This is one of the most informative videos I've ever seen on any topic, moving from the Royal Navy's rating system through the historical development of Napoleonic-era British frigates and 74-gun third-rate ships of the line to competing British and American ship designs and the various theaters of naval actions during the War of 1812. It's just flat out excellent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O71kEiM2GOQ