Cargo Fluyt

Fluyts were invented by the Dutch around 1600, then widely copied throughout northern Europe. Essentially a smaller but much more economical merchantman, it can be sailed with a tiny crew (12 to 15 men is not uncommon). A fluyt has large cargo spaces, but a draft so shallow it can enter rivers, coves and small harbors unsuitable to larger craft. It's sailing qualities are equivalent to a merchantman, although the best point of sailing is slightly different. The smallest of the square-rigged ships, fluyts make poor warships. Almost always they are manned by peaceful traders who often surrender after a broadside or two. They are unpopular as pirate ships.