Heyo.
As others have already explained, trying to fish for lore reasons as to why the cordor nobles whos names are to evil to be named own a boat anymore are a bit silly. There was RP around it and all, so that is all good. Thanks for the people who provided some insight, I think a lot is really a perception issue.
Instead of reaching out for RP, I guess, people are rather complain about the lack of ships, or the activity. I dont think there are too few ships, or that the size of the ship determines the end of it. Pirates very much have the ability to kick everyones butt by virtue of being several ships and a wealth of (potentially) high sail characters with no bounds as to sail with who (Warlocks and the worst: bards). Ontop of potent costal defenses they could really give arelith a run for their money on the regular. But if the devs add another ship, a free player owned galleon there wouldnt hurt - I just think it would decrease the activity of the other ships even harder.
I think to fully crew all ships at once you need close to 40 or so people? That's a lot of sail characters. And you can share ships! Settlements are more tied than the others.
Incidentally the 2 man ship is probably the best ship out there.
Oh no gatekeeping. I think thats the biggest hurdle with sailing. Every settlement wants their own ship to be crewed by 6+ people at least with 100 sail average, that is a lot of players to coordinate into a timeframe. Then a couple more for player owned ships, and then pirates. Suprisingly people compete for sailors. That's good, I usually try to have 2 or so active crews going - but having limits as "no pirates, no warlocks" while also sharing the sail pool with the settlements? Not that many who want to sign up with the evil knievel noble house, or just hate the fact they would have to share with someone other than their super friends. This isn't even a hyberbole, I am really shy so I stare at you guys talk about me from stealth without ever reaching out to any of us.
Sailing also takes a couple hours of "you 6, dont leave" which is a schedule hurdle I know people do run in so they dont drop under the (percieved) mandated 100 sail average lest they be called bad sailors. This isnt really an issue for people, it just makes coordinating sails while also attending the many great events on arelith from others a bit of a hassle.
Also the nobles dont own the ship. And I am a relentless little shit about that fact.
In summary -
Go play with others, I think that would do more than adding more semi vacant ships. Adding more ships would just make the other ships who barely get going even less. And trust me, I stare at you guys a lot - but I am not online 24/7 so maybe I miss them sailing as much as they miss me.
I should put a notice board by every ship board so people can post their complaints there.