Each ship shows a series of damage animations indicating progressively more severe damage to the hull. Damage animations are irreversible and reflect the state of the permanent hull health. Being able to recognise the animations is a useful skill that can help you judge when to continue pressing for the kill that bit longer.
The bowsprit always shows a degree of crumpling or buckling in the animations. This is more obvious on some ships than others. Some ship show very obvious damage to fins and sails.
Please feel free to contribute your own examples to complete the library..