First, the stutters were NOT THERE when the game was released. Near as I can tell, when the fishing was revamped, the stutters came along for the ride. There's a lot more moving around now than there ever was. You don't see it in SP, but it does cause some strange issues in MP. Flying fish, hovering fish, etc.

Second: it has nothing to do with the individual players internet connections. There's been a ton of commentary on this subject, it's been acknowledged by the developers, but there has been no remedy. In any event, when my group stopped playing, there were no boat issues other than the mysterious (10 points damage at regular intervals). When we returned for Mistlands, the random 10 pt damage was far more rare, but the stutter had been added.

Third, and this is the kicker: when the players get up and jump stupidly on the boat while in motion, THERE IS NO STUTTER. It only starts up again when they sit down. Interesting, right? Almost as though there were some issues with data related to attachment or inventory, huh? And if there was a connection issue, they'd end up in the water.

In any event, given the volume of complaints regarding this over the last year, I think it should be prioritized over reskins of shirts and pants.... just my opinion, of course. I will try having the other players wait until I am seated, but you know MP... everyone gets impatient and everyone's a critic about sailing skills.