Boat building costs?

[Brent NZ]

Hi there,

New to this forum and was curious to no if there was any software or programme that anyone had used to calculate the cost of building a 47ft approx launch?

I no its a question with many variables but perhaps a sheet that lists all the basics needed to build a boat so as to obtain a total quote or price.

I imagine all boat builders would have some sort of software....

any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Eric Sponberg]

No, I don't think there is any software that would help you estimate the cost of construction, and that is because the cost to build a boat varies so widely. You have to arrive at the answer by brute force--break the boat design down to its component parts, figure out the cost of the materials and labor, add in the profit, and you're there. You have to take into account the technology available, materials available, and the location of the build. Exchange rates, taxes, and vendor discounts also figure into the equation. It is actually a very complex problem, and that is why there really is no other way to do it.

Once you arrive at a reliable price for any particular design, then price varies pretty closely to the cube of the length (i.e. by boat volume) for boats of similar type, style, and function. So a boat that is twice as long as its sister would be eight times the price.

Eric

[Brent NZ]

Thanks Eric,

I suspected it would not be as straight forward as hoped. Interesting about the volume based on similar designs.... I guess its best to quote on the size you want and dream bigger rather than quote smaller and build actual.

From what you're saying I need to list everything out in the way of;
Hull
Top decks
Motors
Shaft/props
interior
Electronics
ETC, I guess the list is HUGE, then formulate a price from that.

Thanks again and any help is appreciated.

Brent

[Eric Sponberg]

Brent,

Price varies with volume, of course, because surface areas, doors, windows, counters, furniture, equipment all increase in size and number. And it takes exponentially more labor to put it all together. Don't forget plumbing and tankage in your list, and deck equipment, loose equipment and outfit, they are all part of the package. Yes, it is complex, and that is why you have to have a pretty detailed specification with some drawings in order for a boatyard to quote on a custom design--they need all the details spelled out for them. To do it right, the boatyard should spend some weeks on a quote to come up with a reliable price.

Eric