I would use setting as below:

1 BO
1 torp (rotate both torper when each level reach to balance, strip some recruit)
1 Planesman
1 Sonar
3 Engineer
1 Repairer

Now a day, grinding ss need some skill & practise, repair would be more helpful
when we need to do several critical dive and surface for air.

So the Final Answer is....

Support Slots
1 Planesman
1 Sonarman
3 Engines

On Ship
1 BO - with only 1 Recruit
1 Torpedo Man Trimmed to Cap Level and Lowest Weight
1 Free Slot for a:
Unused Torpedoman or
12REPAIR/11Res or
11Rep/12RESTORE or
SEAMAN with good numbers in Repair Restore and Engine

2x Engine and 1x torper just incase SS5 comes out for IJN, if not 3x engines. Zoom
Zoom!

I doubt we will see them anytime soon. But your point is well taken. Personally I
like my repairer.

"Why waste the R spot on the other torper you needed? if you still have two
torpmen just rotate them every few games so their lvl's stay close."

Well As8 if my torpers were higher level I'd probably do that but my torpers (and BO)
are only level 87. This way just in case the next IJN SS needs two at level torpers I
wont have to go back and do any extra leveling.I know that might not be likely but I
get plenty of repair and SD from my three engies,though to be honest they are
higher level (109) then the rest of my SS crew.

BO - Check
Sonar - Check
Plains - Check
Front Torpman - Check

3 other support spots - 116 Engies = 33/39 on OH 33 under and 39 on top
"R" Slot - 118 Repair (so when you do get hit you can repair)
SD - 900

Most damage done in 1 game post patch 220k - and this was with 3 asw ships
tossing HH's. I also took like 65k damage.

Why waste the R spot on the other torper you needed? if you still have two
torpmen just rotate them every few games so their lvl's stay close.

This ship is made for killing BB's, engage other Sub's if you must but taking out
BB4/5/6's should be your goal.

And yes I do have 2 BB6's and thats why I run lots of bulge and HH's on them.

Ahh! Coolest, I disagree. The sub patch gives you more reason to have a repairer and
restorer because you repair under water.

OK--I have SD 500. In a game today, we took out the three enemy subs, then surfaced, got
pounded by a Monty -- enough that I had lost half of my speed and could only stay under
for 10 seconds (not because of air, but because of damage). I limped back behind my line,
repaired to half strength and then set out again. The Monty hit me again (thought I would
have learned the first time!) almost with as much damage. Retreated, healed and went out
again. With the game at 3BB to 2, I then went in killed the Monty and the MN BB4,
effectively winning the game for my team. This is with IJN SS4.

So there is value to repair and restore -- I won't have engy's good enough for at least
another year so I am sticking with this configuration. The Seaman helps all three
considerably too.

No point in using a Repair or restor on a sub, before the sub patch, sure it had uses, not
anymore.

3 Engins on a sub and man you fly like the wind underwater muahahahh

There are actually 4 slots left over, 3 in support and 1 gunner. If I had three high
level engy's I would do that, but I don't.

What I use is 1 engy, 1 repair, 1 restore, and 1 seaman, all low level 80s or mid level
70's. SD almost 500, 18 sec OH initially.

ofcourse the Moon is taken...you live ther...
I'll be happy to take the Sun...where all WE normal ppl live...

cheers
Megadone