So, does anybody know what the term would be for cannons mounted on the bow of a ship? Would it be a "bow chaser" (as opposed to stern chaser) or is there another name? I searched through a few of the longer cannon threads and never really found anything applicable...

I believe they're called bow chasers aye

And Wikipedia seems to agree :-)

Aha...thank you one and all!

I also believe they can be known as culverins.

Dictionary.com defines culverins as:

n.

1. An early, crudely made musket.

2. A long heavy cannon used in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Would a long heavy cannon be used as a bow chaser?

Would they be on a ship of the line? Should I add one.

Would a long heavy cannon be used as a bow chaser?

I believe they were loaded with chain shot to try and chop off other ships' masts. They were mounted on either a pivot or strong metal rail, but were normally on deck, as opposed to standard cannons. A long-barrelled cannon would have a longer, more accurate shot than normal cannons, but with less power, so was used towards the end of the 17th century, when sailing had become such a fine art that sailors would win battles rather than gunners and marines - long chases lasting several days were common. One good shot that knocked out a mast, rigging, ratlines or sail left the other ship floundering without having to come in range of the standard guns.

Some culverins were up to 4m long and so could fire for nearly a mile.

I didn't know about the musket-related term, but I first found out about them in the Angel's Command, sequel to Castaways Of The Flying Dutchman, by Brian Jaques. I then verified this in a book about naval warfare.

You're a knowledgeable fellow SlyOwl. Col Whipstick better watch out or you may surpass him as the Professional of Colonial History X-D

Would they be on a ship of the line? Should I add one.

Yes you should!

Harr! This be the type of culverin I'm talking aboot! Apparantly it's also known as a falconet.

And a bow chaser - just a bow mounted standard long barreled cannon. This one's from the USS Constitution - take note, Phred! :-)

...

And a bow chaser - just a bow mounted standard long barreled cannon. This one's from the USS Constitution - take note, Phred! :-)

Thanks King *y*

I recognized the picture before i read your text. ;-)

(i'm a visual type of person :-P )

For a while the constitution had 3 bow chasers.

2 24-lb and 1 18-lb. (I've only seen this in one text though 8-| )

P

The first one seems to be a swivel gun for a galleon.

Edited February 8, 200817 yr by Captain Ka-Boom