I usually start in the second flotilla (Flotilla Mod by Beery iirc) with a type VIIB in 1939; then after a few patrols (usually two), I get the the type IXB. The longer patrols are a ok, as you can use time compression; what I really like about the type IX boats is the larger torpedo loadout.
As I mainly hunt convoys, the slightly slower underwater speed and slower dive time is not much of a factor because of my convoy attack stategy of sprinting ahead and waiting submerged within the convoy's path. Late in the war, usually '41, things start to get more difficult for us captains; and you might want to switch to a type VIIC, especially if you're being hammered by aircraft or find it hard to evade destroyers. The type VII's have much better dive times and manueverability (and I think they're quieter submerged too, but I don't know if the game models that), so escaping is a bit easier.
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