Questions about naval operations

[mdsmall]

After two full play-throughs, I am still unclear about the following. Grateful for answers from the designers or other readers:

1. Subs attacking subs:

Subs are listed has having an Attack value of 2 against Subs under the Properties menu. But they do not seem to be able to attack enemy subs, either in Hunt or Silent mode. Is this correct? Why not?

2. Destroyers spotting Subs:

Will destroyers always spot subs in adjacent hexes, even if they have dived or are in Silent Mode?

3. Canal hexes:

Friendly naval units seem prohibited from moving through enemy owned canal hexes (e.g. the Kiel Canal or the Suez Canal) even if they are unoccupied. If you occupy or pass through those hexes with friendly land forces, do they become navigable for your naval forces? Is there any way for naval units alone to open up enemy canal hexes?

4. Capturing ports:

Is it possible to capture and occupy an enemy port using only naval forces and land units loaded on amphibious transports? Or does it require having a friendly land unit to occupy the port?

5. Naval reinforcement maximum:

Port hexes that have a strength of 5 (e.g. Tunis for the French) only seem to be able to reinforce ships to a maximum of four strength points, rather than five per turn, and can not build ships up to a full 10 strength points. Is there a lower reinforcement maximum for minor ports?

[The Land]

ORIGINAL: mdsmall

After two full play-throughs, I am still unclear about the following. Grateful for answers from the designers or other readers:

1. Subs attacking subs:

Subs are listed has having an Attack value of 2 against Subs under the Properties menu. But they do not seem to be able to attack enemy subs, either in Hunt or Silent mode. Is this correct? Why not?

2. Destroyers spotting Subs:

Will destroyers always spot subs in adjacent hexes, even if they have dived or are in Silent Mode?

3. Canal hexes:

Friendly naval units seem prohibited from moving through enemy owned canal hexes (e.g. the Kiel Canal or the Suez Canal) even if they are unoccupied. If you occupy or pass through those hexes with friendly land forces, do they become navigable for your naval forces? Is there any way for naval units alone to open up enemy canal hexes?

4. Capturing ports:

Is it possible to capture and occupy an enemy port using only naval forces and land units loaded on amphibious transports? Or does it require having a friendly land unit to occupy the port?

5. Naval reinforcement maximum:

Port hexes that have a strength of 5 (e.g. Tunis for the French) only seem to be able to reinforce ships to a maximum of four strength points, rather than five per turn, and can not build ships up to a full 10 strength points. Is there a lower reinforcement maximum for minor ports?

Hello!

1) - I just tested it, and subs can't attack subs at all - makes sense in this period.
2) - I believe not always. If the sub is in silent mode then the destroyer has a % chance to do it (other units have no chance!)
3) - You need land units to accomplish this.
4) - If you land amphibious troops, they can take control of the port if you control the correct adjacent land hexes. Normally it's obvious which hex/es you need. Note that you won't control the port if an enemy ship stays in it (though you can do lots of damage to that ship)
5) - Overall there are limits on reinforcement based on supply rating. An overseas port has a supply rating of 5 so a reinforcement limit of 8. It can still repair a ship 5 per turn but to 8 maximum. You will notice the same effect on land units - the lower the supply the worse the reinforce limit.

[mdsmall]

Very helpful and speedy replies to my questions. Many thanks!

I had not appreciated the difference in the location of the ports. You are right, some of the ports I was using as France to reinforce naval units are located in Corsica or North Africa and those have a lower supply value.