13 Ships is not alot of ships. Also are you boarding or broadside. Boarding increases drop rate

Puerto Mico and Scrimshaw

You need to factor in the enemies armor rating that i where the damage loss is coming from

Your previous ships and equipment is all there you just select the right ship. Be advised that some equipment had requirements...

there is a bison frigate available at bison village in big sky level 20 requirement

I am lvl 12 and I don't see an issue with gold, Side quests have given me more than enough training tomes, im sitting on...