Which boat?

[Cheapshot]

Currently I'm at the end of '40 in a VIIB and racking up the tonnage at a fair clip. So...I'm contemplating my next boat. I've used the IXC in the past and found it to be pretty decent, but I've always missed the speed and maneuverabilty of the VIIB...yet the armament is so much better.

What's everyones take on what's good, what's bad about the differing boats?

[Tachyon]

Oh boy..here we go, my favourite debate topic :arrgh!:

Type IXC : Personally, I'd prefer a IXC because of the long range, you can go Merchant hunting in the West Indies and sink lots of juicy tankers. Plus, the extra torpedos mean u get more tonnage, it's not a bad trade off for speed.

Type VIIB : Well...lets just say this boat will remain a favourite. Sure, it lacks the Type IX's firepower + Range , but a crucial point is that the VIIB is more likely to survive later in the war , my point being the crash diving times it takes when you're spotted by an Aircraft. Also, since destroyers get more nasty, manoeuvrability becomes a priority...rather than firepower.

It's your pick.....early in the war , Type IX's can get you tonnage effortlessly...later in the war, the Type VII can save your butt.

Just another point, albeit a minor one. With a VIIB , harbour raids are suicide. With a IXC , it's just impossible....the huge IXC will look like... to quote the signature of a member on this forum "Oi! There's a whale in the thames!" . Don't even try it :D

[Cheapshot]

How upgradable is the VIIB later in the war. I do love the little boat.

Will I be able to equip it with decoys, radar, EWR, etc.?

[Abd_von_Mumit]

I'll add my own little question — is there any point in changing my VIIB to VIIC? Does the 'C' version give any advantage apart the 3 seconds shorter diving time? (27 s instead of B's 30 s)

[Albrecht Von Hesse]

With regards to the dive times of the IX, I've found that I can save vaulable (and life-saving) time by running deck awash. The trade-off is that cruising that way for extended periods will drink oil like an Irishman with Guiness. ;)

[Ducimus]

What's everyones take on what's good, what's bad about the differing boats?

That depends, entirely on what theater of operations you prefer.

- North Atlantic, anywhere in the vacinity of Europe, to include the med?
A Type9 isn't the best here. I'd want a type 7. Early war however, you can go nuts in a type 9 with night suface attacks in the north atlantic

-Black sea?
Probably a type II :88)

- US East coast and carribean?
A type 9 would be best here. You'll need the fuel, and the extra torpedo's makes the 20-25 day trip accross the atlantic worthwhile. In a type7 you'd be out of torpedos a bit too fast, and be reliant on Milk cows to get home.

- South Atlantic.
A type 9 because of the fuel requiremnts. An IXD2 would probably be the best, particuarlly if you plan on hunting a bit East of the cape of good hope.

- Indian Ocean
Same as south atlantic.

[STEED]

Try them all out. :)

[fabel]

I love the VII for one reason more than the other submarines: I think it looks GREAT.

[TriskettheKid]

If you're going to hunt off the US coast, then I advise to get an IXD2.

It has the range to allow yourself more time on target than any of the other IXs.

The type IID is great if you're sticking to the North Sea because of it's quick dive time. But, I'd only advise going with the IID instead of the VIIC if you're a crack shot with the torpedo.