Yep that’s about right with the pieces of eight they were actually a currency that the Spanish used back then
@Headhunter: Anything from sloops to battleships.
Or if that’s not possible, then a choice between a small-and-fast-but-weak one (probably a sloop), big-and-slow-but-strong one (probably a battleship), and the quintessential-jack-of-all-trades (not sure).
My knowledge of European naval ships might not be spot-on. 
Also what races would you guys want to see we are thinking of limiting it to 5 choices of race
So like a Bergantina or a Frigate?
Probably one race apiece that specializes in one or two fields (like fighting, magic, shooting, sailing/leadership) and one as the jack-of-all-trades race.
I have a thing for jack-of-all-trades choices.
Edit: Yeah, something like that could work.
I don’t typically associate races (or more appropriately species) with a pirate setting. Is this set in a “pirate world” with fantasy influences?
Also, any race but dwarf, elf, orc, etc. etc. I’ve seen enough of these in a million different incarnations, from pirate to modern. Rather than taking races from typical fantasy, you could create your own races that are more in tune with what would be useful for a pirate. For instance, an aquatic race might take to pirating very easily. Perhaps this race has ties to an undersea empire and usually uses submersible vessels. Or a bird-like race. Anything but elves. Please.
Just to clear something up the Dexterity stat applies to your light recoil gun and light blade ability and the strength stat to your heavy blade and high recoil guns (ie rifles, blunderbuss, shotguns)
@farside you really don’t like elves huh? Lol
@farside also the merman idea seems very interesting could be used also as a plot point for later on
@Farside sorry for not addressing the issue earlier but yes the game is set in a pirate world with fantasy influences like you stated
It’s not that I dislike elves, lol. It’s just certain fantasy concepts (elves, orcs, dwarves, etc) have been used and subverted so many times and in so many ways that they’re lifeless and uninteresting. Their presence detracts from a setting because they are so familiar and stale. I personally never want to see another elf again. Not because I dislike elves, but because a creative mind can surely think of something else to better fit the world they’re trying to build.
Of course, you are free to use any fantasy race you like. 
These are just my personal thoughts on the matter.
Sloops man of wars schoons frights ship of the line multiple deck ship of the line
So far for race ideas from you guy we have
Fishman
Stat bonus;
Strength, Charisma
Birdmen
Stat bonus
Dexterity, Intelligence
Elven
Dexterity, Magic
Ok for another race how about Howlers
They’re kind of like Geralt in the Witcher series
I want to be either a Howler or a Fishman. I have no idea why I want to be a fish so badly, but I do know that you had me at “Geralt” with the Howler description. Love the Witcher series.
Glad we agree then @Farside
Also do you guys think it should be gender locked? Definitely want to know bc I’ve seen the flame wars that occur and they are not pretty
Depends on what you feel works best for the game. Personally, I see no reason for it to be genderlocked, especially since you’re allowing players to define everything else about the character. Unless it’s a game where you’re trying to convey a predefined character with a preset personality, then there’s no reason. If you are trying to give the player more choice to define their character and actions, then gender should be one of those choices. If you are trying to create a more linear, set story then gender should be predefined.
No gender lock please. Well if were doing race Human should always be the jack of all trades. But I just want human, anything else is just replayability to me.
I agree with Farside on the gender thing, though as a general rule, I prefer to have a choice.
Maybe also a lanky, primate-type of race that’s good at climbing the rigging of ships and could be good at boarding? Or just make that part of the Howler’s shtick.