The Zoner Gunboat

[Clarkie]

Ok, before I start I want to list the things I like about this ship (don't want you thinking I'm all negativity):P
So here goes:

+ points:
Agility - I LOVE the way this ship flies, turns on a dime and looks great doing so.

The model: Looks awesome, and continues with the design ethos evident in the other zoner ships.

Twin mine launchers- Havent had a chance to use them yet, but I expect they'll come in handy.


Ok, so here's my issue and request with the Zoner gunboat:

It is, as I understand, more intended as a well armoured, well armed transport yes? It states in the info-card that this vessel was intended to replace more of the dromedary trade ships, and so it is intended more for trade and perhaps exploration rather than combat.

The Zoner GB has a hold of 560. This isnt bad, but I would like to see it increased for the following reasons:

As stated above the zoner GB seems to meant as some kind of low-key transport ship, 560 hold doesnt really enable this (as it stands thats more on a par with most cheap freighters, not a vessel costing 30m.)

The zoner GB is quite large: For a GB its pretty chunky, very wide indeed. I would like to see its hold representative of its in-game size.

Along with its large size, the GB only has 4 weapon hardpoints. To me this means there would be less capacitors, relays, etc etc needed internally for powering the guns - thus more space available for cargo.

I have listed some other gunboats and their cargo capacities below:
Rheinland GB: 440
Bretonian GB: 480
Corsair GB: 480
Dragon GB:480
IMG GB: 420

As you can see, for difference in size between the zoner GB and some of these, but mainly the big difference in firepower, 560 hold is only a very modest increase for that trade-off.

However, my main reason for requesting an increase in the hold is the following: The zoner GB is a great RP ship, however like some other RP ships its quite hamstrung by being mediocre in certain ways. What I would like is for the cargo space to increase to give the zoner GB another use other than just flying around/exploring. If the cargo space was upped to say, 1000, that would make the ship capable of some semi-worthwhile trading.

This would be especially cool as it could be a kind of halfway-house in terms of zoner supply ship, something between the Dromedary and the Whale. A kind of medium-haul vessel that also has roles in diplomacy and exploration.

Some would say that this would give it a bigger hold than some cruisers. To that I say so what? Cruisers are massively armoured and have large reactors and internal systems to take up space. Not to mention crew accomodation.

Remember that the zoner GB is a pretty chunky ship for its class, I dont think 1000 capacity hold would be out of order. In any case, who's going to abuse it? Nobody - it wouldnt be good enough for any 'decent' trading and on the other side its not a PVP monster.

This is something I would really like to see happen.
Anyone else have any thoughts? Agree? Disagree? post away.