graph program ??

[Deep Vees Only]

I'm looking for a simple program that would allow me to graph out stringer,bulkhead,and panel locations in the powerboats that i build. I'm a boatbuilder and a mechanic but a computer expert i'm not.. Got any ideas??

[marshmat]

Ahh... looking for an introduction to CAD?
Everyone has their own favourite pet programs, and simple is hard to come by- there will be a learning curve, whatever you do. Start by asking yourself a few questions:
- What do you want to use it for? (you've sort of answered that one)
- Do you prefer to work in two dimensions (like paper) or three (like mockups)?
- How much cash do you want to drop on this?
- What kind of power do you need- are you looking for a more precise version of paper drawing, or do you want drawings to update themselves automatically whenever you change something in one model?
Simply leaping in head-first will get you into trouble. Start small, with free stuff and demo versions (people will chime in with their favourites soon), and work through the tutorials that come with them. You'll soon develop a feel for what features you need, what you want, and what you can do without. Then you can evaluate what you're willing to pay for, or maybe the freeware is fine for your needs. But try it out first.
For free stuff, http://sourceforge.net/search/?type_of_search=soft&words=CAD would be a good starting point. Try other searches on Sourceforge too, you might find something interesting. The popular Rhino3D has a free demo also, http://rhino3d.com/ and several other packages offer similar demos. Browse around a bit and read the feature lists, see what strikes you as useful for what you plan.
If you can draw on paper, you can learn to draw as well or better on CAD. The only question is, are you patient enough to give it a try.

[Deep Vees Only]

Thanks, I'll check into the info you gave me and let you know how it is working out for me..

[CGN]

Free Cad software to learn

http://www.progesoft.com/compra/index.asp?left=../icad/eng_downloadlt2006.asp&abspage=1&lang=eng

Solid Edge origin 2D Free for unlimited use

http://www.solidedge.com/free2d/default.htm