[Suicide Junkie]

Perhaps the best place to start would be with an Evolutionary Ship Design method:
- Use the biggest hull availiable, up to Battlecruiser.
- Add Bridge/Lifesupport/Crew Quarters
- Add as many engines as you can, then try a solar sail if you've got one.
- Divide the remaining space at about 50%/50% into offensive and defensive components.
- copy the design, and tweak it a bit, however you like.
- Open the in-game simulator, and play two or three tactical combats on auto.
- If possible, test your two designs against an enemy craft.
- Delete the loser design, copy and tweak the winner design.