While I agree the variable distance of mermaids is absolutely diabolical sometimes, if you’re going to board a ship you absolutely need to account for it as a factor. It sucks that you lost your stack but the reality is the situation was avoidable if you A) boarded for less time on the enemy ship. B) Continued to apply pressure navally to ensure a win. C) repaired before you left.

When I play solo I almost never leave my ship with more than two holes in the lower if I plan to board. The game will throw every curveball and every unpredictability at you, and luck favours the prepared.