What seems to be the consensus about using the magic transport to base feature as opposed to actually sailing back to base?

It all depends on how realistic you want to play. If you want a "arcade" style of game, then by all means alter your files so your boat can do 400 knots, etc.

I know some people get within the "Dock At:" message, others actually manuever boats into the slip. Me, I wait till i get to a point that the chances of an encounter are so low as to just be a waste of my time. To each their own really.

I go to within 10-15 km of base... close enough to feel real but not so close that my watch officer flips out reporting on all the ships in harbor.

I used to drive the boat all the way into the sub pen or dock or slip etc.

now i just get within about 20 km of port and exit there for the same reason you do.

Off topic I know in a SH3 forum but I didn't know you can refresh your orders in SH4. Some orders are specific, drop spy off in Japan, photo harbour X (and yeah, I'm keeping my u, even in the US Navy!) but most seem to be patrol a certain area for a week or so. You need to be a lot more careful with fuel in SH4 as 1 the pacific is so big and 2 SH4 is so unforgiving to running out of fuel. Career over.
I rarely play SH4 as I haven't modded it yet and I'm happy playing SH3 knowing that I have a new game (modded SH4 waiting for me at some point).

Apologies for that break in our published schedule, normal programming can now be resumed.

I wasn't talking about the Pacific. I use OM and play SH4 u-boats. As well as SH3. :sunny:

You play the simulation the way withyour happiest http://www.psionguild.org/forums/ima...ies/pirate.gif

I find it more enjoyable to travel back and dock the boat. I usually save outside the 30km limit and then return to port in real time.

Teleport is vital, though, because the game doesn't let you steer with the propellors. If your rudder is destroyed you can't get home, and in real life you could.

That's a boat skill that is pure to joy to use. I don't own a powered boat, but whenever I'm "at the helm" of a friends boat, they always get a kick out my being able to do that. I can peel away from a dock without moving forward/bac, something he's never mastered yet.

one thing that positively SHOULD have been worked into the game is the ability to request rescue or repairs at sea a la U-571

it would be great if a team of skilled mechanics could board your boat after several days in waiting and fix critical systems for you if you were stranded, or if another sub could transfer fuel to you if you ran out etc