Sailboats - Script Free Sailing EXPANDED SSE
⚪ Last updated 2021⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
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🔍 Analysis
- 👍 1.8% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #68 of 73 Creatures and Mounts mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
"That's what a ship is, you know. It's not a keel and a hull and a deck and sails; that's what a ship needs. But what a ship is . . . is freedom."
-Captain Jack Sparrow
Ever wanted to take advantage of Skyrim's rushing waterways, or explore its frozen shores? Ever stood on the edge of the Sea of Ghosts and felt the call of the waves? Ever wanted to travel from port to port without swimming or walking? Now you can! This mod adds several simple to use boats that let you venture forth into the ocean's embrace, like a true Nord!
This mod takes ElstarTomas's popular script-free boat mod (https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/67727) and expands it by added a few more boat types and locations, including actual sailboats. The sailboats have "realistic" sails that raise and lower when the boat is being used. All of the other functionality from the original mod is still preserved, and all of the original spells for Inventory, Boarding, etc. should apply flawlessly to all of the new boats.
This is a mod that I've wanted to do for years, but just never gave it a try until now. It ended up being way easier than I thought it would be! There are a number of boat mods out there, but none of them are as easy to use or natural-feeling at ElstarThomas's. He manages to simplify the process just enough that it doesn't become tedious, while still achieving a realistic boat feel. The biggest drawback is that the boat just steadily cruises along, which feels unnatural for something that you're rowing.
However, this motion works perfectly for a sailboat! With that in mind, I took a few of DeviantKhaled's phenomenal boat models and used them as new boat options. I kept the original mod completely intact, so that the original canoe will still function as intended. The only major changes I made are the addition of a few other boat models, and the addition of a sailing mechanic. This script is actually a copy of ElstarThomas's original mount/dismount script, but with an added line that switched the boat model between a furled and unfurled state. This goes a long way to make it seem much more like you're actually sailing. There are still some issues that need fixed, but for the most part it works surprisingly well!
-Six different small boats!
-Three different rowboats!
-Three sailboats, with real "working" sails!
-On-ship storage!
-Carry passengers!
-Summon a ship anywhere!
-Repair your ship when it's damaged!
-The SSE version includes the .esp plugins for both the expansion and the original mod. You must make sure Script-Free Sailing is BEFORE Sailboats in your load order.
-The different ships are balanced differently between speed and strength: nordic sh
Adds simple rowboats and sailboats to Skyrim that function like mounts, with added storage, anchoring, and companion support. A niche but functional mod for players wanting nautical travel without script-heavy systems, with 184 endorsements and over 10k downloads.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Script-free means less performance impact and fewer mod conflicts
- Community-tested with 184 endorsements and over 10k downloads
- Adds a unique travel option not in vanilla Skyrim
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2021, may not be compatible with the latest Skyrim updates or other mods
- Limited to boats—no other features or expansions
- Potential conflicts with mods that alter water physics or fast travel
For Skyrim players who want a new way to explore the coasts and rivers, especially those who enjoy role-playing as sailors or traders. If you're looking for a full naval combat or shipbuilding mod, this isn't it—it's purely for simple transportation and storage.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Check if your Skyrim version is compatible, as the mod hasn't been updated since 2021.
- Use a mod manager to install and easily uninstall if you encounter issues.
- Test the boats in a coastal area like Solitude or Riften to see how they handle.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim Mods
- Author
- ElstarTomas and DeviantKhaled and Araanim
- Version
- 2.5
- Downloads
- 10,456
- Endorsements
- 184
- Category
- Creatures and Mounts
- Created
- 9/3/2020
- Updated
- 5/26/2021
🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods
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