Not-so-Elite Ships

[TinCow]

I just noticed last night that not all ships cost the same amount of maintinance. I have a trading fleet of barques spread out over the seas right now with 1 ship in each province. None have any stars, but some cost different amounts than others. Some cost 20, some 40, some 60. Why are some of my sailors feasting on veal and lobster while the rest eat gruel?

[The_Emperor]

When a ship is far away from the nearest Port the upkeep cost increases... This is because of the length of the supply chain from the nearest Port to the Ship in question.

So if you want to reduce the upkeep of your navy, conquer a province in a distant sea area and use it for a Naval Base.

Those dirt poor Island Provinces finally come in handy for something there...

[katank]

naval bases definitely are helpful and economical.

also use the islands for ship building and agents, cannot be assaulted if you have naval superiority.

BTW, some islands are pretty good. Ireland actually has some decent income + gallows.

[andrewt]

Depends on how many turns they are from the nearest port. Ships adjacent to a port you control are considered 1 move away. The maximum number of turns is 4.

That's why multiple move ships like baggalas and caravels will give you lower support especially when they are close to your ports. When they are in a sea zone adjacent to a port you control, they are 1 move away but only 1/2 turn away so their support cost is half of what is listed. Not to mention they can use the deep sea zones so their number of turns away is much lower even if they are far away.