Everything You Need to Know About Pirate Ship Amusement Rides (2026 Edition)

Whether you're planning a theme park, carnival, or outdoor amusement attraction, the pirate ship ride remains one of the most iconic and thrilling choices. Known by names like swinging ship ride, pirate ship amusement ride, or pirate ship carnival ride, this attraction blends classic motion with timeless design.

In this full guide, we’ll take you behind the scenes—from the durable materials used in the pirate ship amusement park ride, to how it’s powered, packaged, and safely delivered worldwide. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a park operator looking for long-term reliability, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Everything You Need To Know About the Pirate Ship

Looking for the latest on Corsair devices? This 2026 guide has all the answers you need.

What is a Pirate Ship Ride?

The pirate ship ride is a kind of amusement facility that is designed to resemble a large pirate ship, so it is also called a swinging ship ride or a Viking ship ride. The back and forth swing simulates the sailing of a ship in the sea, allowing passengers to experience the thrill of ups and downs. This equipment is very popular among tourists at carnivals and in amusement parks.

When was the Pirate Ship Amusement Ride Invented?

After 120 years of development, amusement park equipment manufacturers have continuously improved and adapted the design to meet people's entertainment needs. The pirate ship has evolved into what we see in amusement parks today. Compared with those made only of wood a century ago, today’s pirate ships are constructed with solid steel frames and lightweight fiberglass, making them much more durable. Notable examples include Pharaoh's Fury, Sea Ray, and Viking Ship (Schiffsschaukeln).

Nowadays, pirate ships come in more diverse forms, including models that can rotate 360 degrees in addition to swinging, as well as mini pirate ships designed specifically for children.

What Makes the Pirate Ship Amusement Ride Unique?

The main core action of a pirate ship is a large swing similar to that of a pendulum, which can often swing at an angle of more than 60°. Some large and thrilling pirate ships can swing up to 75 degrees. The thrill of weightlessness can accelerate the rider's heartbeat and trigger adrenaline secretion. There are more types of pirate ships now, such as pirate ships that are more suitable for children to play, with a smaller swing amplitude, which is more friendly to families and children.

What are the Types of Pirate Ship Rides?

The swing amplitude of the pirate ship amusement park ride varies depending on the type of equipment. It is generally divided into small, medium, large and specially customized models. The larger the swing angle, the stronger the sense of weightlessness and excitement it brings, and it also puts higher requirements on structural design and safety standards. The following are the common swing angles of these types:

How Does the Pirate Ship Carnival Ride Work?

The pirate ship amusement park ride operates much like a mechanical pendulum. Its swinging motion is powered by rollers installed beneath the ship’s base. These rollers come into contact with the underside of the ship.

When the system is powered on, the rollers begin to rotate and push the ship into motion. Each time the ship swings down to its lowest point, it reconnects with the rollers, which then provide an extra boost of power—allowing the next swing to go higher.

When the swinging ship ride reaches a central position or tilts to at least a 30-degree angle from the ground, the rollers help the operator adjust the direction of motion, either clockwise or counterclockwise, around the central pivot. This controlled propulsion system ensures smooth, powerful, and thrilling swings with each cycle.

How does a Pirate Ship Amusement Ride Move?

We mentioned above how the swinging ship ride gets its power; now, let's talk about the swinging principle: Much like the big pendulum ride, the Pirate Ship ride swings back and forth like a giant mechanical pendulum. It is suspended from a central pivot and can swing back and forth, left and right, strictly speaking, clockwise and counterclockwise.

How Does a Pirate Ship Ride Stop?

The braking system is an important guarantee for safety and is also the part that SUNHONG has tested the most when manufacturing the Pirate Ship. After the bottom roller is powered off, the Pirate Ship loses power. In theory, it will slowly stop due to energy loss, but this will take a long time and the amusement park will lose waiting passengers, so a braking system needs to be added.

The braking system integrates the brake hub, brake wheel, and cylinder. These components work together to allow the cylinder to push the brake wheel to rub against the main beam, thereby stopping the amusement facility.

What is the Physics of the Pirate Ship Carnival Ride?

