Abandoning Ship

[Jeremiah O'Brien]

Here's an interesting scenario that came to mind. (This could be implemented in open world) If sinking, could it be possible to have your crew picked up by a friendly ship, and then have them added to their crew until you arrive in a port? I don't know how sinking will work in open world, of course, but this could also be very helpful in battles, by providing a friendly ship with extra crew members. This could replenish any losses they have taken, and would make gunnery/sailing/survival modes work at full capacity. This would also encourage teamwork and foster camaraderie.

Also, you could possibly receive a small percentage of the damage points accrued by the friendly vessel, if possible

[StuffinBeard]

Maybe the cost of this is you lose some of your crew to the one who helped you out so once you restart you have to hire some crew to replace them. It would behoove someone to help if they have lost some crew during a recent battle. The issue may be that then they might have to sail to the nearest port to drop you off but if they were headed out to do something else maybe they just pass you by.

[Jeremiah O'Brien]

There could be added incentives.For example, in exchange for rescuing you, they would receive a certain amount of any cargo you might be carrying.

Conversely, if the ship is either neutral or an enemy to you, they could choose between rescuing you, or seizing your cargo and holding you for ransom (which would be limited to a reasonable amount)

[Hugh Latham]

If at all possible, you always rescue men adrift at sea. If they are enemies you lock them up, but All seamen are kindred.

[Jeremiah O'Brien]

Of course, but not all captains are that gentlemanly. As StuffinBeard said, if they gain nothing from assisting you, many captains would not bother to take the time to do so. It would be better to pay off your rescuers than to hope in vain for a Good Samaritan to pass by.

[Ned Loe]

I would only suggest 'abandon ship' in this situation.

[Grim DeGrim]

Nooooooo... I was going to suggest scuttling the ship! Powder Magazine anyone? (key bindings suggests it is possible...)

[Jeremiah O'Brien]

You could leave a damaged ship to entice an enemy to capture it... With a lit fuse going to the powder magazine

Then, in the confusion and loss of his crew, you board his ship.