My Preference for Ship Types...

[DarthChaosSky]

First off, the Galleon is slower, which is why it might take more damage, which is why the more hull points comes in. Also, the Kingfisher does not have Firebrand Broadsides; it has navy men which can use the Firebrand skill. The Galleon is pretty good for Cargo, and has better broadsides than the Sloop. If you have good sailing skills, you could outmaneuver any other ship. I know this, since I used a Galleon, got full Cargo, and made it back to port without any hull point loss.