Third Rate Ship of the Line

Third Rate Ship of the Line
Belongs to	All factions
Crew	199
Guns	74 (35 on each side, 2 stern chasers, 2 bow chasers)
Firepower	1316
Range	400
Accuracy	40
Reloading skill	15
Hull strength	4582
Speed	16
Maneuverability	Low
Tech requirement	None
Produced from	Drydock
Special abilities	Top Gallants
Cost	2160 SP/1810 MP
Upkeep	540

The Third Rate Ship of the Line is a ship type in Empire: Total War.

Description

The third rate is a compromise between firepower and handling. A stable gun platform, it also makes a good flagship.

The third rate, or “74” (from the number of guns aboard), is a supremely practical weapon of war. With a crew of around 700 men, it is a “wooden world” in itself and a statement of national power. A two-deck design, it is strong enough to mount very heavy cannons on its lower gun deck, often 32-pounders. With 18-pounders on the upper gun deck and then 9-pounders in the upper works, it has a devastating broadside. The design and construction means a 74 can withstand horrendous damage in battle.

Historically, the French invented the concept of the 74-gun ship in the mid-18th century. The design was so good that other navies lost no time in copying it or in capturing French ships. French vessels, while well designed, were often made from green timber that “worked” in heavy seas and therefore leaked. Dutch examples had a shallower, broader draft to suit their harbours and shore waters. The few American 74s were extremely strong and well made. British 74s were well constructed too, although there was a regrettable tendency to save money by recycling timbers - complete with timber rot - from older vessels!

Amazingly, HMS Implacable, the last of the third rates, was scuttled in 1949! Built in 1800 by the French, and captured at Trafalgar in 1805, she stayed in service until 1842. Eventually, she ended her days as a coal hulk.

General Information

Third rates represent an excellent blend of firepower, maneuverability and endurance. They are much more durable and powerful than Fourth Rates, and can even stand up to Second Rate Ships and First Rates for small periods of time. However, their low speed and unremarkable range make them ill-suited for hunting down faster ships.

Some factions' ship statistics are different from others; differences are listed below (traits that to not differ are not listed).

Type	Accuracy	Reload Skill	Hull Strength	Speed	Morale	Cost	Upkeep
Standard	40	15	4582	14	10	2160	540
France	50	15	4590	15	9	2240	560
Great Britain	40	30	4818	14	10	2200	550
Russia	40	15	4582	14	9	2160	540
Spain	40	15	4582	14	9	2150	530
United States	40	25	4818	14	10	2130	530