Some thing I have noticed in doing this (using the binocluars).
The gun crew seems to have target fixation. If there firing on one ship they are stubborn and more or less refuse to switch targets.
Also I always get the messate "Seas to high to man deck gun" regardless of the sea state. Shortly after the message they start firing away
ps; Cheif of the Boat I know of one guy around here that may take issue with your user name
