There is another 'trick' to increase ship load - use ships only for transporting ore, metals and eggs, transport everything else through portals. Some people don't use portals properly and this leads to many 'logistical' issues throughout the game.

Historically these things could pack a LOT.
Historically, 1 guy could not have jockeyed a longship by himself for long.

They should have more slots, though. Having to do cheesy stuff is cheesy. But if you did not know, you can fill a cart with junk, bust the cart, and magically produce boxes that hold 4 stacks each, which can be kicked onto yourboat until you are satisfied with the #.
these boxes die if empty, so you have to keep 1 item in each, but if you really have a massive haul to move, it works. The kickable boxes are really nice in a number of scenarios.

I've found waves tend to send carts flying, quite hilarious.

Never heard of the box trick though, that's a trip. Do they get knocked off by waves, too?

Originally posted by Itharus:

I've found waves tend to send carts flying, quite hilarious.

Never heard of the box trick though, that's a trip. Do they get knocked off by waves, too?

I suppose they could depending on which boat and so on. I bet they fall off the raft in a storm. But, they FLOAT :) . Once in the water, you can't get them back aboard, but you can at least mark it and get the stuff. I have never lost one on a longship or karve, but I don't really need them often.

Bigger boats have more space? What ship are we talking about here?

All of 'em. Even the smallest should carry more than 4.

The only thing I have ever filled up the boat with is ore. 540 is quite a bit.

I think it's for balancing purposes. The bigger ship would be completely redundant if you could carry more with the karve.

Originally posted by Itharus:

Historically these things could pack a LOT.

You've seen the carve, yes? Basically a canoe with a sail, how much do you expect to pack in? The longship has ample storage. And if you find yourself wanting break a cart on the deck.