An English merchantman
- "I'll forget about the schedule and go back to hunting fat, lazy merchantmen and everyone will be content."
- ―Flint in I.
A Merchantman, also known simply as a merchant ship or trading vessel, is a ship that transports cargo or passengers for hire.
History[]
The term merchantman is generic, referring to any vessel performing the aforementioned tasks. Larger tall ships became popular, as they were capable of making long voyages, carrying large amounts of cargo or passengers and carrying enough cannons to deter pirates. However, due to their crews' poor military training and slow speeds they are often no match for the pirates.
Conditions for the sailors on these ships were often poor, with low pay that was often withheld by the captain as well as harsh punishments meted out for minor infractions. This led to many merchant sailors eagerly joining the Account when their ships were boarded.
During wars, merchant ships may be used as auxiliaries to the navies of their respective countries. Pirates often take captured merchantmen for their own use, often modifying them so they can be faster and carry more cannons.