Fifth-rate

Nevertheless, during the Anglo-Dutch Wars of the 17th century, fifth rates often found themselves involved among the battle fleet in major actions.

Fifth-rate ships served as fast scouts or independent cruisers, and included a variety of gun arrangements.

Larger fifth rates introduced during the late 1770s carried a main battery of twenty-six or twenty-eight 18-pounders, also with smaller guns (6-pounders or 9-pounders) on the quarterdeck and forecastle.

Fifth rates were often assigned to interdict enemy shipping, offering the prospect of prize money for the crew.

For this reason, frigates of this sort were commonly used in patrol and to disrupt enemy shipping lanes much as heavy cruisers would later in history.