[Suicide Junkie]

If you have religious tech, the Talisman (Tech Lev 4) will solve all your offense woes.

In the meantime, Missile weapons will work (100% to hit) until PD cannons appear. High-energy Discharge weapons have some nice bonuses to-hit.
You could also try ramming ships and drones, (guaranteed to hit)

As for defense, there's not much you can do. Either stick with smaller hulls for the defense bonuses, or get the really big ones and take your lumps using heavy shields and armor.