https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O4_8UKvOtcYEVtnIK0T1ucujebiF8yT0nx8vcZeLEQ4/

The above link is to a Google Sheet that contains a list of every single ship in the game along with their Type, Purpose, Speed, Crew, Cargo, and Cannons, guaranteed 100% accurate.

You can sort the table by clicking the icon next to "Table1" at the top.

Speed Min: Default sailing speed as displayed in the Book of Ships

Speed Max: Fastest possible sailing speed under ideal conditions.
To reach this speed you must:

• Upgrade Copper Plating
  
• Upgrade Square Sails
  
• DO NOT upgrade Drogue
  
• DO NOT upgrade Ram
  
• Sail in stormy weather
  
• Sail directly with the wind
  
• Give your crew Rum

Crew Min: Default crew amount as displayed in the Book of Ships
Crew Max: Crew amount after upgrading Bigger Cabins and Bigger Cabins II

Cargo Min: Default cargo space as displayed in the Book of Ships
Cargo Max: Cargo space after upgrading Hold Expansion and Hold Expansion II

Cannons: Default cannon amount as displayed in the Book of Ships

Looking at the data, it's no surprise the fastest ship in the game is the mighty Clipper at a lightning 26.5 knots, but what I found strange is that there's a Civil Brig which is only 0.1 knots slower. That technically would make it the best exploration ship in the whole game, having speed, good crew and cargo, and moderate cannons. It won't stand a chance against the late game Confederacy fights, but it's excellent for questing through the open world to treasure islands.

If you're interested in playing purely as a merchant, the Flute earns its reputation with a whopping 6650 cargo space, but it's relatively low speed and pitiful cannon amount makes it really difficult to fend off the Confederacy encounters that interrupt your fast travel. Your best bet is a Man-o' War that only has slightly less cargo at 5880, but much more power and speed.

I made this list mainly for myself to better decide what ship to use, but I decided to publish it in case someone else might find it useful too.