As mentioned above, the pirate ship swings like a pendulum—and its motion is also similar to the ticking of a watch’s second hand. A fixed pivot at the top serves as the central axis, while powered rollers at the bottom provide the driving force. With this setup, the ship moves back and forth from left to right in a continuous swinging motion.

Is It Safe to Ride a Pirate Ship Amusement Ride?

Pirate ship amusement rides have a history of over 120 years and have been continuously refined to ensure scientific and safe design. As long as you choose a reliable and professional manufacturer, you don’t need to worry about the safety of the equipment. SUNHONG, with 20 years of experience in producing pirate ship rides, places great emphasis on product testing and safety standards. You can choose us with confidence—we provide one-stop safety training and operational guidance for amusement parks, ensure safe equipment usage, and offer free safety and product testing services, giving you complete peace of mind.

What Is the Risk of a Pirate Ship Ride Malfunctioning?

The risk of a pirate ship amusement ride failing is very low if the ride is manufactured and maintained by a qualified ride supplier. Modern pirate ship rides are manufactured to strict safety standards (such as ISO9001) and national regulations (such as China's GB8408). They use high-strength steel structures, safety restraints, and automatic control systems, including emergency stop functions and fault detection.

Most amusement parks perform routine inspections every day, week, and year to ensure the safe operation of all mechanical and electrical systems. Failures are extremely rare and are usually caused by improper maintenance or the use of inferior equipment.

Choosing a reputable manufacturer—like SUNHONG, with 20 years of production experience—significantly reduces any risk. We conduct full product testing, including stress testing and safety system verification, before delivery. As long as the ride is used and maintained properly, the chances of a malfunction are minimal.

How to Handle a Pirate Ship Ride Breakdown？

When your Corsair amusement ride has a technical problem, you should first contact the original equipment supplier to dispatch an engineer for inspection and repair.

Many reputable Chinese amusement equipment manufacturers, including Shunhong Amusement, provide reliable technical support services and can dispatch professional engineers to your location for on-site troubleshooting and repairs. Before the professional repair personnel arrive, you can perform the following simple checks:

• Check all fastening bolts for looseness

• Lubricate the rocker pivot points

• Repair or replace bearing assemblies as needed

• Check the inverter for error codes or component failures

• Test the electrical system insulation integrity

• Verify ground connections and functionality

How to Respond When a Pirate Ship Ride Loses Power？

First, it is important to clarify that a power outage on a pirate ship ride will not cause any safety danger:

1. The seats are locked with buckles. Even if there is a power outage, they will not loosen, so passengers will not face any safety risks.

2. Standard pirate ship rides are equipped with a braking device that activates after a power outage, which can stop the equipment quickly and safely, allowing passengers to exit safely.

3. Even if the braking system fails after a power outage, the pirate ship without power will still swing slowly and eventually stop due to the loss of kinetic energy. Therefore, even if the braking system doesn’t work, the pirate ship will still come to a safe stop.

Correct actions to take after a power outage:

1. On-site staff should use radio or wireless audio equipment to inform passengers to remain calm, follow instructions, and not leave their seats or release the safety buckles.

2. Check the equipment’s user manual and operate the system according to the standard procedures to restart the ride and activate the braking system.

3. Notify the equipment manufacturer and arrange for engineers to inspect and repair the electrical circuits.

Is It Possible to Protect a Pirate Ship Ride from Lightning?

It is impossible to completely prevent amusement equipment from being struck by lightning, because the height and steel structure of the equipment mean that amusement equipment is easily struck by lightning. However, some measures can reduce the probability of lightning strikes and the safety hazards caused by them:

1. Build a lightning rod in the amusement park. The lightning rod should be the highest structure in the amusement park to help attract lightning strikes.

2. Amusement equipment needs to be connected to a ground wire. Professional amusement equipment manufacturers will help connect the equipment to the ground wire when installing the pirate ship to divert the current from lightning strikes into the ground.

3. The operation of the pirate ship should be stopped during thunderstorm weather. Strictly speaking, the operation of the entire amusement park should be stopped to ensure the safety of tourists.

Manufacturing and Packaging Details

Which Material is Used in the Manufacturing of Pirate Ship Rides?

