i used to play this game way bak but i never got to own any ships...if anyone here can tell me to what extent can ships be used?

e.g

-able to obtain a crew and sail the oceans? (e.g ur friends, if so how many per boat)

-sea battles? (and possibly a short description)

-what are the requirements and how long is it to build a boat?

if anyone can help me, it would be cool
oh and lastly, if anyone knows a better pirate/battleship sailing type of game to recommend i would be happy to try that out also

ty! :3