dmw_66
10-06-2008, 07:16 PM
I am trying to become a professional boat designer. I would like to know what major is that under and where are the best schools for that type of work? I would also like to know what type of things I should do to start?
View Full Version : How to become a boat designer
joz
10-08-2008, 04:17 AM
try this link http://www.boatdesign.net/web/schools.htm for more information
blackdaisies
10-08-2008, 12:52 PM
probably under architecture anyways. It's about the strenght of each material for a boat, the shape, weight, and size, plus the purpose and study of engine types, fuels, water and wind.
Design_1
10-08-2008, 01:22 PM
DMW-
I started as a fiberglass laminator 14yrs ago. 6 months later I worked my way into the R&D shop of the boat company I worked for at the time. I spent the next 8 years as an R&D tooler for various well known boat companies while going to college part time on the side. I graduated with a degree in Industrial design. I have been a designer for 6 years now. The best way to become a boat designer is the way that fits your needs and lifestyle. I took the long road, but am a better, more equiped designer for my effort. The degree you need depends on the type, size vessel you wish to work on.
Regards
I started as a fiberglass laminator 14yrs ago. 6 months later I worked my way into the R&D shop of the boat company I worked for at the time. I spent the next 8 years as an R&D tooler for various well known boat companies while going to college part time on the side. I graduated with a degree in Industrial design. I have been a designer for 6 years now. The best way to become a boat designer is the way that fits your needs and lifestyle. I took the long road, but am a better, more equiped designer for my effort. The degree you need depends on the type, size vessel you wish to work on.
Regards
rayaldridge
10-09-2008, 12:07 AM
What area of boat design are you most interested in?
It's probably not a good way to take up the craft professionally, but if you're interested in designing small boats, I'd recommend building something to your own design, for starters. That might indicate to you whether you really find the subject as fascinating as it appears in the abstract. Boat design is, I think, something of an art form, with all the financial pitfalls that implies. Many of the designers I most respect didn't actually learn to design in an academic setting-- they just wanted a particular kind of boat, and were brash enough to think they could draw one that would work.
Here's my first design:
http://slidercat.com/blog/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/slider1/eveningfmsm.jpg
I wanted a boat like that, but no plans existed. I gradually talked myself into making it myself. I have to say, the process is addictive, and another design is in the works.
Ray
http:/slidercat.com
It's probably not a good way to take up the craft professionally, but if you're interested in designing small boats, I'd recommend building something to your own design, for starters. That might indicate to you whether you really find the subject as fascinating as it appears in the abstract. Boat design is, I think, something of an art form, with all the financial pitfalls that implies. Many of the designers I most respect didn't actually learn to design in an academic setting-- they just wanted a particular kind of boat, and were brash enough to think they could draw one that would work.
Here's my first design:
http://slidercat.com/blog/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/slider1/eveningfmsm.jpg
I wanted a boat like that, but no plans existed. I gradually talked myself into making it myself. I have to say, the process is addictive, and another design is in the works.
Ray
http:/slidercat.com
Design_1
10-09-2008, 08:24 AM
Ray is right, along with many others that know; it is addictive. He also points out a good question.
What are are you interested in?
Just for good measure I here is one of my designs.http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/camual/Shot1.jpg
Regards
What are are you interested in?
Just for good measure I here is one of my designs.http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/camual/Shot1.jpg
Regards
Butch .H
10-09-2008, 08:45 AM
Verry nice if you can do that what you talking to us for we should be begging advice from you:D
Design_1
10-09-2008, 09:23 AM
lol. Because you guys do it in a grander scale Butch. All of my experience is in power boats and fishing boats. That is just a 24' deck boat. And I am a stylist more than anything.
daiquiri
10-09-2008, 09:31 AM
Just for good measure I here is one of my designs.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/camual/Shot1.jpg
Is that guy in the pic trying to fix the engine or what? :p ;)
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/camual/Shot1.jpg
Is that guy in the pic trying to fix the engine or what? :p ;)
Design_1
10-09-2008, 09:37 AM
He was a dealer inspecting the fit and finish. This picture was at the dealer meeting were we introduced the boat for the first time. Then again he could have been trying to fix the engine...lol. :P :D
Design_1
10-09-2008, 09:42 AM
Ray-
I really like the slidercat design. That is more in tune with what I would like to do, but know nothing about sails. I may start drawing one and ask for plenty of advice. I am going to check on renting some shop space for construction.
