Small Ships Mod Controls: Steer, Set Sails and Row

The biggest change from vanilla boats is momentum. Small Ships Mod vessels speed up gradually, drift in turns and take time to stop. Once that clicks, sailing feels natural and far more satisfying than rowing a vanilla boat.

Boarding and taking the helm

Right-click a ship to board it. The first player aboard usually takes the steering position; everyone else becomes a passenger. Steering uses your normal movement keys, and pressing Shift gets you off the ship just like a vanilla boat.

Setting the sails

Sailing ships move by opening and closing their sails in stages. More sail means more speed. Key bindings can change between mod versions, so open Options, Controls, Key Binds and look for the Small Ships category. Rebind anything that clashes with other mods you use.

Rowing oar ships

The galley and drakkar can be rowed, which gives precise control in narrow rivers or when you need to turn in place. A good habit: use oars to leave the harbour, then switch to sail once you are in open water.

Docking without crashing

• Reduce sail well before the dock; ships keep gliding.
• Approach at an angle rather than head-on.
• Build docks with a wide, open channel so you have room to turn.
• Light your harbour so you can judge distance at night.

Planning good routes

Deep, open ocean is where sailing ships shine. Shallow water, sandbars and thick kelp slow you down or ground the hull, so plan routes along deeper channels. Placing lit buoys or pillars along regular routes makes night voyages much easier.