How to scientifically select a pirate ship amusement ride? HOTFUN breaks down the key points for you

Pirate ships, a classic attraction in amusement parks, scenic spots, and theme parks, have long been a favorite among visitors of all ages for their thrilling and entertaining experiences. However, for amusement park operators and cultural tourism project investors, choosing a pirate ship ride that meets their needs, is safe, reliable, and competitive is crucial to future operational success.

HOTFUN, a global supplier with a production base spanning hundreds of acres and offering hundreds of rides, draws on years of industry experience and customer service case studies to provide detailed tips for selecting a pirate ship based on five key criteria.

1. Prioritize safety standards to ensure a secure operational lifeline

Safety is the core of amusement rides. As a large, swinging ride, the safety performance of a pirate ship directly impacts the visitor experience and operational risks. When selecting a pirate ship, first verify its compliance with national and international safety standards. For domestic markets, strict adherence to the “GB/T 30220-2013 Safety Specification for Large Amusement Facilities” is essential, while for international markets, compliance with certifications such as the EU CE and the US ASTM standards is essential. Every Corsair manufactured by HOTFUN undergoes multiple safety tests, from the material selection for the main steel structure (Q355B high-strength steel with a compressive strength of over 345MPa), to the durability testing of safety belts, shoulder straps, and other protective devices (capable of withstanding a tensile force exceeding 5000N and passing a fatigue test of 100,000 openings and closings), to the electrical system’s leakage and overload protection design. Standardized management and control are implemented throughout the entire process to ensure the equipment’s long-term safe and stable operation.

Furthermore, attention should be paid to whether the equipment is equipped with comprehensive safety redundancy designs. For example, the HOTFUN Corsair features a dual braking system—a hydraulic primary brake and an electromagnetic secondary brake. Even if the primary brake fails, the secondary brake activates within 0.5 seconds, effectively preventing equipment loss of control. Furthermore, the equipment’s ease of daily maintenance is also a consideration. For example, the HOTFUN Corsair’s key components (such as bearings and motors) are designed with a modular structure, allowing for quick maintenance, reducing downtime and indirectly increasing operational profitability. 2. Accurately match equipment specifications to site conditions

The size, weight, and installation requirements of Corsair are closely related to site conditions. Blindly selecting equipment may result in installation failures or inefficient operation. Before selecting a venue, it is necessary to first clarify the core parameters of the venue: First, the site area, which requires considering both the pirate ship’s footprint and swing radius. For example, a pirate ship with a diameter of 12 meters must reserve a space of at least 15 meters x 18 meters (including the visitor queuing area) for installation; second, the site’s load-bearing capacity. HOTFUN will recommend an appropriate foundation design based on the site geological report provided by the customer. For example, ordinary cement floors must meet a load-bearing requirement of 20kN/㎡. If the site has a soft soil foundation, a customized steel structure foundation can be used to ensure the stability of the equipment; third, the site’s height limit. When the pirate ship swings to its highest point, the height from the top of the pirate ship to the ground must comply with the regulations of the local cultural and tourism department to avoid touching low-altitude obstacles. HOTFUN can adjust the pirate ship’s swing angle according to the site’s height limit (the conventional angle is 45°-60°, and the customizable range is 30°-70°), taking into account both user experience and compliance.

In addition, the venue’s power supply conditions must be confirmed in advance. Different sizes of Corsairs have different voltage and current requirements. For example, the HOTFUN children’s Corsair has a power of approximately 15kW and is compatible with 380V three-phase power, while the adult high-power Corsair reaches 45kW and requires a dedicated transformer. Customers simply provide HOTFUN with their venue specifications, and our engineering team will provide customized equipment recommendations, avoiding costly mismatches.

Third, Clarify Your Audience and Identify Core Customer Needs

Different customer groups have significantly different expectations for the Corsair experience. When selecting a device, it’s important to first identify the core target audience. If the target audience is children aged 3-12, a smaller, less-stimulating pirate ship should be preferred. For example, HOTFUN’s “Kiddie Pirate Ship” features a cabin height of only 1.2 meters, a swing angle of less than 30 degrees, and a speed of approximately 2 meters per second. It also features a cartoon-themed cabin, soft lighting, and children’s music. Seat belts and guardrails are also available to ensure child safety. Furthermore, the number of cabins available for children’s pirate ships is flexible, with 4-, 6-, or 8-seater configurations suitable for children’s parks or community playgrounds of varying sizes.

