New Hampshire Boat Museum to debut Boating Skills Virtual Trainer

MOULTONBOROUGH — A new Boating Skills Virtual Trainer at the New Hampshire Boat Museum will provide visitors with the chance to practice docking, pulling away, and safely handling a recreational powerboat in a controlled environment.

“This is a chance to learn boating skills without getting wet,” said NHBM Executive Director Devon Kurtz. “You won't fall off the dock, and your mistakes won't land you in the boatyard. It's a safe way to really understand what it takes to skipper a boat.”

Opening in late August, the trainer is built around the Boating Safety VT, the marine industry's premier interactive, simulation-based boating safety program. Rather than a video game, it is an educational tool that introduces students to small watercraft handling and the skills required for the proper and safe operation of a recreational powerboat.

“This isn't just pushing buttons and turning a wheel,” said Kurtz. “It's about really understanding how to skipper a boat. It's probably best suited for elementary school and up, and we expect it will be a docent-led activity as part of the museum experience.”

To make the experience as authentic as possible, NHBM volunteers are constructing a “boat” around the simulator. The setup features a 49-inch curved HD monitor whose large aspect ratio creates an immersive view of the water, along with a wheel, a Mercury Marine throttle with trim buttons, navigation lights, and a horn.

The trainer was made possible through the generosity of several donors. The Mark O'Connell Foundation, whose mission is to promote safety on Lake Winnipesaukee, contributed to the project, as did an anonymous private donor. Eastern Boat Works provided the seating and console.

To learn more about the Boating Skills Virtual Trainer or other museum programming, visit nhbm.org.