t normal; 2,575 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (220.00 ft / 220.00 ft) x 37.00 ft x (18.00 / 19.72 ft)
   (67.06 m / 67.06 m) x 11.28 m  x (5.49 / 6.01 m)

Armament:
      14 - 6.20" / 157 mm 15.0 cal guns - 88.31lbs / 40.06kg shells, 100 per gun
     Muzzle loading guns in broadside mounts, 1870 Model
     14 x Single mounts on sides amidships
      Weight of broadside 1,236 lbs / 561 kg

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, simple reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 1 shaft, 3,175 ihp / 2,369 Kw = 15.00 kts
   Range 2,500nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 610 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   166 - 216

Cost:
   £0.193 million / $0.773 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 54 tons, 2.3 %
   Machinery: 778 tons, 33.8 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 775 tons, 33.6 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 454 tons, 19.7 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 244 tons, 10.6 %
      - Above deck: 244 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     1,072 lbs / 486 Kg = 12.9 x 6.2 " / 157 mm shells or 0.4 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.26
   Metacentric height 1.7 ft / 0.5 m
   Roll period: 11.9 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 83 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.62
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 1.67

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a round stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.550 / 0.561
   Length to Beam Ratio: 5.95 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 14.83 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 51 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  14.09 ft / 4.29 m,  10.38 ft / 3.16 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  10.38 ft / 3.16 m,  10.38 ft / 3.16 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  10.38 ft / 3.16 m,  10.38 ft / 3.16 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  10.38 ft / 3.16 m,  10.38 ft / 3.16 m
      - Average freeboard:      10.68 ft / 3.25 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 119.9 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 65.6 %
   Waterplane Area: 5,512 Square feet or 512 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 116 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 84 lbs/sq ft or 411 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.87
      - Longitudinal: 3.53
      - Overall: 1.00
   Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is cramped
   Room for accommodation and workspaces is cramped
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather

Half of natural speed (14.8 knots) is 7.4 knots for 5% of normal displacement, plus 5.6% of normal displacement to bring sailing speed up to 13 knots under sail, which totals 10.6% of normal displacement is allocated to sails and rigging.

[Darman]

So as of right now Britain is planning on having the following vessels at game start:

Amethyst-class sloop   4
Shannon-class arm corvette   2
Endymion-class corvette   2
Inconstant-class frigate   4
Vixen-class arm corvette   4
Devastation-class SoL   4
Monarch-class SoL   4

[Darman]

Upgunned commerce raider (compared to the Dutch version, but could be used for either navy)

HLNS Ant, Netherlands Commerce Raider laid down 1870
Corvette (Unarmoured)

Displacement:
   361 t light; 399 t standard; 430 t normal; 455 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (120.00 ft / 120.00 ft) x 28.00 ft x (10.00 / 10.41 ft)
   (36.58 m / 36.58 m) x 8.53 m  x (3.05 / 3.17 m)

Armament:
      2 - 6.20" / 157 mm 15.0 cal guns - 88.31lbs / 40.06kg shells, 100 per gun
     Muzzle loading guns in deck mounts, 1870 Model
     1 x Single mount on centreline, forward deck forward
     1 x Single mount on centreline, aft deck aft
      4 - 6.20" / 157 mm 15.0 cal guns - 88.31lbs / 40.06kg shells, 100 per gun
     Muzzle loading guns in broadside mounts, 1870 Model
     4 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      Weight of broadside 530 lbs / 240 kg

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, simple reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 285 ihp / 212 Kw = 10.00 kts
   Range 1,000nm at 8.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 56 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   46 - 61

Cost:
   £0.031 million / $0.123 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 24 tons, 5.5 %
   Machinery: 70 tons, 16.2 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 212 tons, 49.4 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 69 tons, 16.1 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 55 tons, 12.8 %
      - Above deck: 55 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     464 lbs / 210 Kg = 5.6 x 6.2 " / 157 mm shells or 0.4 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.30
   Metacentric height 1.2 ft / 0.4 m
   Roll period: 10.8 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 100 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.89
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 2.00