Butch- you may be right. I just need to build one on my own and see if that is the way I would like to go.
I really like the slidercat design. That is more in tune with what I would like to do, but know nothing about sails. I may start drawing one and ask for plenty of advice. I am going to check on renting some shop space for construction.
Butch- you may be right. I just need to build one on my own and see if that is the way I would like to go.
rayaldridge
10-09-2008, 12:30 PM
Ray-
I really like the slidercat design. That is more in tune with what I would like to do, but know nothing about sails. I may start drawing one and ask for plenty of advice. I am going to check on renting some shop space for construction.
Thanks-- and that's a slick-looking power boat you have. As someone else said, we should be asking you for advice.
Where I live along the Gulf Coast, I've noticed a steep decline in the number of power boats out on the bay. Dealers have been complaining bitterly that their sales have dropped by as much as half over the last couple of years, due to fuel prices. I'm wondering if maybe more designers may be turning their attention to sail, if fuel doesn't drop a lot. Or maybe they'll turn their attention to long lean powerboats that can go fast with less power.
Ray
http://slidercat.com
I really like the slidercat design. That is more in tune with what I would like to do, but know nothing about sails. I may start drawing one and ask for plenty of advice. I am going to check on renting some shop space for construction.
Thanks-- and that's a slick-looking power boat you have. As someone else said, we should be asking you for advice.
Where I live along the Gulf Coast, I've noticed a steep decline in the number of power boats out on the bay. Dealers have been complaining bitterly that their sales have dropped by as much as half over the last couple of years, due to fuel prices. I'm wondering if maybe more designers may be turning their attention to sail, if fuel doesn't drop a lot. Or maybe they'll turn their attention to long lean powerboats that can go fast with less power.
Ray
http://slidercat.com
daiquiri
10-09-2008, 12:40 PM
I'm wondering if maybe more designers may be turning their attention to sail, if fuel doesn't drop a lot. Or maybe they'll turn their attention to long lean powerboats that can go fast with less power.
I bet on the return of sleek, graceful launches. That would be a nice occasion to set all these L/B=3 monsters on fire.
P.S.
I wasn't reffering to your boat, Design1 :D, but to the general actual tendencies in modern boat design. ;)
I bet on the return of sleek, graceful launches. That would be a nice occasion to set all these L/B=3 monsters on fire.
P.S.
I wasn't reffering to your boat, Design1 :D, but to the general actual tendencies in modern boat design. ;)
Design_1
10-09-2008, 01:24 PM
Thanks for the complements on the design.
No offense taken Daiquiri. I agree some of them are monsters; we have a few around here too. But that has been the market trend for quite some time. The same as those gawdy HumVee monsters that noone actually "needs".
Ray- I think you are on to something with the sail. I am tryin to turn my attention towards sails. Not only for market trends, but for the desire to sail myself. But wind is free, you know. Eventually the boating market will follow with the automotive market. Smaller, lighter vessels which require less HP. to move them at economical cost with max allowable speed. It would be well advised to take note and do plenty of research.The trick is to get companies to back you on the "head of the curve" research. They always fear what they don't know. Or what they don't know will sell. Everyone wants a solid ROI.
No offense taken Daiquiri. I agree some of them are monsters; we have a few around here too. But that has been the market trend for quite some time. The same as those gawdy HumVee monsters that noone actually "needs".
Ray- I think you are on to something with the sail. I am tryin to turn my attention towards sails. Not only for market trends, but for the desire to sail myself. But wind is free, you know. Eventually the boating market will follow with the automotive market. Smaller, lighter vessels which require less HP. to move them at economical cost with max allowable speed. It would be well advised to take note and do plenty of research.The trick is to get companies to back you on the "head of the curve" research. They always fear what they don't know. Or what they don't know will sell. Everyone wants a solid ROI.
