How to become a boat designer

[dmw_66]

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?

[joz]

try this link http://www.boatdesign.net/web/schools.htm for more information

[blackdaisies]

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]

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

[rayaldridge]

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:


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]

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.

Regards

[Butch .H]

Verry nice if you can do that what you talking to us for we should be begging advice from you

[Design_1]

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]

Originally Posted by Design_1

Just for good measure I here is one of my designs.

Is that guy in the pic trying to fix the engine or what?

[Design_1]

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.

[Design_1]

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.

[rayaldridge]

Originally Posted by Design_1

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

[daiquiri]

Originally Posted by rayaldridge

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 , but to the general actual tendencies in modern boat design.

[Design_1]

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.

[Design_1]

P.S. We have probably already scared DMW out of being a designer...