Why did some American colonists engage in smuggling and piracy?

Some American colonists engaged in smuggling and piracy primarily to evade British trade restrictions and tariffs imposed by the Navigation Acts, which limited colonial trade to England and its colonies. These regulations created economic hardships and limited access to goods, prompting colonists to seek alternative ways to acquire and sell products. Additionally, the lucrative nature of smuggling and piracy offered opportunities for wealth and financial independence, appealing to those who sought to challenge British authority and enhance their economic prospects.