If the target audience is teenagers and adults, a medium- to large-sized, more thrilling pirate ship can be selected. HOTFUN’s “Deep Sea Adventure Pirate Ship” is a typical example. Its cabin can accommodate 24-36 people, swings up to 60 degrees, reaches a peak height of over 10 meters above the ground, and can reach speeds of 5 meters per second. Dynamic sound and lighting effects simulate the immersive experience of “riding the wind and waves.” HOTFUN also offers customized exterior designs for cultural and tourism attractions and large theme parks. For example, by incorporating the scenic area’s cultural IP, the main body of the pirate ship can be painted in ancient or sci-fi styles, enhancing the device’s visual appeal and brand recognition.

Fourth: Focus on Core Configurations, Balancing Experience and Durability

The core configuration of a pirate ship directly impacts the user experience and lifespan. When selecting a pirate ship, focus on the three main modules: the drive system, the cabin design, and the control system. Regarding drive systems, the current mainstream options are hydraulic and electric. Hydraulic-driven pirate ships offer smoother operation and greater power, making them suitable for medium and large-scale equipment. HOTFUN uses imported hydraulic pumps, resulting in operating noise levels below 65 decibels and 15% lower energy consumption than traditional electric motors. Electric motors are more suitable for smaller pirate ships, offering low maintenance costs and fast startup response. HOTFUN uses the YE3 series of high-efficiency, energy-saving motors, which boast a service life of over 10 years.

The cabin design must balance comfort and safety. The HOTFUN Pirate Ship’s cabin is made of fiberglass, which is corrosion-resistant, age-resistant, and easy to clean. Its anti-slip surface ensures passenger safety even in wet conditions. The seats are ergonomically designed, with curved backrests that conform to the spine, reducing fatigue after extended rides. The control system must be both stable and intelligent. The HOTFUN Pirate Ship is equipped with a PLC programmable control system that precisely controls the swing angle, speed, and start/stop times. It also supports self-diagnosis. If an equipment malfunction occurs, the system automatically shuts down and displays a fault code, facilitating rapid troubleshooting and repair. Furthermore, some high-end models can be connected to the scenic area’s smart management system, enabling visitor statistics and remote monitoring of equipment operating status, helping operators improve management efficiency.

V. Investigating Supplier Capabilities to Ensure Successful Follow-up Services

The Pirate Ship is a large-scale amusement ride, requiring a professional team to support its production process, installation and commissioning, and after-sales service. Therefore, comprehensive assessment of supplier capabilities is crucial when selecting a supplier. First, consider the scale of production. HOTFUN boasts a large-scale production base spanning hundreds of acres, equipped with automated welding lines, large-scale sandblasting and rust removal equipment, and CNC machining centers. This allows for standardized production of the main structure of the pirate ship, with an annual production capacity of over 500 units. This ensures a guaranteed delivery time (30-45 days for standard models, 60-90 days for custom models). Secondly, consider R&D capabilities. HOTFUN boasts a team of over 20 people, investing 8% of annual sales in technological innovation. They have obtained over 30 patents related to amusement rides and can iteratively upgrade equipment features based on customer needs. Finally, consider after-sales service. HOTFUN has established a global service system, offering free installation and commissioning, operator training, and a 24-hour fault response. For domestic customers, on-site service is provided within 48 hours, while for international customers, remote guidance and a local partner service provider model ensure long-term stable operation.

Choosing the right pirate ship ride is a systematic process that balances safety, user experience, cost, and operational efficiency. As a leading global amusement ride supplier, HOTFUN not only offers hundreds of standardized Corsair products but also provides customized services, offering comprehensive support from needs analysis and design to production, delivery, and after-sales maintenance. If you have Corsair purchase requirements, please contact us directly for a personalized selection and quote. Let high-quality rides help your project gain market competitiveness.