Advice on next trading ship please

[Myrm]

Hi

Having woken up ten minutes ago and still in bed, relishing the fact that this is day one of two weeks off work, and busting for a pee, I'd like to ask a quick question before I pee the bed (like a real man! )

I progressed from the default sidewinder to a hauler. My intentions are to be a trader/explorer. What would be the next logical step up from hauler for a trading ship? Or can I increase my cargo space on my hauler? If I can increase it are there any sacrifices I have to make such as loss of speed or shields and stuff?

Final question before I rush like a madman to the toilet. Does anybody know how many visitable star systems there are in this game?

Thank you.

[Loriath]

You have not mentioned the budget, which is VERY important.

The next logical step is a Cobra.
Although you can max your hauler out for Cargo, the best your going to get is 18T or 22T if you are brave enough to run without shields. A Cobra comes standard with 18T and can be upgraded to 40. The bonus is that the Cobra can do other things. It's a capable ship for Fighting. Base model is under 380K.

Now if you have MORE credits, you can do what I did, and go Type 6. It starts at 1.05 million and comes standard with 50T capacity. With a few upgrades to the Cargo Racks, you can double that. 100T is a nice round number to calculate profits.

Remember, when you do take on a new ship, you need X + (Y*2) + Z.

That formula is:
X=Price of ship
Y=Cost of insurance * 2 for safety, better if its 3. Stuff happens.
Z=Operating Capital to fill the ship. Can Vary but think about 10,000 Credits per cargo capacity.

So if you look at the base Cobra, its 380,000 + (19,000 * 2) + 180,000 = 598,000 Credits

And Bookmark the ED Shipyard for all your Fantasy Ship Shopping/upgrading Needs/Wants/Nightmares.

Making the first 1Million was the hard part.

[Myrm]

Hi Loriath

Many thanks for taking the time to provide your excellent answer.

Yes, I guess the budget would have helped >.<

I currently have 100,000 in the bank and I own a basic sidewinder and hauler.

I was looking at the Adder but I think I will wait and save up enough for a Cobra.

Thank you.

[Loriath]

I had to edit my post as I made a math mistake.

Maths is hard. Sorry. was not 568,000 but 598,000

The more you have to spend the better. Change your modules to D modules (Except FSD drive. get an A if you can, if not, a C. B is too heavy and not worth it.) and you can increase the Jump range. Shields, Thrusters, Powerplant, Life Support. D is the same power as E rated, just Lighter. Play around the Shipyard and you will see how it affects Jump ranges (Upper Right Corner).

[Loriath]

Just a thought Myrm. Add me in game. If you are on when I am, and I am close enough, I will side trip and drop you some Palladium to sell and increase your bank a bit If your up for it, I can drop you enough to fill your hold 2-3 times

[Flip]

Final question before I rush like a madman to the toilet. Does anybody know how many visitable star systems there are in this game?

Who knows? Frontier say 400 billion.

[Myrm]

Hi Loriath

That is a vary kind offer, thank you, but I'd rather "earn" it. I appreciate the kind offer anyway.

[Myrm]

Hi Flip

400 billion!!! How could they have possible built that? Isn't that like every star in the Milky Way? I guess nobody will be able to visit every single one >.<

[M. Kowalsky]

Hi Myrm,

I also plan to do mostly trading/exploring (haven't fired a single weapon so far, except during the training missions) and went Sidewinder -> Adder -> T6 and now Asp

I liked the Adder so much that I decided to skip the Cobra (not interested in combat at all), wait for my first Million and go with the T6 instead.
But since you're already in a Hauler, I'd imagine it wouldn't make a lot of sense to go for an Adder now.
Find a short rare route and you'll soon be OK

[Myrm]

Hi

Yes I tend to run away from fights >.<

I haven't ventured far out yet but want to gradually make my way to Sol.

Might see you around.