• The main structure is built with galvanized or powder-coated steel, offering strong load-bearing capacity and excellent corrosion resistance.

• The outer shell and themed decorations are made from Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP)—lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant.

• Seats are made from HDPE or PU foam, combining comfort and durability.

• Safety components, such as lap bars and restraints, are constructed from stainless steel or reinforced carbon steel.

• The flooring includes PVC anti-slip mats for added safety.

• The swing mechanism is powered by electric motors with pulley and belt systems, all housed in weatherproof steel enclosures.

• Pirate-themed decorations (flags, sails, cannons) use FRP or coated metals, and are suitable for long-term outdoor use.

• LED lighting and audio systems are fully sealed to resist moisture and UV exposure.

How Do You Check the Quality of the swinging pirate ship ride?

Quality is ensured through multi-step inspections during and after production:

• Structural welding and steel frame testing

• Load testing of the swing arm and motor system

• Electrical safety checks and control system debugging

• Emergency brake test to ensure the ride can stop safely in case of power loss or malfunction

• Final factory trial runs before delivery

Customers can also request third-party inspections (e.g., SGS, TUV) for added assurance.

What Is the Quality Certification of the Swinging Pirate Ship Ride?

SUNHONG swinging pirate ship rides comply with major international standards and can be certified with:

• CE (European Safety Compliance)

• ASTM (American Standards)

• TÜV (Germany Technical Inspection)

• ISO 9001 (Quality Management System)

• SASO (For Middle East markets)

How Does the Manufacturer Package the Pirate Ship Ride?

SUNHONG uses professional export packaging to ensure safety during long-distance shipping:

• Steel parts are wrapped with foam or film and fixed securely in steel frames

• Sensitive electrical components are packed in custom wooden cases for extra protection

• All components are clearly labeled and coded to simplify on-site installation

• A full packing list and loading photos are provided before shipment

• The shipping container is secured with a customized coded lock, and the password is only shared with the buyer and SUNHONG—ensuring the container cannot be opened in transit and protecting against cargo loss or tampering

Do Chinese Pirate Ship Ride Sellers Provide After-Sale Service?

Yes, reliable manufacturers like SUNHONG offer full after-sales support, including:

• On-site or remote installation guidance

• Operator training and operation manual

• Spare parts supply and long-term technical assistance

• Engineers provide free on-site guidance and only need to pay travel expenses

• Quick response to faults or questions via email, phone, or video support

We ensure that every customer receives turnkey service from shipment to operation.

Installation, Delivery, and Operation

What Are the Requirements to Install a Pirate Ship Ride in an Amusement Park?

Building amusement equipment requires a solid reinforced concrete foundation, ground length, and space height, and a stable power supply.

How to Install a Pirate Ship Boat Ride?

After SUNHONG's pirate ship amusement park ride arrives at the amusement park, our installation engineers will perform the following: unloading, anchoring the base, assembling the rocker and cockpit, wiring, and safety testing.

How Long Does It Take to Install the Pirate Ship Ride?

It usually takes 7–15 days, depending on the model size and site conditions.

What Geologic Conditions Are Required for Installing the Pirate Ship Boat Ride?

Soft ground will cause the amusement equipment to sink, so there must be solid and load-bearing ground, and a reinforced concrete foundation is best.

How to Operate a Pirate Ship Boat Ride?

SUNHONG's installation engineers will provide training and business guidance to amusement park managers, and will also be equipped with an operation manual so that the equipment can operate in a standardized manner. The training includes: mastering startup, emergency stop, and daily safety inspections.

Which Countries Are Allowed to Import Pirate Ship Rides from China?

Most countries around the world can import. SUNHONG cooperates with more than 60 countries, and our Corsairs are widely recognized and welcomed. We provide a series of certificates required for Corsairs, such as CE, TUV, ISO 9001, and SASO, and provide comprehensive customs support.

How Many Days Will Deliver a Pirate Ship Ride to the US from China?

It usually takes 20–35 days to ship by sea to the United States, depending on the port and the ship schedule.

Maintenance and Technical Specifications

How to maintain the Corsair?

