The boats in SH4 actually have a pretty well simulated hull drag model.
As a boat moves through the water it creates drag, this drag increases as the boat speeds up, but it also increases when it slows down. That's right, drag increases at slower speeds. The boat has an optimum speed for best speed and drag, this is where the drag is at its its lowest, and the boat is operating at the most efficient.
For instance. These are the speeds and ranges for a gato leaving port.
at 1/3 the boat had a range of 5585 NM, at 2/3, 11778 NM, Stand 15113 NM, Full 5548, and finally flank 3634 NM. So the optimal cruise for this boat is at standard speed, which is about 10 kts. This is also affected by weather and sea state, but not all the much.
The type XVIII is a very very clean hull design hydrodynamically. Compared to the long legged type IX, the hull of the type XVIII is very slick, which allows it to travel further per gallon of fuel than the less smooth type IX.
I am going to do a range test with the type XVIIII and post my results. Stay tuned.
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