Welcome to the boat mate.
You could try Ship Centered Accuracy Fix (SCAF) mod By CapnScurvy.
Here
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=126016
You use things other than the Mast high to get range, Funnels, decks,etc.
Some think it is cheating but I like it as my eyes aren't so good.
Magic