An interesting idea. I wonder how this would technically be affected by the 3D aspect of space battles vs the relatively 2D field of naval maneuvers (that is, until submarines enter the picture).
But then I think I read something ages ago that said that aspect tends to be neglected in fictional tactics, though I don't remember if it was about space or submarines or maybe even air battles.
(also I'd think that 16th century ships were made mostly of wood, which would surely make flammability a concern... *but* they can't catastrophically decompress either.)
@savourtardis - Submarines are still pretty 2D, to be honest. The operating depths of all military submarines is very shallow compared to combat ranges.
@nyrath I didn't know when I QT'd this that doing so doesn't notify the person quoted. I was going for boost/reply after a fashion but this didn't work well on the reply aspect.