Ships auto-repair after battles

I noticed this for a while now. Ships that have been seriously damage (red and almost no hull left on any or both sides) automatically repair back to orange after battle, which you can see when you enter battle with them next time. On the campaign map they do display as having just about no hull, but in battle mode they are 1/3 status.

I can only guess that it may be that these ships have carpenters on board and that when a ships hull gets that low, they need to do some emergency repairs?

Originally Posted by Durallan

I can only guess that it may be that these ships have carpenters on board and that when a ships hull gets that low, they need to do some emergency repairs?

That's true... all ships would have a carpenter and carry plugs of various sizes (drat, there's a word for it and I can't remember!), and spare timber for repairs. It could also be just a gameplay decision to give the player a little more challenge when attacking, so it isn't a one-shot kill, and at least a chance when on the defensive.

Originally Posted by Zenicetus

That's true... all ships would have a carpenter and carry plugs of various sizes (drat, there's a word for it and I can't remember!), and spare timber for repairs. It could also be just a gameplay decision to give the player a little more challenge when attacking, so it isn't a one-shot kill, and at least a chance when on the defensive.

You are talking about the cone shaped DC Plugs. Damage Control Plugs as well as spars and timbers for makeshift repairs.

It is a good thing that they have it in. They do a much better job of repairing damaged sails between battles.

And of course restocking lost crew on the high seas...

Originally Posted by FactionHeir

And of course restocking lost crew on the high seas...

That is one I have not seen. Perhaps some few wounded recover if you have seen it.

I did have to laugh at one ancillary an admiral acquired though, it was a naval surgeon and the ability was like a minus 15 or 20% chance of wounded recovering.

Originally Posted by Fisherking

You are talking about the cone shaped DC Plugs. Damage Control Plugs as well as spars and timbers for makeshift repairs.

It is a good thing that they have it in. They do a much better job of repairing damaged sails between battles.

Yes, sails always seem to be back to 100% in time for the next encounter. I don't think it pays to look too closely at the logic of naval battles though, it will only upset you
A 6th rate of mine was outrun by a routing light galley with no sails and only 7 of it's original 14 crew left. As it was about to triumphantly cross the finish line several lengths ahead, I paused and zoomed in on it. Closer inspection revealed 14 functioning oars manned by only 3 men!

The math for that works out if they're using every limb and their teeth. :)