How much does a ship cost? Well, in this world, a normal fishing vessel would typically range from ten to thirty thorny flower gold coins... and the thorny flower gold coin is the imperial coin, adorned with the pattern of a thorny flower.
It is the national flower of the Empire, and likewise... the gold coin of the Duchy is the violet gold coin, with the violet as the Duchy's national flower.
Of course, sailors also cost gold coins, and you couldn't possibly expect slaves or peasants to serve as sailors, so hiring a full complement of experienced sailors and fishermen would require a substantial sum.
And it's a continuous expense... certainly, within the Empire.
Sailing vessels propelled by wind are mainstream in this world. Although they are also equipped with oars, those are merely for emergencies; the primary source of propulsion is still the sea wind.
