Fleet Boat vs. U Boat

[Anthony W.]

Well folks, I'm bored. So here's my proposed debate. Would you rather sail a fleet boat, or a U boat? This isn't taking into account crew accommodations and comforts - strictly game only.

I'd rather sail in a fleet boat... Here are my points...

All torpedoes stored internally

10 Tubes

5 inch deck gun

Better radar

HOWEVER...

My points for the Germans...

Quicker dive

Turns better

Smaller and harder to spot

Quieter (from what I can tell)

Better (late war) sonar

Now, let the battle begin!

[Schwieger]

If strictly from a gaming point of view... U-Boat, because I prefer the presentation of SH3.

[Torplexed]

I've lost track of how many threads there have been on this subject over the years. I think the general consensus is that it's like comparing apples to oranges since they fought in such vastly different theaters.

[sharkbit]

Originally Posted by Torplexed

I've lost track of how many threads there have been on this subject over the years. I think the general consensus is that it's like comparing apples to oranges since they fought in such vastly different theaters.

Exactly...different design philosophies based on their expected missions and doctrine, at least early on in the war for US boats.

[razark]

Again?

How about we do Titanic vs. iceberg this time? At least it would be new.

[Schwieger]

Originally Posted by razark

Again?

How about we do Titanic vs. iceberg this time? At least it would be new.

Lol... How about Titanic vs Lusitania?

[razark]

Originally Posted by Schwieger

Lol... How about Titanic vs Lusitania?

Either that, or we can skip straight to the part where the fleet boat boys call the u-boat boys Nazis.

[Kptlt. Neuerburg]

I'm about half and half to be honest on this debate.

Fleet Boat
1. More torpedos and tubes
2. Larger caliber deck gun
3.Early air radar
4. Better surface speed
5. More fuel
6. Longer range

U-Boats
1. Small size makes it harder to dectect
2. Early surface radar.
3. Electric torpedos by 1940
4. Less dud torpedos
5. Can dive deeper
6. Had resupply subs

[Sailor Steve]

Yep, had the argument many times. The point about different theaters is probably the best one. Like comparing the Type VII and Type IX, which was also just done recently. One is designed for medium-range operations, and is smaller and more maneuverable, and the other is of necessity designed for extreme long range, and so has to be bigger, which makes it less maneuverable and slower to dive. On the plus side the fleet boats had refrigerators, fresh food for the entire patrol, laundry machines, lots of fresh water, none of which makes a difference in the game, but certainly made a difference to morale after two months at sea.

Originally Posted by razark

Either that, or we can skip straight to the part where the fleet boat boys call the u-boat boys Nazis.

[Stealhead]

Depends on my mood really I like both about equally.When I play as a fleet boat I am running TMO as a German I play OM.The best feature about the U-boats for me would be their TDC (the one that OM has in good detail) and I also like the fact the German torpedoes are bit more powerful also they have more speed options.The German hydrophones are much better than the Americans.Downside wise the Germans have poor radar compared to the US and for me personally the U-boats having only two engines when you must charge the batteries it takes longer and slows the boat more which can be a big liability.Generally much more challenging playing as a German due to no radar early on which makes hunting harder.

Fleet Boats I like the higher torpedo load out(though the German IX has more than the US boats) Faster crash dive times (not sure why the OP thinks that the U-boats are faster the 7 is but the 9 is slower diving)No dealing with external torpedoes.Better tube layout(though in the type IX with the better torps this is somewhat nullified).Far superior radar systems and higher speeds.I do not like the TDC interface as much from certain aspects.

Never a fan of the Nazi thing when anyone who knows knows that the majority of the Grey Wolves where not members of the Nazi party and liked things like Jazz something the Nazis frowned upon they where I think the least Nazi branch of the German military.

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by Stealhead

Depends on my mood really I like both about equally.

And that's the problem I always have. If we're discussing the merits of the actual boats then there are many, many factors involved, and a true "best" is impossible to determine, both (or rather all) having their fans, with reasons ranging from appraisals of the machinery to appraisals of how they were used to just plain "I like that one best".

If we're talking about the history, I have no choice. I love to read about them all.

If we're talking about the game(s), again there's no clear choice for me. I loved Silent Service, I love AOD, I love SH1, I love SH3 and in SH4 I'll gladly play both. I usually go for a u-boat sim first, not because I like them better but because I like to start at the beginning of the war and there aren't to many fleet boats in action in 1939.

And that's my final answer.

[Schwieger]

Makes you wonder why no one ever starts a thread IJN subs vs Fleet Boats. After all, U-boats have been discussed time and time again, no?

[Sailor Steve]

We don't have an IJN game to play. No one discusses British, Dutch or Italian boats either. People argue about what they can play with.

[Schwieger]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

We don't have an IJN game to play. No one discusses British, Dutch or Italian boats either. People argue about what they can play with.

Maybe, but there are IJN sub mods out there.. and some British ones too, I think

[zedjr]

what is up with jsut being able to donwload 3 files. it ahs been a week adn still cant download anymoer files?