Design_1
10-09-2008, 01:26 PM
P.S. We have probably already scared DMW out of being a designer...:!:
daiquiri
10-09-2008, 03:35 PM
P.S. We have probably already scared DMW out of being a designer...:!:
Yes, we probably have. But maybe we are doing him a favor.
He will earn much more money and have more chicks if he chooses to become a footbal player. :D
Yes, we probably have. But maybe we are doing him a favor.
He will earn much more money and have more chicks if he chooses to become a footbal player. :D
Design_1
10-10-2008, 08:49 AM
You are probably right on that...
I am sure he will return when the fear subsides...lol
I am sure he will return when the fear subsides...lol
Brent Swain
10-10-2008, 04:59 PM
I think your first priority should be to go out and get a lot of experience in the type of boats you plan to design. There are already too many 'World Famous" designers who's hands on experience in building , sailing and maintaining the type of boats they are designing is absolutly minimal if anything.. Do us all a favor,get out there. Then build a couple of boats with your own hands.
There is a good book out on ofshore hitchiking.
Brent
There is a good book out on ofshore hitchiking.
Brent
Eric Sponberg
10-10-2008, 05:27 PM
Read my article, "So you want to be a boat designer...?" on my website for some sound advice:
http://www.sponbergyachtdesign.com/ArticlesDesigner.htm
Eric
http://www.sponbergyachtdesign.com/ArticlesDesigner.htm
Eric
marshmat
10-10-2008, 07:05 PM
Very nice article, Eric. I had read that one a few years ago.... I think you hit the nail on the head. Remind me to buy a copy of I want to build a boat, but I don’t have any money when you get it written.
I might add, DMW, that the big money in the boating industry right now seems to come from finding ways to cut down on fuel and maintenance costs for big ships.... an 800' freighter costs more to run for a day than most NAs will make in two years. Those owners can afford to invest much more in design and engineering than typical yacht buyers can, simply because the potential cost savings are even larger.
I might add, DMW, that the big money in the boating industry right now seems to come from finding ways to cut down on fuel and maintenance costs for big ships.... an 800' freighter costs more to run for a day than most NAs will make in two years. Those owners can afford to invest much more in design and engineering than typical yacht buyers can, simply because the potential cost savings are even larger.
lazeyjack
10-10-2008, 08:40 PM
Read my article, "So you want to be a boat designer...?" on my website for some sound advice:
http://www.sponbergyachtdesign.com/ArticlesDesigner.htm
Eric
g,day Eric G, day Matty
nice article
I could not be one, I prefer to tell the designer exactly what i want, what I know works I found my limitations, and a pc and all the software in the world will never make me a yacht designer
I sit down with him, and say, things like,"deeper finer entry" and less beam aft,
When I am happy with the lines,
I take over the deal, i do all the structure and engineering cos that is what i know I once asked the Dubois office and the Farr office , if had then design me a boat, could I do the structure, they were happy for me to do this as long as they signed it off Often designers can not see things the builder can see, often the builder can see easier or less labour intensive ways
I would tend to disagree about ALL boats having a short lifespan
For instance as a kid I admired Morag Mhyor, a alloy motorsailerbuilt in 56, I saw her on the hard in St Maartin, as good as new, ( and fell out of love)and I firmly believe that if an alloy boat was was treated well(no electrolysis due to disimlar metals) she would last for centurys i once built in steel, i had a pile of offcuts which I left in the pine trees on our farm, 15 years later they had turned to rust dust, nothing left, , also there was a cut out from a deck , of an alloy yacht, it was same as the day i left it there, pines are very acidic I spose,
i went up to St A few years back, meet a broker, , know the history of the town
just read your article through, you certainly put a lot of effort there
And it made me smile, same with building, I had to build a spec yacht to start with, and then i had something to SHOW people
As you said, sometimes it took years after the first visit, before a contract was actually signed
http://www.sponbergyachtdesign.com/ArticlesDesigner.htm
Eric
g,day Eric G, day Matty
nice article
I could not be one, I prefer to tell the designer exactly what i want, what I know works I found my limitations, and a pc and all the software in the world will never make me a yacht designer
