not sure if theyll let you return it slightly used

Well the Chapayev is an "event" ship, and it gets its own harbour slot.

Though it looks like one can re-buy the Chapeyev and the Emden from the new ship window, so selling now and re-buying down the road might be possible... but don't take my word for it, I just let my Chapeyev and Emden sit there collecting barnacles.