Imagination - You're good, although I have to point something out.

[quote]Their primitive weapons could only do so much to put a dent in their plating, [/quote]

On mention of Tesla armor going into the vault I had to double-check if such a things were pre-war or a post-war Enclave invention. They turned out to be pre-war so you're safe. However when double checking I did notice something about the pre-war Tesla armor...

[quote=Wiki]This armor is designed to deflect energy weapons. However, its protection against impact attacks falls far short of what its military designers were looking for.[/quote]
http://fallout.wikia.com/wiki/Tesla_armor#Tesla_armor

Though it might deflect the odd round from a old .38 or some small arms it's not as balanced between energy attacks or bullets and stuff as the Enclave's post-war models of Tesla Armor. High powered weapons and most standard military gear will probably still be able to damage it.

Despite that though, I can see some people being intimidated if someone basically crawls out of the ground with electrical sparks arcing across their shoulders or something and then proceeds to vaporize a few people. Slings and spears may not be able to take 'em down still but the pre-war Tesla suits wouldn't take kindly to a wall-place rifle or assault rifle bullet.

Boerd - I'm going to have to agree with Hugs here. And you can go ahead and convert them to sailing ships, at least the smaller ones.