The British Navy (Britain's Naval Units)

[Sir Beane]

so is that confirmation then?

I know what indiamen were historically, just not how they are used in the game.

Given that trade is dealt with automatically it would make sense that an indiaman unit is just a cheap warship, perhaps with a trade income benefit.

but buying them and then just dumping them in a trade zone doesn't seem to make much sense when there is already an automatic trade mechanic.....................

They are for use in the special 'Trade Thetre' zones, which are not automatic at all. You sned in a ship, sit it on a little yellow anchor icon and watch as the cash rolls in. Until soomeone else wants the spot and sinks you. So it's best to bring along warships.

any chance of updating the stats to include all types? :)

I might, eventually :P. But honestly there isn't much point, as the remaining ships are specific to a small number of factions.

Best ships in the game are Steamships. They are cheap, fast, very powerful. My Prussian Steamships haven't been sunk once, they just charge the enemy and shred them to pieces.

Steam ships will still lose to Second rate ships and above, and I'm sure that their huge boiler seems to make them more vulnerable to critical hits...