@bendertheblack
Back in the day, gunpowder was a feared meta that was often used with devastating effect....
It can still be used against inexperienced crews with a similar result.....
However, the odds of sinking a veteran ship with a powder keg nowadays are slim....
If you somehow get up our ladder with a keg, my crew will immediately split up to minimize casualties, and make sure you die in the explosion...repairs will be made quickly and the chase will continue....
A more likely scenario is that your kegs are sniped in your crow's nest before you have a chance to use them, dropping your mast. At that point you can expect a boarding party.....and if I see you raising the mast , I know exactly where to aim my cannon shots.....
I'm not saying kegs can never be useful, I'm just saying that risk vs. reward does NOT favor you keeping them aboard your ship, especially against a crew that knows what they're doing......
And regarding the idea of keeping kegs anywhere but the crow's nest......DON'T DO IT!
My cannons will find that keg, trust me!
I can say, as a cannoneer, there are few things more satisfying in the game than playing tag with gunpowder someone thought they hid below deck.....
Ultimately it's up to you, obviously .....but I think in general the experienced players are gonna give you similar advice....