I prefer the German Q-Ship concept were merchent vessels were armed to the teeth, but all weapons were concealed and the decks, stacks and masts were made so that they could continuously be moved to new configurations. The weapons that I would choose would be tracking torpedoes, 5 inch guns, and phalanx systems and quad 50's for close work. This would probably ruin the Pirate trophies, but I would prefer the video of watching their boats distingrate around them.