I sit down with him, and say, things like,"deeper finer entry" and less beam aft,
When I am happy with the lines,
I take over the deal, i do all the structure and engineering cos that is what i know I once asked the Dubois office and the Farr office , if had then design me a boat, could I do the structure, they were happy for me to do this as long as they signed it off Often designers can not see things the builder can see, often the builder can see easier or less labour intensive ways
I would tend to disagree about ALL boats having a short lifespan
For instance as a kid I admired Morag Mhyor, a alloy motorsailerbuilt in 56, I saw her on the hard in St Maartin, as good as new, ( and fell out of love)and I firmly believe that if an alloy boat was was treated well(no electrolysis due to disimlar metals) she would last for centurys i once built in steel, i had a pile of offcuts which I left in the pine trees on our farm, 15 years later they had turned to rust dust, nothing left, , also there was a cut out from a deck , of an alloy yacht, it was same as the day i left it there, pines are very acidic I spose,
i went up to St A few years back, meet a broker, , know the history of the town
just read your article through, you certainly put a lot of effort there
And it made me smile, same with building, I had to build a spec yacht to start with, and then i had something to SHOW people
As you said, sometimes it took years after the first visit, before a contract was actually signed
Design_1
10-10-2008, 09:04 PM
I am not sure of the best way to be a designer. I know I wake up every morning and drive a relaxing drive to a job doing what I love, creating lines from nothing more than a thought. However you get there is up to you. If someone loves something to the level of doing whatever it takes just to start, there will be a reward no matter what. But to do it and not be concerned with the wealth, or lack there of, is both insane and necessity. Few are the men, or women, who ever become rich. Be happy with a living.
But at the end of the day, stepping back and looking at a beatiful, crisp, fair line that I drew or tooled by my own hand makes it worth it to me. I may call myself a designer, but I do it as an attempt at art.
I'm an idealist!:P :P
But at the end of the day, stepping back and looking at a beatiful, crisp, fair line that I drew or tooled by my own hand makes it worth it to me. I may call myself a designer, but I do it as an attempt at art.
I'm an idealist!:P :P
dmw_66
10-19-2008, 01:10 AM
No you didn't scare me, I think it is a very fun way to keep myself busy or learn something new. Thank you all for the tips and I will keep you posted. I do have to feed my family so I am worried about not having money since the economy is bad. I am about to get out of the Marine Corps. I have to focus on one thing so I will let you know what happens. Thanks to all who replied
dmw_66
10-19-2008, 01:13 AM
Mr. Sponberg I did read your article it was great. I figured that was the way things were. I will have a goal for myself now and I will work hard to get there. Maybe one day you will know my name.
dmw_66
10-19-2008, 01:16 AM
Well if anyone knows anybody who is looking for a hard working individual to help them with boats and is willing to teach let me know. I would love to learn. I am looking in the Portland Oregon area. Thanks.
Sean Herron
10-19-2008, 11:03 AM
I am trying to become a professional boat designer. I would like to know what major is that under and where are the best schools for that type of work? I would also like to know what type of things I should do to start?
Hello...
Marry the ugly rich girl who thinks that you are really smart...
You will be OK...
Naval Architecture is post Graduate at UBC after four years of Mechanical Engineering - big boats...
SH.
Hello...
Marry the ugly rich girl who thinks that you are really smart...
You will be OK...
Naval Architecture is post Graduate at UBC after four years of Mechanical Engineering - big boats...
SH.
View Full Version : How to become a boat designer
Legal •
Boat Design Forums •
Gallery •
Directory •
Boat Design & Boatbuilding Bookstore •
Powerboat Ads •
Sailboat Ads
powered by vBulletin which is copyright ©2000-2012 Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Web Site Design and Content Copyright ©1999-2012 Boat Design Net
powered by vBulletin which is copyright ©2000-2012 Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Web Site Design and Content Copyright ©1999-2012 Boat Design Net