Help on a design project

[futuredesigner]

For an engineering class I took we get to design anything we want for our final project using the AutoCAD inventor software. I decided to design a boat. I have never designed a boat before and was wondering if any naval architects out there could give me a few pointers with where to start. Or even some designs you have made. Designing boats has always been a dream of mine and I finally get the chance to design one!
Best Regards,
Future Designer

P.S I don't need any displacement measurements or any bouyancy measurements for this project just a simple design I can make using AutoCAD inventor.

[futuredesigner]

Any tips at all?

[yotphix]

Hey future! Why don't you include some of your ideas in your post, however far out or conservative they may be. Include a few details such as power or sail, approximate size, intended use (day, overnight or extended voyaging, coastal or offshore etc.
Once people have an idea of what you are interested in and have been presented with something interesting to them they may be more inclined to respond.
If you peruse the site you will find a number of novice designers who have received fabulous advice and tutelage from the many talented designers here. You may even be inspired by some of the vessels you find!

Good Luck! (And good choice...a boat!)

[Willallison]

AutoCAD's a pretty clunky bit of software when it comes to designing a boat. It's (arguably) still No.1 when it comes to taking 3D images from a dedicated hull-fairing program and turning them into 2D documents.
I reckon that the reason you've had so few responses is because nobody uses AutoCAD for the process you're after.
What are you expected to design? By that I mean are trying to produce a 3D model of a boat, or a bunch of 2D drawings - things like profile and plan views etc? If it's the latter, I could email you a .dxf file or two that you could use to turn into a finished boat

[Raggi_Thor]

I think it is Autodesk Inventor.
You can make a few planes along the x axis,
make a sketch in each plane and then use the loft feature.
I think thats the way to make something boat-like in Inventor.

[bhnautika]

FD the first tip, start with a pencil and paper, sketch up with the basic dimensions in plan, profile and section view. Look to other designs for inspiration and a start.
Start small (dinghy, skiff); this will enable you to get a feeling for the job without to much complexity.
Get into the headspace that you are not only designing the boat but building it as well.

[futuredesigner]

Thanks for the responses. In class I started playing around with just making a small dingy i got off google images. There are really no requirements for this project, just make what you want. Some people are making sports stadiums, cars, or ipod speakers. Here is the boat i tried to put into autoCAD.
I am having trouble with the Inflatable side of the dingy because I cant find a comand that will turn my three point archs into 3D. Any suggestions?

http://www.water-mir.spb.ru/lodki/mnev/picture/mnev4.jpg

[Raggi_Thor]

If you have AutoCAD 2007 you can make it.
I think there is a new Loft command.
Draw some vertical circles (or plines) and use Loft to make a tube.

Since you know AutoCAD you will also feel at home in Rhino 3D.
Take a look at www.mcneel.com, they have a demo version that let you save 25 times.

[Raggi_Thor]

Rhino demo: http://www.rhino3d.com/download.htm