How do I learn to design boats?

[Boatbuilder NL]

This is propably a very stupid question in this forum, but I would really like to learn how to use design software for designing boats. A lot of You guys are of course allready naval designers, so if anyone can tell me how to get started in this world of designing - I will be very pleased indeed!

Thanks!


EA,

Nijmegen
Netherlands

[MikeJohns]

What level are you at already?
If you are a beginner then you need to start at the beginning. Learn what it is all about, read the recommended books, ask questions about that which you do not understand then start trying to use the software.

Hope this helps

[Boatbuilder NL]

Hi Mike.

I have a lot of practice in navigation and handling all types of boats. I have been drawing simple drawings (prelimary) over boats, mainly work boats around 6,5 - 9,5 m. Very simple drawings, nothing You can make a boat from, but I really want to learn how to make "real" drawings!

I don´t know if it would be a good idea to buy one of these design software programs and just work hard for it? I have been trying out those demo versions, but I really have no idea what so ever how to create a V-hull with a deadrise of 24 degrees - just an example... Is there a manual for these programs telling me how to create sprayrails, calculate weights, speed predictions etc ?

Hope to get more answers...!


Regards,

EA

[yipster]

i belive this here forum holds a welth of info.
looking for something specific you can use the search button above.
start reading, download free!ship and your on your way

[D'ARTOIS]

You live next to my door - send me a private mail and I will give you some headings...

[jhornor]

EA,
To the best of my knowledge no one has written "Boat Design for Dummies" yet but there are a plenty of good book on the subject, none of which are specifically related to computer aided design. Most will start you out on paper and with the basic fairing of a set of lines which I believe is the best place to start.
Ship and Aircraft Fairing and Development - ISBN 0-87033-096-9 is an excellent reference for the beginner learning to fair or loft a set of lines. I believe Skene's Elements of Yacht Design ISBN 0-396-06581-1, although somewhat dated, is still one of the best primers on the subject. Principals of Yacht Design ISBN 0-07-036492-3 and Preliminary Design of Boats and Ships ISBN 0-87033-391-7 are also excellent starter references.
Good luck,
Jack

[Boatbuilder NL]

Hi Jack.

Thanks a lot, everything helps me - I will find out where I can buy these books!

Regards, EA

[Raggi_Thor]

One other nice, small book is "How to design a boat" by John Teale.
It's quite easy to understand.

I suggest you draw by pencil first.
Learn how to sketch the lines to the shape and displacement you want.
Then you could have a look at Freeship.