According to the training guidance and equipment operation manual provided by SUNHONG, daily inspections and regular maintenance are carried out, including checking bolts and mechanical joints, checking control cabinets and lines, cleaning motors and bearings, and lubricating all moving parts.

What Are the Main Components of a Swinging Ship Ride?

1. Ship Body

The ship's body consists mainly of the steel frame, seat assembly, safety bar system, and mast components.

• Steel Frame: The main structure of the ride that supports both the passengers and the weight and forces of the equipment.

• Seat Assembly: Where passengers sit and enjoy the ride experience.

• Safety Bar System: Ensures the safety of passengers during operation.

• Mast Components: Decorative elements that enhance the overall appearance of the ride.

2. Drive System

Comprised of the driving system and braking system.

• Driving System: Includes the chassis, drive brackets, motor, wheels, and hydraulic cylinders. It provides the power and friction needed for the swinging motion.

• Braking System: Includes the brake chassis, brackets, brake wheels, brake devices, and push rod cylinders. It controls the speed and stops the ride when necessary.

3. Suspension Frame

Mainly composed of square and rectangular tubes.

• Function: Connects the ship body with the support structure and withstands the forces and torque generated during the ride’s motion.

4. Support Structure

Includes columns, connecting beams, and horizontal beams.

• Function: Provides stable support for the suspension frame, ensuring the structural integrity of the entire ride.

5. Platform

Constructed from steel profiles, connected with bolts to handrails and other components.

• Function: Provides a safe and convenient access point for passengers to board and exit the ride.

6. Electrical System

Uses a PLC interlock control system and includes a control box, distribution cabinet, lighting, and sound system.

• Function: Manages the ride’s operation and performance, ensuring safe and reliable functioning.

How Much Power Does the Corsair Consume to Complete the Entire Movement?

According to the power of each Corsair, a simple calculation can be made. For example, a 24-seat Corsair usually uses a 7.5-kW motor, and the power consumption for each operating cycle (5-8 minutes) is about 1.5-2.5 kWh. You can calculate it according to the following calculation formula:

Electricity (kWh) = Rated Power (kW) × (Running Time (min) ÷ 60)

Can I customize the voltage and frequency of the Corsair?

Yes, SUNHONG supports customized voltage (such as 220V/380V) and frequency (50Hz or 60Hz) according to the standards of your country/region. Please confirm the required specifications when placing an order.

Complete Guide to the Cost of Pirate Ship Rides

How Much Does a Pirate Ship Ride Cost in 2025?

In 2025, the price of a pirate ship will range from $30,000 to $120,000, depending on size, design, seating capacity, and features. Smaller pirate ships designed for children are more affordable.

What Factors Affect the Price (Size, Motion Type, Power)?

Many factors affect the price:

• Size and capacity: The more seats, the larger the structure, the higher the cost of steel and accessories

• Motion type: The addition of single-axis, dual-axis swing, or 360° rotation functions will increase the R&D and design costs of the equipment, so the cost will also be higher

• Power system: The heavier pirate ship amusement facilities require greater motor power and stronger materials.

• Themes and customization: IP customization, color painting, LED lights, or themed car design will increase the cost.

• Certifications: Certificates required for import to each country, such as CE, ASTM, or other certifications, may increase the cost of the equipment

International Shipping, Taxes, and Certification (CE, ASTM, etc.)

Shipping costs vary by destination—typically $2,000 to $10,000 for sea freight, depending on size and port. Import duties and VAT depend on your local laws.

SUNHONG provides international certifications like CE, ASTM, TUV, and ISO 9001, helping smooth customs clearance and ensuring product quality compliance.

How SUNHONG Supports Turnkey Installation and After-Sales

SUNHONG offers one-stop service, including on-site installation, operation training, and maintenance support.

Installation: Engineers assist with assembly and testing.

Training: Operators are guided through safety checks and controls.

After-Sales: Spare parts supply, remote diagnostics, and long-term technical support ensure smooth operation.

SUNHONG offers full customization, secure international shipping, and professional installation support. If you're looking for a high-quality, reliable pirate ship carnival ride, SUNHONG is your trusted one-stop solution—bringing thrills, safety, and durability to parks around the world.