NAVAL ACTION - useful links:
Use the above map with the F11 coordinate digits - ex: 123456.7 = 123, you have to complete the number to 6 digits and remove the last three to get your X or Z coordinate (ie: Press F11 when out in the world or battle, read the Thousands in each number)
http://forum.game-labs.net/forum/44-guides/
http://forum.game-labs.net/forum/60-patch-notes/
Outdated but still moderately useful website that shows API sourced trading info:
http://www.navalactioncraft.com/shop-price
Best Crafting and Price calculator (use LibreOffice or Microsoft Office, set Building and Crafting Hour price to 100 to 200 to reach decent market prices) - Best tool for Ship Building component list:
http://forum.game-labs.net/topic/20870-crafting-data-and-calculator/
How to be a Solo Hunter by Koltes - Piracy guide, useful for small groups too:
A Treatise on Naval Action by Mr. Doran - very useful starting point for dueling. Analyze the figures and re-draw them yourself for better understanding. Improved/simplified version in the works.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxnLGtasarVnbDFEejdRVUFLTnM/view?usp=sharing
Very detailed Sailing and Combat Guide:
http://forum.game-labs.net/topic/11032-a-naval-action-guide-to-sailing-and-combat-working-thread/
Making Money:
Basic Cutter LGV Challenge winner video - capture in 7 minutes:
You can try to perform such feats early on for a boost in cash, but if it's too difficult, just stick to missions.
The most recent patch improved Missions significantly.
Leveling somewhat efficiently in current game:
Basic Cutter until you can't tolerate the grind anymore and know basics (10 to 20 missions), using 12lb carronades as soon as possible to speed it up.
Capture or Sink Le-Gros-Ventre and Trader Brig NPC ships to spice up the leveling grind and get cash.
Upgrade to NavyBrig or Mercury and proceed to attack AI-Ships in shallow water areas (Missions are currently broken and you can face 3 deadly opponents in a mission of this tier).
Once enough crew, capture a Cerberus until you get a good one and purchase 32pd carrondaes - do Combat missions of appropriate level and use repairs to avoid losing the ship. Ship with thick woods (LiveOak/WhiteOak/Caguarian) recommended.
Keep spicing things up by attacking Player or AI traders of other factions.
Once enough crew capture a Surprise and keep repeating the above until you can capture and crew an Indefatigable or Wasa
Indefatigable or Wasa will allow fast combat mission completion for gold and upgrades.
Once you are at this level, consider joining a competitive PvP clan to experience organized combat aspects of the game. Clans can be ignored/avoided until that level to maintain reputation.
Contract Guide (not working in current patch):
This guide was patched but should be tested regularly to see if it gets re-enabled:
http://forum.game-labs.net/topic/20813-guilds-will-hate-you-for-using-this-one-simple-trick-to-get-rich/