Extend the Story - Add a Room

"Lash 'im to the mast!" You shout, more for dramtic effect than nesescity as all the crew is within easy listening distance.
"But Cap'n!" Dirty Dandy shouts back, "I be yer first mate. Ye'll be needin' my assistance."
"Nonsense!" You shout, as a pirate captain you have very little mercy, "I've got me second mate Hairy Luke!"
"But captain, ye made Hairy walk the plank three days past," Dirty Dandy continues to protest.
For the next five minutes the two of you argue back and forth like this until you discover that Dirty Dandy is indeed the only mate left aboard the ship.
"Well then," you say authoritatively, "I'll spare ye for now, but only because I'll be needin' ye to recruit some new help aboard ship."
You begin to consider your options, you will promote some of your crew members to mates, but that means that you'll be short several crew positions, which could slow you down in the long run. You could either continue a bit shorthanded, or you could take a little extra time now and sail to a nearby village to capture some hostages to fill the spots.

Continue with a few empty crew positions