Demi-cannon
The demi-cannon was a medium-sized cannon, similar to but slightly larger than a culverin and smaller than a regular 42 lb (19 kg) cannon, developed in the early seventeenth century. A full cannon fired a 42-pound shot, but these were discontinued in the eighteenth century as they were seen as too unwieldy. The lower tiers of eighteenth century English warships were usually equipped with demi-cannons. Ships featuring demi-cannons included HMS "Sovereign of the Seas", HMS "Resolution" and HMS "James", which fought in the Anglo-Dutch naval wars. The barrels of demi-cannon were  typically 11 ft (3.4m) long, had a calibre of 6 inches (15.4 cm) and could weigh up to 5600 lb (2540 kg). It required 18 lb (8 kg) of black powder to fire a 32 lb (14.5 kg) round shot. The demi-cannon had an effective range of 1600 ft (490m). These 32-pounders were used during the eighteenth century on first-rate three-decker ships of the line which carried up to 100 guns. Though powerful, the naval demi-cannons were inaccurate except at close range so opposing warships would try to get as close as possible  before firing their broadside in order to cause as much damage as possible; sometimes a single broadside was enough to cripple the enemy vessel.