Boat Simulator for Training ?

[Time To Relax]

Is there something out there that is a simulator for teaching the basics of maneuvering a boat? (twin screw)

 

[kaz911]

First step - on the forum menu - click the Extra's Dropdown button - then click on the Docking Simulator

 

[mwph]

Used to be one here on this site. I can't tell from this IPad toy I'm using but it may be no longer operational...

http://www.pigdogtoad.com/customer/boemarine/boat_docking/03_29_07/docking_school.html

 

[Time To Relax]

I saw the one on this sight but I'm looking for something more realistic. Theres got to be something out there RC model with realistic controls a training game ! I would like to use it to give my wife some basics before we take out the dock and sink the boat!

 

[Red Stripe]

Not sure what level of sophistication you're looking for but here are a couple of links...

Software: http://www.shipsim.com/products/shipsimulatorextremes

Controller: http://www.shipsim.com/products/shipcontrolunit

I demoed a pretty incredible simulator from The Annapolis School of Seamanship at the NY Boat Show that puts you at the helm and feels as visually realistic as a simulator can. A friend who demoed it as well went looking for the home version and stumbled upon those links. Don't know if the software above accomplishes the simulation as elegantly as well but worth a look. The controller linked looks very much like the one the simulator used and could, in fact, be the same.

 

[Time To Relax]

Thanks Guys That looks interesting but not close enough to my basic dual controls. Before DTS dual controls have been the same for 100 years.

 

[HUMPH]

The best thing is to take your boat on the water and practice out in the open but act as though you are in your marina. Practice in. Alm and windy conditions so you feel how the boat reacts. You can always hire a captain to work with you for a cople of hours.

 

[ZZ13]

What HUMPH said. Have her practice maneuvering the boat in open water somewhere with throttles only at idle speed. Don't let her touch the steering wheel. Your 340 with V-drives is one of the easier mid-sized cruisers to handle around the dock so that will help.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

It's difficult to get a good idea of what your boat is doing while practicing on open water if there is current and/or wind. The novice boater will often assume that the boat will travel in the direction to which it is steered. We all know that doesn't happen under most conditions.

What has been helpful to me in the past is to use a buoy that is surrounded by safe water for a boat your size and try and use it as a point of reference while performing your dock simulation. A good exercise is attempting to remain stationary with either your stern or bow kept close to the buoy which will train you how to position your boat during breezy conditions. It also gives you an opportunity to back off of your position, spin the boat, and line up again with the opposite end of the boat - all without going any further than necessary from the floating reference point. That will help you at the dock when you have to abandon your approach (we've all been there) and come back for another try. If your marina is like most, there's limited manouvering room and it's easy to panic if you're not sure of your abilities as the captain. Once you're confident there, move the exercise to a vacant part of the marina.

Ask a couple of dock buddies to go with you for additional help. You'll probably have no trouble getting volunteers! Just don't try and gain all your skills in one day. If you become frustrated, let it go and try another time. Any knowlege is a building process.

This should be both fun and rewarding! :grin:

 

[northern]

A captain is a good idea. My wife got one to show her how the boat works. Did better job than me. Not cheap but worth it. She works on 1 hour sesions then tries what she learned by herself. Has done a lot of good. She drew little pictures of what to do.
Practice and lots of it. Remember you have insurace if you damage other boats.