Suggestions for repelling pirates?

Can I get some suggestions for fighting off pirates? I'm building out a colony and while my Panther Clipper is armed, I'm not able to turn it around fast enough to actually hit anyone. Just now and then when they're dumb enough to get in front of me.

The weapons are all turreted, a mix of pulse lasers and multi-cannons. I have them set to fire at will. Thrusters are engineered to grade 2. I'll upgrade them as soon as I collect some more materials.

The latest attack came while I was trying to dock at a construction site, so I had help from the station and System Authority ships. Good thing too, because dynamic maneuvering that close to a station gives me the willies. But usually I get interdicted on the trip out from the star.