I may sound controversial with the idea: make it the actual gunboat. However, it would have less turrets (4-5), a bit weaker powercore and less base armor, yet it would hold a bit bigger cargo capacity than a typical gunboat (around 700) and better base speed (think Pelican's 100m/s).
Why?
Because it could be a design that initially was supposed to be a cheap, light transport... but someone in the middle of planning decided to adjust the powercore and turn design into more combat capable ship.
Result? A fancy low-cost blockade runner, armed smuggler or convoy raider!
