Can you defeat captain crawfish with the steaming fury on Skullduggery Island?

Normally, only the most powerful ship, the Phoenix Warbird (using the Cannoneer) can defeat Captain Crawfish. There is a tiny chance of beating him with the Steaming Fury ironclad. The problem is that he will stay close to the Pirate Outpost and simply dock there to repair his damage (as you can). You would need to be very lucky, so the usual plan is to fork out the million doubloons for the Phoenix (and hire the Cannoneer).

*If you are attacked by Captain Crawfish, one way to hit him is to let him chase you. If you fire cannon shots almost "straight up" (aimed above your own ship), they will fall onto him as he pursues you.