Ship menu guide
Last updated October 3, 2026
Captain's Cabin vs Harbourmaster: Choose the Menu by Task
Use the Captain's Cabin whenever Edward is not piloting the Jackdaw to change the ship's appearance, choose its pet, manage Kenway's Fleet, or change Edward's outfit. Outfit changes are also available outside the Cabin. At a port, use the local Harbourmaster to buy Jackdaw upgrades, restock weapons, and buy or sell cargo.
Route decision
Player task → exact menu → visible result
Decide whether the job is a Cabin change or a port transaction before leaving the helm or sailing to another port; reserve any cargo needed for the next upgrade before selling.
Confirm the exact result: the selected appearance, pet, outfit, or Fleet mission in the Cabin, or the installed upgrade, weapon stock, or cargo balance at the Harbourmaster.
The Cabin and Harbourmaster do different jobs. A plan marker is not an installed upgrade, and an outfit change alone does not require a trip to the Cabin.
Player workbench
Player task → exact menu → visible result
Choose by the change you want, not by a vague 'ship service' label. The port visit is only needed for Harbourmaster transactions.
- AccessStop piloting the Jackdaw; the Captain's Cabin is available while Edward is not at the helm.
- ChooseUse the Cabin for sails or figurehead, ship pet, or Kenway's Fleet. Edward's outfit can be changed here or elsewhere.
- ConfirmCheck the selected appearance or pet, or verify the Fleet vessel and mission state before leaving.
Decision table
Choose from the situation in front of you
| Situation | Decision | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Change sails, figurehead, or ship pet | Open the Captain's Cabin when not piloting | These are ship appearance and pet choices, not Harbourmaster purchases. |
| Change Edward's outfit | Use the Cabin or another outfit-change point | The Cabin supports outfits, but it is not the only place to change them. |
| Send or review a captured ship | Open Kenway's Fleet in the Cabin | Check the selected vessel and mission outcome in the Fleet state. |
| Buy a Jackdaw upgrade | Visit a port Harbourmaster | Match the plan, displayed cost, and required materials before confirming the purchase. |
| Restock weapons or trade cargo | Visit a port Harbourmaster | Weapon stock and cargo balance are port transactions; check both after the change. |
| The needed option is absent | Recheck access and the menu heading | Stop piloting to open the Cabin; for a purchase or restock, confirm the port Harbourmaster and displayed prerequisites before sailing elsewhere. |
How to use it
Plan the stop around the transaction
Write down the next Jackdaw upgrade, the plan it needs, and the cargo or weapon change you intend to make. Use the Cabin without piloting for appearance, pet, Fleet, or outfit tasks; go to a port Harbourmaster only for the upgrade, weapon restock, or cargo transaction. Check the changed state before departing.
Recovery path
If the menu or option is missing
For the Cabin, first stop piloting and reopen the Cabin. For upgrades, restocking, or cargo, confirm you are at a port Harbourmaster and read the displayed requirements. If a listed action is still absent, note the port, menu heading, and requirement in your save, then check the current build before buying another plan or making a second voyage. For an outfit-only change, use another available outfit point instead of sailing back to the Cabin.
Open next
Keep the route moving
Confirm the exact result: the selected appearance, pet, outfit, or Fleet mission in the Cabin, or the installed upgrade, weapon stock, or cargo balance at the Harbourmaster.
Common Questions
What belongs in the Captain's Cabin?
Use it while Edward is not piloting for ship appearance, the ship pet, Edward's outfit, and Kenway's Fleet. Edward's outfit can also be changed outside the Cabin.
What does a Harbourmaster handle?
At ports, use the local Harbourmaster to buy Jackdaw upgrades, restock weapons, or buy and sell cargo. Check the current menu for the action and requirements before confirming.
Why can I see an upgrade plan but not buy the upgrade?
The plan is only one part of the purchase. At a port, compare the exact plan, cost, materials, and upgrade listing in the Harbourmaster menu before sailing elsewhere.
Does a Harbourmaster repair the Jackdaw?
Ubisoft's naval overview confirms ship upgrades, weapon restocking, and cargo transactions, but does not specify a Harbourmaster hull-repair service. Check the current port menu before relying on one.