Early Atlantic [`40] boat upgrade Q

[danurve]

Working on the chance I might actually get past `40 and into `41 this time, it ponders an upgrade plan.
Type VIIB Boat, here is a breif crew manifest;
Officers - 5/5
P.O.'s - 14/16
Sailors - 26/30
The idea being a few less crew members should allow the Oxygen to last longer. Will the game mechanics understand my plan?
Working along side that plan I do belive once the Battery-upgrade becomes available I should snag it. Together I am hopefull this combo will allow the boat, crew & carrer to last longer while submerged. Either while making an attack or durring evasion.
Second question about the Hydrophones. The boat comes standard with the GHG I do fairly well with it, I think! The KDB is available but I'm wondering if it is so damage prone then perhaps stick with GHG for the time being. What extra benifits to the Hydrophones does the KDB system actually have for detection, accuracy?

[AVGWarhawk]

Less crew=more air....no
Get the better phones
Battery upgrade ok


Go for the IX if you can and call it a day

[Steppenwolf]

GHG has about a 20 degree blind zone in front of the sub and about a 60 degree blind zone in the rear. KDB eliminates the front blind zone and reduces the rear one to about 40 degrees.

[Jimbuna]

I would go for the battery upgrade or better still a type IX

[Paajtor]

Is there a way to have both hydrophones installed?
Maybe use the same scale, but be able to switch between the 2 devices?

[Puster Bill]

Originally Posted by jimbuna

I would go for the battery upgrade or better still a type IX

I'd get the KDB and wait on the batteries. In all the times I have played careers, I don't seem to recall a time that I ran flat on batteries before I was killed.

Having ones with shorter recharge times, or are longer lasting, is great after 1942, but doesn't seem to come into play that much from 39 to 41.

The KDB, on the other hand, removes a sonar blindspot in your front, and reduces the one towards the rear. That is useful no matter what year you are in. Plus, its pretty cheap.

As for going for the Type IX's, I still don't see the fascination there. Sure, having a hefty torpedo load is great, but it takes freakin' forever to get to your patrol areas.

The VII is a perfect compromise between torpedo load, range, and manueverability. Unlike like the Seekuhs, I can actually 'dodge' wabos if I am paying attention.

[johan_d]

My advice: BE CAREFULL and dont go for tonnage, survive, work with opportunities, and let go trouble.

[Ducimus]

Originally Posted by Puster Bill

As for going for the Type IX's, I still don't see the fascination there.

This is the best explanation ive ever been able to come up with:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...61&postcount=8