VIIB vs VIIC

[deadactionman]

It's almost 1941 and my trusty VIIB has seen me through several patrols. However, even thought the option to upgrade to the VIIC has been offered for several months now, I can't quite make up my mind.

It offers reduced endurance and speed but it dives 3 seconds quicker :hmm:

Seems like a waste of renown but I welcome your comments.

[TheSamuraiJedi]

Trust me.

When a Sunderland is diving on you or a C Class or Fletcher class destroyer is bearing down on you, 3 seconds is an eternity to wait.

I'd rather dive and survive than go a little farther.

[Umfuld]

I wait for a sub with two rear tubes. Save your renown.

[Ducimus]

Originally Posted by Umfuld

I wait for a sub with two rear tubes. Save your renown.

It's not quite as simple as that.

[CCIP]

Originally Posted by Ducimus

It's not quite as simple as that.

Two rear tubes and about 50 years slower diving time :rotfl:

I love the IX

[TheSamuraiJedi]

and a sonar signature as large as a Mack truck!

[Ducimus]

Theres still more of a difference then that.


Totally alters your gameplay. Ive come to rediscover why i really hate being assigned any grid that starts with GR.

If my crew were a real one, they'd be calling me "Der Fuel Miser", or "Kapitan Schnorkel".

I picked up a snorkel early, (feb43), left base for my 4th patrol for GR82. Its now May and yeah im JUST now starting to return, but im still south of the ascention ilse.

I swear i cant be on the surface longer then 30 mins before my RWR goes off, the whole freaking way.

[Heibges]

Yeah, I went on a 135 day patrol to Capetown in a IXb, and have never gone on anothe Type IX patrol. Barely made it back with any fuel too,

[Umfuld]

You see, I've only started from 1939, and I always long for the IX.


I usually die soon after I get it though, but I always figure I just screwed up.

Maybe I should keep my VII-B a little longer next time.


(In between last post and this I got KIA on my first time out with my new IX. HarHarHar!)

[Ducimus]

Ok i guess ill acutally attempt to answer the orginal question.

Ok yah, as stated the VIIC is a few seconds faster on the dive, and can dive a little bit deeper.

The VIIB is a bit slower to dive, but has a little bit more fuel and underwater range.

The biggest difference however is in conning towers.

the VIIB only has two conning tower types.

The VIIC has 4 towers. All of which progressivly upgrade your AA ablity.

[Khayman]

According to http://www.uboatwar.net/VII.htm, the VIIB didn't have enough internal space for fitting new technology, specifically the "new active sonar S-Gerät". So they built the larger VIIC. I don't sail in Type VII's, so I've no idea if you can't fit active sonar to a VIIB in the game or not.

[Scorpius]

I have sailed all but the D2 C/42 and the XXI. The C is the best of the lower end boats at the beginning of the war until about the start of 42.

[Keelbuster]

Originally Posted by deadactionman

It's almost 1941 and my trusty VIIB has seen me through several patrols. However, even thought the option to upgrade to the VIIC has been offered for several months now, I can't quite make up my mind.

It offers reduced endurance and speed but it dives 3 seconds quicker :hmm:

Seems like a waste of renown but I welcome your comments.

This is a sensitive topic for me. I ride a VIIB, 1942, and plan to take her through to the end, whenever that may be. I've done the VIIC thing, but I can't stand the speed hit (18kts vs. 21kts). Speed is everything for me; you overhaul convoys and outrun destroyers way more than you dive. Anyway - the dive thing - when a plane starts an attack run on you, diving is not the best option. Usually that results in bombs crushing your main pump and engines as you plunge at 8kts to your death, around 300m. The best thing to do when you are challenged by air attack is to _stay surfaced_ and do a deek, right or left, upon it's attack. You may be hit, but at least you won't be heading down at 8kts when the flooding starts to take hold. Dive after they attack. If they don't see you, dive, and you will be under before they do their run, even if you're in an IXD2. Dive time isn't so important. I prefer maneuverability. The speed also translates to underwater speed when you are being hunted.

VIIB all the way!

Kb

P.S. Still not sure if the VIIB can run a schnorkel - will find out soon!

[Ducimus]

>>P.S. Still not sure if the VIIB can run a schnorkel - will find out soon!


All type 7's and 9's can use a snorkel. Type 21's have one by default.

Only one who can't use a snorkel is the type 2's.

[Scorpius]

I am sailing in a type IIA at the moment. Its a horrible boat, but it gets the job done. And since i am at kiel in a type IIA, i have to dock at willhelmshaven to refuel before going out on my patrol.

It sux but it the only way i will have it. Type IIA, 1939, Kiel. Normally i upgrade to VIIB, then VIIC, then IX and its variants and finally at the end of the war, XXI. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to have such a horrible boat and end up with the best at the end.