Pirates operated a wide variety of vessels, ranging from small, fast sloops and schooners to large, heavily armed galleons. The choice of vessel depended on a number of factors, including the size and composition of the pirate crew, the intended prey, and the geographic area of operations.
Some pirates preferred small, fast vessels because they were easier to maneuver and could more easily escape from larger, more powerful ships. Other pirates preferred larger vessels because they could carry more cargo and were better suited for long voyages.
Ultimately, the best pirate ship was the one that best suited the needs of the particular pirate crew.