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.)
In the 16th century some navys would take a ship, pack it to the scuppers with high explosives, then try to maneuver said ship into the enemy fleet...
