My main dislikes of the boat ride is that the boat doesnt feel like its sailing at all, the boat doesnt react to the sea, the boat has no visable crew other than the captain/driver. Theres a awful tear through the ocean when you look off to the right on the boat...

If i didnt have a fishing rod i would have absolutely nothing to do during the trip, i too would like to see pirate attacks and the like. I think the boat could prolly use a parley npc as well for those that dont fish or battle above deck.