New flotilla, new boat, questions

[DirtyACE]

I just transfered to the 2nd Flotilla from the 7th. It is October 1940. I decided to try out the IXB boat (I'm an IX virgin still :oops:)

Here are some questions:

1. Right before my first patrol in the new boat (it's actually my 7th career patrol) I got a little pop up saying that the base has changed to Lorient, however, in my orders/briefing it says that I'm still departing and returning to Wilhelmshaven. Indeed, on my day of departure I was in Wilhelmshaven. Should I be returning from my mission to Lorient even though it doesn't say that in the briefing?

2. A couple things about the IXB boat. First I've read that this is supposed to be a long range boat but when I ask my nav officer to give me the maximum distance we can travel he gives me a number around 23,000 km, which is basically the same as my old VIIB boat. What's up?

The other thing is that when I set my speed at 8 knots the boat doesn't seem to be staying at 8. Sometimes it goes back to 7 for a split second and then back to 8. I know this should happen in stormy weather but I'm sailing in absolutely calm waters. Why is this?

Thanks

[baggygreen]

Well mate i'll tell you what - change the speed to 9 knots and then see what the range says. As i understand it, 9 is actually the best speed for fuel consumption.

Also, bear in mind that as you start using your IXB, you'll be able to start making use of the milkcows which will become available.

As for the speed dropping briefly, it can happen during turns, any waves you go over (tho you say its dead calm), and it could possibly even be a faulty knotmeter if you have SH3Commander and malfunctions/sabotage turned on.

[DirtyACE]

Thanks baggygreen. I have actually found that 8 knots is the best speed for fuel consumption, at least for VIIB and IXB boats (these are the only ones I have used). It seems that the speed is more consistent now, I think it was the turning when I was leaving port that made it fluctuate.

Now what about this flotilla business? Should I still return to Wilhelmshaven or go to Lorient at the end of the mission?

[Lzs von swe]

You should go to Lorient, the briefing, orders screen is not updated with your new base. To be on the safe side exit to base mid sea and you should be in the right base when you start the next patrol. You will lose the 100 renown but that may be worth it to be on the safe side.

[DirtyACE]

Thanks Lzs von swe :up:

[Rykaird]

Go in carefully though. Peek around a bit. Some of us have been sunk by cruising into our "home" harbor only to find it in enemy hands.

Remember, in the world of U-Boats, there are the cautious, and the dead. Of course, by 1943, we also have the cautious dead.