This, but you can only reliably take out the engines if you put a skill point in targeting. Then there is a trick to sell them for a bit more. First find all contraband on the ship or you'll get caught when you enter most systems. Then sit in the chair to take ownership. Press Tab or whatever controller equivalent for the menu is, and pick Ship in the lower left corner. There should then be a key to press to register the ship and for some reason it's cheaper there than at dealers. Then the ship can be sold.

Oh also you can't fly some ships without upgrading your pilot level to B or C. I boarded a really nice pirate ship and couldn't fly it, had to leave it. :(