The tree-masted battleship "Полтава" was developed by the emperor Petr I himself, with his friend - the shipbuilding master Fedosey Sklyaev. 15 of June in 1712 the new-build battleship was launched and sent to Kronshtadt for improvments. According to british classification "Полтава" was in 4th rank. The weapon part had 54 cannons, in which 22 were 18-pounds, 20 of them - 12-pounds and rest 12 cannons were 6-pounds ones.

The british officers working for russia had critical attitude towards ship's design. The said that the stern part of the ship was too narrow, which is not good for long sea travels. Counter to this the ship was successfully used in six battles of Northen War and served more then 25 years for the country. The important point of battleship's long live was good quality of materials used for it.

"Полтава" was made from good dryed wood, which was rare at that time. Due to mass-building of the ships is was nearly impossible to make good wood drying and processing. When the main is on quantity, the quality always fall behind. The "Полтава" was the first and unique of it's kind.