One was built abroad (Maréchal de Cartries), two on his own land, with a few of the others under his direct supervision in a private ship yard in Plymouth.
This distinguishes him from the other ship-designers of his time, and makes him the first naval architect of the United States, insofar as the term is understood for one who draws ships, but is not a shipwright or -builder as well.
[2] In designing ships, Peck appears to have had his own ideas, supported by the building of the Minerva as a means to evaluating them.
According to Howard I. Chapelle, he was "secretive, egotistical and easily discouraged,"[3] but was a "very clever designer,"[3] his ships being reputed as fast, handy, and able to carry a large press of sail.
Minerva, of about 20 - 30 tons, was exceptionally broad compared to other ships of that time, but proved to be a fast and seaworthy vessel.
When he learned that the Massachusetts legislature wanted to build ships-of-war, he submitted plans and proposals and was granted approval.
Being intended for that particular trade, she too was to be fast, a goal achieved according to Joshua Humphreys, who is quoted by Chapelle as saying that she was one of the fastest sailing ships at sea.