That's a great gif of how it should work in theory.
With map contacts off, I don't try to shoot over more than one row anymore. I try to get into the convoy so that there is a row behind me and in front of me. I shoot at the ships that pass immediately in front of me and wait for the next guy in line to come along.
As the war goes on, though, I probably won't be able to attack from short range anymore.
Steve