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.448 / 0.455
   Length to Beam Ratio: 4.29 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 10.95 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 45 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  10.41 ft / 3.17 m,  7.67 ft / 2.34 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  7.67 ft / 2.34 m,  7.67 ft / 2.34 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  7.67 ft / 2.34 m,  7.67 ft / 2.34 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  7.67 ft / 2.34 m,  7.67 ft / 2.34 m
      - Average freeboard:      7.89 ft / 2.40 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 76.9 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 68.0 %
   Waterplane Area: 2,140 Square feet or 199 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 157 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 67 lbs/sq ft or 326 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.80
      - Longitudinal: 6.86
      - Overall: 1.00
   Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is excellent
   Room for accommodation and workspaces is cramped
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather

Half of natural speed (10.5 knots) is 5.25 knots for 5% of normal displacement, plus 5.25% of normal displacement to bring sailing speed up to 10.5 knots under sail, which totals 10.25% of normal displacement, plus another 2.5% of normal displacement to add 2.5 knots to total 13 knots of speed.  Total is now 12.75% normal displacement. 

[KWorld]

The only real question I'd have is on the hull form: any reason for the short, wide shape?

[Darman]

The only real question I'd have is on the hull form: any reason for the short, wide shape?

I'm still kind of experimenting with how short the boat can be and how wide/deep it has to be so it won't tip over under sail. 

[Darman]

I've also been looking at it from an economy perspective: an effective and cheap commerce raider I can build swiftly and flood the seas with during any war. 

HLNS Ant, Netherlands Commerce Raider laid down 1870
Corvette (Unarmoured)

Displacement:
   400 t light; 439 t standard; 487 t normal; 525 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (150.00 ft / 150.00 ft) x 23.00 ft x (10.00 / 10.58 ft)
   (45.72 m / 45.72 m) x 7.01 m  x (3.05 / 3.23 m)

Armament:
      2 - 6.20" / 157 mm 15.0 cal guns - 88.31lbs / 40.06kg shells, 100 per gun
     Muzzle loading guns in deck mounts, 1870 Model
     1 x Single mount on centreline, forward deck forward
     1 x Single mount on centreline, aft deck aft
     Main guns limited to end-on fire
      4 - 6.20" / 157 mm 15.0 cal guns - 88.31lbs / 40.06kg shells, 100 per gun
     Muzzle loading guns in broadside mounts, 1870 Model
     4 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      Weight of broadside 530 lbs / 240 kg

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, simple reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 289 ihp / 216 Kw = 10.00 kts
   Range 1,100nm at 9.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 86 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   51 - 67

Cost:
   £0.032 million / $0.129 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 24 tons, 4.9 %
   Machinery: 71 tons, 14.6 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 247 tons, 50.6 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 87 tons, 17.8 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 59 tons, 12.1 %
      - Above deck: 59 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     540 lbs / 245 Kg = 6.5 x 6.2 " / 157 mm shells or 0.4 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.04
   Metacentric height 0.6 ft / 0.2 m
   Roll period: 12.5 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 100 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 2.16
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 2.00

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.494 / 0.503
   Length to Beam Ratio: 6.52 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 12.25 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 35 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  11.64 ft / 3.55 m,  8.57 ft / 2.61 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  8.57 ft / 2.61 m,  8.57 ft / 2.61 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  8.57 ft / 2.61 m,  8.57 ft / 2.61 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  8.57 ft / 2.61 m,  8.57 ft / 2.61 m
      - Average freeboard:      8.82 ft / 2.69 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 68.9 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 73.2 %
   Waterplane Area: 2,286 Square feet or 212 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 174 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 61 lbs/sq ft or 297 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.82
      - Longitudinal: 5.67
      - Overall: 1.00
   Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is excellent
   Room for accommodation and workspaces is cramped
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather

Half of natural speed (12 knots) is 6 knots for 5% of normal displacement, plus 6% of normal displacement to bring sailing speed up to 12 knots under sail, which totals 11% of normal displacement, plus another 1% of normal displacement to add 1 knot to total 13 knots of speed.  Total is now 12% normal displacement. 

[KWorld]

It's certainly cheap, and 6 guns (4 on a broadside) will probably be enough to overawe many merchants and give you a reasonable chance against the difficult ones.  It's fast enough to catch most merchants, but (and this is a consequence of the low cost) not really fast enough to get away from most warships.