Most of my experience has been sea trials on Zodiac Hurricanes. I worked in the old factory (now closed) in Richmond, BC. In the Navy I did do navigation and handling training on a
YAG. That was the only "naval" vessel (which a YAG barely qualifies as) I have ever handled myself. Other then that alot of pleasure boat exp.
It does make a difference though. In SHIII I used to always back my sub into the pens. Watching
some people I have gotten into the game has been painful at times.. as groomsie was saying, there is an ability to eyeball and more importantly, to anticipate needed. Most people are only used to controlling vehicles with much more motive friction then a boat, they expect stopping to happen shortly after throttling down. Lack of actual brakes + heave and swell just add to the confusion.