Sekibune 関船 is a type of light, fast oared warship widely favored by both warlords and pirates alike during the Muromachi and Edo period. Originated from the Seto Inland sea (the sea connecting Western Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu), its shallow draft and oars offer unparalleled maneuverability in tight spaces. The hull could be reinforced with thick timber plank to protect crews and marines. Combined with this layer of armor, Sekibune was both speedy and hardy. However its combatants could only be lightly armed. This drawback spurred the development of much heavier and better armed warships such as Atakebune type.
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