Would it be worth splitting the book, specifically having the rules in one volume, one with scenarios then having one for the ships - or perhaps a couple for the ships.
Thinking practicality during the game, if the rules are like V1 they will be pretty short and workable, but something you will need to refer to a few times - thus something you want to carry about with you.
The scenarios you obviously need but in a separate volume (ideally something thats not too hard to cut the spine from and spiral bind), can then be left at the appropriate page.
Ships become something you use as a reference volume, noting the stats (or if they are SSD type data sheets photocopying to scribble on the ones you need), the main volume then left in the bag.
Due to the lack of terrain required this actually then becomes a highly portable game, a lightweight rulebook and perhaps scenario book (maybe one volume but easy to 'split') and a larger reference book which is easy to expand should the desire take you - though it does sound like this will be a near definitive reference book for WW2..
May also reduce the production costs slightly, while at the same time adding playability value - card slip case for the lot, shrink wrap and done.