Can anyone tell what the mechanics of naval combat are? Is it better to stack your ships or have them individual?

I've done a bit of searching the forums and not found much. One point seems to indicate a substantial advantage if you are the attacker instead of the defender. But other than that - I have no clue as how to best deploy my naval forces...

any other tips or strategies regarding naval combat??

(playing un modded M:TW atm. hoping to get VI soon)

many thanks