I have to say that now I've played all 3 versions of the Pirates game, I am enjoying it immensely and can't wait to take it to the club.
The land raid and ships both feel like they are 'nearly' done. 8 think mechanisms for both are sound and give good games. The only major issue I can see is the Victory point schedules. With defenders coming out on top in all but 1 game that I took part in. I think this is the experience of most players so far?
I have my ships out and intend to start painting them this week. I'm looking forward to getting the figures for the land raid game too. I really think a custom board is doable to take to a show...Salute maybe.
I feel the same, Sean: the land battle really lends itself to a custom board, with scope for some nice dockside modelling.