Nine of the twelve vessels were lost or disposed of during the war, the survivors being sold in 1816.

William James wrote scathingly of the Cuckoo and Ballahoo-class schooners, pointing out the high rate of loss, primarily to wrecking or foundering, but also to enemy action.

James also remarks that: Their very appearance as "men of war" raised a laugh at the expense of the projector.

Others gave a decided preference to some vessels built at the same yard, to be employed as water-tanks at Jamaica.

Moreover, when sent forth to cruise against the enemies of England...these "king's schooners" were found to sail wretchedly, and proved so crank and unseaworthy, that almost every one of them that escaped capture went to the bottom with the unfortunate men on board.