Charter Merchants

[lightbrave]

I think the answer is no but I want to make sure. Is the option to Charter Merchants under the "Various" tab worth the return. Costs $100 and plus 1 price variation. You get 3 new merchant squadrons. Is it worth the return?

[Gray Fox]

The message I get is a light warship and 5 merchants for $75 and +1% inflation. The warship is not much of a factor and the inflation can be countered with other decisions. So, 5 merchants for $75 is one merchant for $15. A merchant in the Atlantic Shipping box earns approximately $2 or the equivalent 2 WS, or one of each per turn, determined by the AI. Thus, the merchant will pay for itself in 8 turns or so. If the message you refer to has the same ratio, then it's worth it IMHO. Good luck!

[lightbrave]

https://imgur.com/G5WglyK




This is what im seeing. Not sure what you are Gray. Where are you seeing yours?

[Gray Fox]

The message I got is called "Charter Ocean Transports", as above. Obviously, more than one message allows this. In your example, it's not as lucrative a deal, but still viable. The Union can make a sizable addition to its economy with shipping trade. I always go for it.

[lightbrave]

I guess I should get both then.