Why not copy the gears system from Diablo III into this game. White/grey: standard item - Green: slightly improved - Blue: rare - Purple: epic - orange: legendary. At least that would give a purpose to looting the enemy - and a needed risk assessment, for going into battle with an enemy.
The chance for purple and orange should be rare.
Example: Trim - Turning 4-5th:
Gray: Max speed: -2% Ship turn rate 4%
Green: Max speed: -2% Ship turn rate 5%
Blue: Max speed: -2% Ship turn rate 6%
Purple: Max speed: -2% Ship turn rate 6% + 1 more affix
Orange: Max speed: -2% Ship turn rate 6% + 2 more affix