but it did get me thinking, Do you think someone out there has invented a canal boat version? how exciting would that be. zzzzzzzzzzzzzz 
You may mock, but I bet you wouldn't turn down the chance to have a go!
The whole point of simulators, IMHO, is to be able to crash things spectacularly without getting hurt. I used to spend hours on flight simulator when I was a kid - mostly trying to hit the office blocks with the greatest possible air speed. Never dreamt that it would be done in real life. 
Now, canal boats ? Not sure I like that idea. How spectacularly can you crash one of those? 
Oil tankers, perhaps. Trains, certainly. 
Kevin
Back in the early 70s I was 'doing' the Avon Ring in a 1-berth long boat.
When it was my turn to cook the evening meal, I had a large pot of vegetables on the boil 'down below'. It had taken absolutely AGEs to get it boiling and, unbeknown to me, a mate had given the helm to his g/f to take us into a lock! Need I say more?
Yes the veggies took on a life of their own and boiling water was going everywhere!
Needless to say, there were hoots of laughter from upstairs, and my negative attitude was a mystery to all!

Talk about slow-motion!