Tow Tank Model Build?

Originally Posted by Crag Cay.

I'm sure the guys at HSVA are perfectly good ship modellers, but they're not a big player in the yacht test tank world.

One of the world leaders* for decades is not a big player, ah come on Crag?
*(in the commercial world)

I was not advocating the CNC method btw. it is just the simplest way, assuming you have a proper engineered 3D model already.

[Crag Cay]

Please read what I said. I know their reputation in the commercial world, but this discussion was about models for testing yachts.

Again your view of what is 'simplest' is a wooly concept. I agree it will get a model made but the capital cost is for big models is huge, the time cost is huge, the finishing costs are huge and the accuracy after finishing is surprisingly poor.

If CNC carved models were 'better', then they would be used in our projects. They are not and for good reason; the model makers make them better and cheaper. An unbeatable combination.

[gonzo]

A model with less moment of inertia may peform better in the test with waves. It will not correspond to the full size boat.

Originally Posted by Crag Cay.

Please read what I said. I know their reputation in the commercial world, but this discussion was about models for testing yachts.

I stand corrected! Have overlooked "yachts" in your statement.

Again your view of what is 'simplest' is a wooly concept. I agree it will get a model made but the capital cost is for big models is huge, the time cost is huge, the finishing costs are huge and the accuracy after finishing is surprisingly poor.

If CNC carved models were 'better', then they would be used in our projects. They are not and for good reason; the model makers make them better and cheaper. An unbeatable combination.

And please Crag don´t overlook that I said I am not advocating CNC milled models!
They are just dirt cheap, when you have the CNC required data already on your computer. (and for VLCC usually sufficient).

Regards
Richard

[dskira]

Originally Posted by freeski27

I am a Naval Architecture student here in NYC, USA and I plan on building a tow tank model of a small sailboat design that I have done. I tried to find some decent info or literature on model builds, but didn't come across much.

The scale model will be just over 3 feet long. How do you recommend going about the build? Carve foam? Cut sections from wood and try to glass? etc. Any advice would be very helpful.

-Noble

Cut sections from wood and plank with small strip of poplar, with instant glue. Fast accurate and cheap. Fair with 60 and going down to 220, paint with primer and two coat of normal yacht paint.
Three feet should take you in total a week of work.
Don't forget to respect the weight and weight distribution, light and loaded.

It is the way I do my models, doesn't mean its the best way

Daniel