New purpose for the basic cutter?

[Cecil Selous]

Inspired by @Angus MacDuff and also actually quite common sense

Quote

Many Captains of the day acquired a tender (shallow draft small ship with a couple of small guns) that could poke into the shallow cays etc.

Give an unarmed basic cutter to every bigger ship as a tender/ship's boat. Players can launch the cutter in the OW to enter shallow ports which they normally can't visit or to simply check the ports shop  when the wind isn't in your favor and you want to safe time. No resources or trade goods can be taken by the cutter. Only a limited amount of repairs and rum (If you are able to find a port that has them 😒) and maybe even doubloons?

While you are on your cutter, your main ship isn't moving and an easy target. If it gets attacked during that, then AI will take over in the instance. So it is a very risky move.

The cutter can't attack and can only join battles, in which your main ship is involved to allow you to get back on board somehow. For that the main ship must always count as a fleet ship and follow your orders. Therefor a new command is probably needed otherwise good luck with trying to get back on it.

Is it reasonable or does it take away the need to sail shallow ships too much?

Edited December 7, 2018 by Cecil Selous

[Slim McSauce]

Cutter should work like a dinghy, for the purpose of travel only. I like this suggestion a lot, it would save a lot of time being able to make port while leaving your ship at sea for a moment.