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Pirate Ships

Pirate ships should feel heavy. They should not snap to every small wave.

Use 8-12 float points:

  • Bow left and right.
  • Midship left and right.
  • Stern left and right.
  • Optional centerline support points.

Place points near the expected waterline, not at the bottom of the hull.

Starting Values

Rigidbody Mass: 500 - 2500
Buoyancy Strength: 2 - 6
Point Radius: 0.6 - 1.2
Max Point Force: 100 - 400
Water Drag: 0.8 - 1.5
Water Angular Drag: 1.5 - 4
Surface Normal Influence: 0.05 - 0.2
Height Smoothing: 0.15 - 0.35
Normal Smoothing: 0.25 - 0.6
Upright Stability: 1 - 3
Upright Damping: 1 - 3

Tuning Order

  1. Tune Buoyancy Strength until the ship rests at a good height.
  2. Tune Point Radius so the ship does not flicker between floating and falling.
  3. Increase Water Angular Drag if roll is too fast.
  4. Increase Normal Smoothing if tilt is too sharp.
  5. Lower Surface Normal Influence if the hull follows waves too aggressively.

Common Issues

Symptom Try
Ship launches upward Lower Buoyancy Strength or Max Point Force.
Ship feels too stiff Lower Upright Stability or Water Angular Drag.
Ship tilts too sharply Increase Normal Smoothing.
Ship does not roll enough Increase Surface Normal Influence or lower Water Angular Drag.