Pirogue:  A small, flat-bottomed boat of a design originated with West African fishermen. Originally the pirogues were dugout canoes. Some later craft in the Caribbean were planked craft based on the dugout design. The design varies from a capacity on one to two three with others capable of carrying up to ten passengers. These boats are not usually intended for over-night travel but are light and small enough to be easily taken onto land. The design also allows the pirogue to move through very shallow water and be easily turned over to drain any water that may get into the boat. The pirogue is propelled by paddles but can also be punted with a pole in shallow water or Small fitted with sails. Many pirate histories refer to transporting in a dugout, canoe, or pirogue. All are based on the same simple design for similar purpose. Pirates often got their start by using these craft to spring out from rivers, creeks or from behind islands to attack large craft. They could not carry much plunder and were often abandoned for the captures vessel.

Longboat: is an open, primarily rowing, boat with eight or ten oarsmen  The longboat had fairly fine lines aft to permit its use in steep waves such as surf or wind against tide where need be. This craft was often carried aboard as an auxiliary for obtaining shore when the ship was at anchor. Pirates used the longboat for boarding vessels they attacked at sea. Pirates usually summoned captains and officers aboard the pirate ship as a way of removing management for the attacked vessel thus reducing crew resistance.

Cutter: Unlike the small to medium sized armed vessel used by navies, this particular vessel is a small craft with a single-mast, usually fore-and-aft rigged, with two or more headsails, a bowsprit, and a mast set further back than in a sloop. It is in fact a ship's boat, powered by oars or sails. Normally used to carry passengers or light stores, Pirates used it in the same way as well as attacking coastal vessels similarly as the pirogue.

There were many more local purpose built vessels used as tools for pirates. Future lessons will address some more of them.

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