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 large 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.
