Getting started with ship designing...

[Boatbuilder NL]

Currently I am trying to figure out what ship design software program to buy. I have no experience in using ship design software, and It is very difficult for me to make a new design in the free demo versions, most of the software suppliers have. Any of You have been in the same situation before? I am very interested in any advises or lessons learned regarding how to get started with designing boats, and what software to buy!

Regards,

EA

[SeaSpark]

Have a look at the software polls on this forum

All major software packages are listed here, the poll results are a good indicator of their quality.

Free!Ship is an excellent free software package with regular updates.

http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=9925&highlight=software
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=9924&highlight=software

[Raggi_Thor]

If you know how to draw a hull the way you want it with pen and paper, then Rhino may be a good tool.

[Boatbuilder NL]

Anyone having experience with Prolines? I quess it's very easy for an "amateur designer" as me, that this program automatic generets a hull?

[Raggi_Thor]

Prolines is OK :-)
FreeShip does pretty much the same, and it's free.