Question about boarding combat & attack

[Anne Wildcat]

So, I recently outfitted my snow for boarding (marines, grog rations, sword fighting handbooks, boarding parties, and extra hammocks) and have been hitting AI traders to relax. Before the outfitting, during boarding, it seemed the attack option would gray out when the timer was down to 7 seconds. Now, after the gear, it seems that I can hit attack at the last second. What has caused this difference? Apologies as I do not know much about boarding or gear.

[Chimera]

Your preparation. You Need rougly 60 prep to hit attack in the last second.

Some updates help you with prep regeneration.

Edited June 26, 2016 by Chimera

[Anne Wildcat]

Thank you! Did not know that.

[William the Drake]

A static price for boarding actions on the battle screen may be needed/beneficial. One that shows the rising price of BP as time passes.

[Fastidius]

Boarding is all about prep.   If yours is above 55 you get last second options.  if theirs is below they don't so you get a free swing.  if they have more crew you just brace till they attack and defend last second.  If they have less crew then you need them to burn prep by bracing their firepower based attacks...If they have a firepower number of below 5 just treat it like they are bracing.

[Chromey]

last second defence costs about 30 prep. With an officer with boarding defence it costs 0 to defend last second.