How do I become a boat designer?

[Nantucketyachts]

Dear Bito,

I'm looking for a designer to build Downeast style express models with an Italian flare (29,34,39 and 45ft) Do you have any experence in designing this type of powerboat?

[Nantucketyachts]

Bito,

please contact me at

Patrick Turner
Nantucket Yachts
turnermc@aol.com

[CDBarry]

I would suggest you plan on travelling a bit to get some experience. The problem is that NAME work, both commercial and rec, is very geographically restrictive. I know one fellow who lives in San Francisco and works in Houston, flying home every weekend. The nearest job I know of for you would be at Mission Marine in Cleveland. Marinette is begging for people and has some interesting projects, and both PJ and Burger probably need people. You might look at some non-marine firms that do Navy stuff - Raytheon is hiring.
Bottom line, you are probably going to have to go somewhere else, at least for a while.
I would also advise that you also look at Coast Guard or Navy Officer's Candidate School. It's good experience, and lots of responsibility. You probably will end up far from home, but it is only temporarily.