[quote=@Xiro Zean]
<Snipped quote by DruSM157>

Hmmm. How does the engine protect the ship and hide it? Magic, I'm guessing, but how does the application of it play out? Does it blast the beasts with pressurized water or something?

I'm guessing that aether-forged weapons are greater than their metallic counterparts, but how much? Is it just a durability difference, or do they have special abilities tied to them because of their aetheric nature?
[/quote]

Usually the protection is a barrier or making the boat silent as it moves through the water, depending on if it’s sun or moon aetherite. Different ships have different abilities. Big ships may want a powerful barrier so they can do battle with pirates or beats they are hunting. Smaller ships may want to be hidden to sneak around these beasts to find treasure troves. 

Aether weapons are more powerful and usually have elemental properties. Ice axes, lightning spears, etc.