Right. So you don't actually have Max? (not being a modeler it would be a little crazy to have such an expensive program just sitting there L) but rather some MAX models you want to use in Poser?

You can't import .max files to Poser. Poser doesn't know what to do with that format. You CAN however import both 3DS (which technically is a Max format, too) and .obj. Poser prefers .obj to .3ds but will import both.

Which kind is your spaceships?

Often, when you download space ship models as .obj's there's a texture file or two included (I know I have some nice Star Trek meshes that comes like that) and in that case it's fairly easy to go into the material room, use the eyedropper to select the ship's surface, and add the texture map. If you stay at the Basic Material Room at first, it's very straightforward. No weird nodes or anything.

But tell us more first: Which mesh is it and did it come with any textures in the zip? 

FREEBIES! | My Gallery | My Store | My FB | Tumblr |
You just can't put the words "Poserites" and "happy" in the same sentence - didn't you know that? LaurieA
  Using Poser since 2002. Currently at Version 11.1 - Win 10.