Trading

[Dutch_guy]

well build ports-shipwrights-dockyards ( you need these )

Build ships like there is no tomorrow , then place ships in all the seazones forming an uninterrupted line to the place you would like to trade with ( use the V key to check which sea zones you control ; green ,adn which ones you don't ; red, blockaded and yellow , controlled by a neutral force )

Also , you need a trading posts , or higher to trade.

right click on the trade post or merchant guild etc. to see how much money it is making.

Also the more ships the better, try to get at least one ship in each sea zone.
That way making money is becomes very easy.