Just got Silent Hunter 3, I think I'm doing it wrong. Is there a guide?

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by Pisces

There is a bug in the game that makes you loose all renown earned during the 1st patrol, because you modified anything to your Uboat load-out before the 1st patrol. That includes crew.

Are you sure about that one? I always fill out my crew right from the start and haven't had that problem. On the other hand for awhile now I've been in the habit of running a first "false patrol" (a quick trip around the harbor), just to make sure my first real patrol doesn't start on the first day of the month, so I may be misremembering.

On the other hand, not long ago someone commented that the only things that cause renown loss are equipment upgrades, because they delay the start date.