Bireme

An oared galley with two decks of oars, with high speed and a shallow draft. These were equipped with a single masted fore-and-aft rigged square sail, to supplement the oarsmen in favourable winds. Because it can be beached, there was no need for a ship’s launch. The principal value in a galley is that the ship itself is the weapon, as it can be used to ram.

The bireme is not cataphracted, which means it does not have an upper deck. Covering in weather is provided by framing and canvas; the boat is beached at night for resting.

Type: light galley
Dimensions: length (80 ft.); beam (15 ft.); keel to upper deck (23 ft.)
Strength: hull (36 pts.); rigging (4)
Hardpoints: forward (2); stern (2); amidships (7)
Draft: 2 ft.
Staterooms: captain (1); officer berth (1); decks (3)
Cargo: 43 tons
Crew: crew (12); oarsmen (88)
Construction Time: 6½ months.

See Also,
Hardpoints
Naval Combat
Ship Types
Wind Effects on Movement