Make boats float

You can make an object float like a boat by adding a boat locator to it. Standard boat locators behave like dynamic locators, but also rotate in X and Z. Motor boat locators include throttle, rudder and roll attributes to realistically simulate the motion of a motor boat.

For an example of a boat in an ocean or pond, you can select a preset ocean or pond from Fluid Effects > Get Ocean/Pond Example. For example, Rowboat.ma.

For information on importing ocean examples, see Create ocean effects using example oceans or ponds.

For an example of interactively playing a motor boat simulation, see Create an Interactive boat simulation.

To make a boat

Select the object you want to make a boat, and if the scene has more than one ocean, select the ocean you want the boat to float in.
Select Fluid Effects > Ocean > Make Boats > .
The Make Boats window appears.

By default, locators are connected directly to the expression, enabling you to rename locators without breaking the expression.

If you want to move the position of the locator interactively, the locator cannot be connected directly to the expression. In this case, turn on Free Transform.
Click Make Boats.
Maya connects the object to a boat locator that has predefined expressions connected to it.
In the Extra Attributes section of the locatorShape Attribute Editor, modify the options to simulate buoyancy effects (see Dynamic locator and Boat locator). These serve as inputs to the expression.
Play the animation using the playback controls at the bottom of the Maya window.

To make a motor boat

Select the object you want to make a boat, and if the scene has more than one ocean, select the ocean you want the boat to float in.
Select Fluid Effects > Ocean > Make Motor Boats > .
The Make Motor Boats window appears.

By default, locators are connected directly to the expression, enabling you to rename locators without breaking the expression.

If you want to move the position of the locator interactively, the locator cannot be connected directly to the expression. In this case, turn on Free Transform.
Click Make Motor Boats.
Maya connects the object to a boat locator that has predefined expressions connected to it.
In the Extra Attributes section of the locatorShape Attribute Editor, modify the options to simulate buoyancy effects (see Dynamic locator and Boat locator). These serve as inputs to the expression.
Play the animation using the playback controls at the bottom of the Maya window.

Boat locator

Boat locators follow the motion of the ocean in the Y direction, but additionally rotate in X and Z to allow the boat to pitch and roll in the waves.

To add a boat locator

Select Fluid Effects > Ocean > Add Boat Locator > .
The Create Boat Locator window appears.

If you want to move the position of the locator interactively, the locator cannot be connected directly to the expression. In this case, turn on Free Transform.