Quote Originally Posted by .:vVv:.Monkey
The more important question is how these stats affect the outcome of the naval battles? :/
While high-number stats might affect naval combat outcomes on occasion, the most important factors are quantity and valor. I've had my best results just building as many of the cheapest ships I can, preferably under a high-command King (seems to affect the starting valor of the ships). When you have to fight a naval battle, bring more ships - hopefully with more stars than the other guy's.

Sometimes other issues become a factor, like deep-sea capability, so I'll have to build a few higher-florin vessels. But a 2 or 3 star cheapie will almost always defeat a zero-star high-expense ship, so it isn't cost-effective to build lots of high-tech ships. Stick with lots of budget barges, and keep 'em busy!