A world champion river racing driver has helped launch Cruden’s new powerboat simulator for the attractions industry.

‘PowerBoat 5CTR’, a five-seater simulator, uses an actual 16ft Phantom racing powerboat body. It was unveiled at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo in Orlando this week to a packed audience, with champion driver Ricky Maldonado and three passengers taking to the waves.

Cruden says its Powerboat 5CTR, which was originally announced in September, brings an unprecedented level of accuracy and realism to the boat race/ride experience. The company has applied the same, detailed modeling approach to wave and boat dynamics and professional image generation as it takes with its race car simulators.

For example, data from the Dutch military on its fast interceptor vessels and security boats, as well as from Florida powerboat specialists and drivers, was used to ensure accuracy of motion.

“We are delighted at the reaction to the PowerBoat 5CTR from the attendees at the show,” said Cruden commercial director, Frank Kalff. “The IAAPA Attractions Expo is the perfect place to launch such a new concept; this is the first time we have needed to talk to water parks and wet attraction developers, and they are all here.”

Providing a group experience, two riders sit at the front to control the helm, throttle, trim and navigation, while three others participate in the action from the back seats. Two or more boats are able to race against each other.

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