I’m sure the answer will be obvious, but would have guessed sinking would have been beneficial over just destroying a ships sailing ability. At least from what I’ve been able to find.
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The main aim in most navies was to take the ship and cargo. The idea was to hit mast and sails at range to prevent maneuvering, then close in a arc where your guns hit and their’s are limited to sweep the deck clear if they haven’t given up.
This was due to fact that a ship claimed as prize was sold and a large percentage was given to the captain and crew. This could be a fortune, a few years pay in some cases.
Britain brought in paying a bounty for a ship that was sunk. This allowed them to fire into hull and risk sinking the ship but more effective in forcing a surrender with less risk as guns and crews destroyed.
Shooting at the keel the lowest part is a non started and everyone knew that. The wounded and gunpowder were kept in the lowest part to protect them from cannon fire.
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