I'm going to let you people in on a secret: The American military's support system is the very definition of socialism. Healthcare, shopping, housing, education all subsidized. You people literally use socialism to support your primary arm of anti-socialism.
Okay, so each has its use but I would offer this assuming we're in a stern chase. Chain and bar to disable or at least lower speed and maneuverability so that the foe is unable to escape. Rake the stern with round to disable guns as you come up alongside, if you're able to slow them enough, try to get raking shots from both broadsides by zig zagging your course. Canister and grape from your upper deck guns to sweep the foe if you intend to carry them via boarding, if not pound away with round shot and if you can, rake them again from forward if you over haul.
Gender is irrelevant. Only the machine can provide salvation. I serve the Omnissiah.