So, you want to make a Minecraft boat? You want to take to the seas with the wind in your pixelated ponytail as you navigate the calm and sometimes treacherous waters, which kind of depends on which Minecraft shaders you’re using.
Minecraft boats have room for you and another Minecraft mob. However, your pet can only be removed from the boat either with a lead or a fishing rod, which we recommend using and not using the boat for evil, like drowning any mobs – play nice. Here’s the Minecraft boat recipe and how to make a boat, use it, and, if you really fancy stepping it up a notch, a tutorial on creating a decorative yacht, too.
So whether you want to start with the basics, a small rowing boat for you and your pet pig, or to parade the ocean in a flamboyant ship or a stylish yacht. Our guide on how to make a boat in the crafting game, and how to use your new vehicle will give you the perfect jumping-off point.
How to make a boat in Minecraft
If you want the humble fishing boat to get you started, it’s better to practice your rowing skills before committing to a bigger build.
To create a boat in the Java Edition, you’ll need to place three of the same type of wood planks along the bottom row, then two more in the left and right spaces in the middle row.
You can use any type of wood, depending on the aesthetic you’re after, but it has to be the same type throughout (you can’t mix and match Oak with Birch, for example). Here are all the wood types you can craft a boat out of:
- Oak planks
- Spruce planks
- Birch planks
- Jungle planks
- Acadia planks
- Dark Oak planks
For the Bedrock edition, you’ll need the same wood to add a wooden shovel in the middle space of the crafting grid.
How to use a boat in Minecraft
Here are all the useful controls for how to use a boat in Minecraft:
- Mount – use the item key to get in the boat
- Exit – use the sneak key to exit the boat
- Forward, left, right, backwards – these keys turn the direction of the boat
- Vision – use the sprint key to increase the field of vision
Now you’re the proud owner of your little boat, here are a few things you need to know. Boats are influenced by the water current, so they will either move in the direction of the water flow or with your controls. If you’re running into nothing but dry land, try these Minecraft seeds to set up a spot to sail away in your new build.
Boats are pretty safe, they can’t be destroyed in a collision on water, surprisingly, as they only have four health and can be destroyed in a single blow with a weapon doing over four damage. You’ll also never be hungry on your boat, making it a nifty way to traverse the universe, saving on supplies as you set off on your voyage.
Minecraft yacht
If you want to create something a little more luxurious to host your friends, this tutorial on building a simple, yet stylish small yacht is a great place to start. Keralis has dipped into other luxury Minecraft builds, such as Minecraft houses and even super yachts, featuring modern Minecraft kitchens.
Minecraft ship
It may not be the most intimidating vessel, but if you’re after a gargantuan ship fit for Long John Silver, then start small and work your way up with this Minecraft ship tutorial that’ll only take you about 30 minutes to finish. By the end, you’ll have your own ship, complete with decking, fluffy white sails, and a hidden trapdoor.
Now that you have your own Minecraft boats, you can enhance them with one of the many unique Minecraft mods. You can also check out the latest features in the Minecraft 1.20 update and details on how to join the Minecraft beta snapshot versions so you can try them out in advance.