Simulator for boating applications for a retired pilot

[tbranton]

I'm a recent convert to boating (R-21ec) from the world of aviation. There we have a number of simulators available to practice flight maneuvers. Is anyone aware of a nice home simulator (hardware and/or software) available to do the same for boating? I am hoping that some simulator practice will avoid a hard dock landing next summer. As an aside, I am amazed at how much flying knowledge also applies to boating. Thanks everyone. Tom

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.

 

[bob daily]

Mr. Tom, I am not aware of any simulators for small pleasure boats, as most people just use there vessels as a learning tool. But a remote control tug boat would be basically the same as a simulator.
They are sold at most hobby stores and on line (Amazon), would be fun to hone your docking skills without the worry of costly repair bills. Remember docking is just a controlled crash to the dock!
Good luck. Bob

 

[Rauguthj]

Tom:

Look at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/boat-master/id1349495816. There are a few simulator programs out there in the apple apps store.

Joe

 

[knotflying]

Having been a former pilot and used simulators, I am not sure a simulator for boating would be as effective. Using a real flight simulator gives you the "feel" of actually flying the plane and also builds your skills reading the instruments etc. A simulator for a boat run from a computer will be missing the "feel" needed while boating and docking. My experience is that each boat is unique with how the throttle feels and responds then add boat dynamics and how it responds to wind and current. Each boat is different with how it is loaded and what you have on top etc. My advice is get out there and practice with your boat under different conditions. Always follow the docking rule: Go as fast as you want to hit the dock.

 

[JamesTXSD]

I am a non-current pilot (commercial/instrument/multi-engine) whose second career was driving commercial boats. I have been in very realistic flight simulators. When asked about the difference between driving boats and flying an airplane, the difference for the need for a boat simulator is very obvious: if things get confusing on a boat, you can pull back the throttle(s) and sit for a moment to assess the situation (neutral is your friend). 😉 That said, the same order of things applies to both: aviate, navigate, communicate... drive the boat, know where you are and where you're headed, radio use as necessary. Vigilance is required on both. You can "slow practice" on a boat.

From my experience, the best way to learn a boat is time spent in the boat. And, lots of practice.

 

[tlkenyon]

My suspicion is that for a boating simulator to be as meaningful a learning tool as a "real" flight simulator, someone would need to invest a very large sum of $$ for the development of such a simulator. Meaningful flight simulators that are effective learning tools are very expensive to develop and operate - and I am not talking about the ones available on the App store or something like MS Flight. The boating simulators I have seen are kinda fun but have very little application in the real world of wind, current and boat-specific conditions. Fun....but that's about it.

 

[SJI Sailor]

There is one specific kind of simulator for boating that I have found slightly useful: a radar simulator. Starpath offers one, although I do not think it is worth the price on its own for recreational boaters. However, you can get it bundled with their radar class. That class has more about radar than most folks want to know, but it is also very informative! The simulator pairs with their course to perform specific radar navigation tasks and solve problems.

Note that the radar class relies on pen & paper charting, so a prerequisite is strong paper charting skills (which are taught in their coastal navigation course, also excellent if you want detailed navigation practice with paper charts). https://www.starpath.com/catalog/courses/courses_index.htm

 

[R29Sunshine]

Speaking of flight simulators.....I have a friend whose son just call about an aviation career.

Which flight simulation programs did you use?
Which would you recommend for a beginner?

Appreciate the recommendations 🙂

Thanks,

Tim K.

 

[knotflying]

I have used Microsoft flight simulator. Keep in mind that this is far from what a real simulator can do. You can get a bit more sophisticated with it at a cost. They sell a cockpit setup with pedals yoke etc. that can be hooked up to it. It will give you a better and more realistic experience and help significantly with instrument training. However a real simulator that will pitch and roll will give you the ultimate learning experience.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

Speaking of flight simulators.....I have a friend whose son just call about an aviation career.

Which flight simulation programs did you use?
Which would you recommend for a beginner?

How old is the son? If he’s in his early teens or older, get him some flying lessons in a real airplane to learn stick and rudder skills.

What a computer-based simulator is good for is as a procedures trainer for avionics and navigation.