Tip number 1 : Try to end round one with at least 2 hacksilver income off your main board, and a boat.

Tip number 2 : Try to get an island early if you can (round 1-3) to gain bonuses.

Tip number 3 : Island income is easier to develop. It is ok in several strategies to leave your main board income at 2-3 until later rounds.

Tip number 4 : Boats can be purchased with hacksilver, and after round 1 most boats should be - though there are exceptions of course.