SurfaceWorks vs Rhino

[dalls]

Are there any Designers who find SurfaceWorks a better design tool for hard chine hulls? I have tried both programs and it seems SurfaceWorks is a better design tool, however it seems that the majority of designers are choosing Rhino.

Any one wish to comment?

[Chris Ostlind]

Hi Dennis,

I'm an experienced Rhino user. I've never used Surface Works. I have a friend who is a well established NA who uses MultiSurf.

You didn't say if you were invested in the Marine version of Surface Works. I'm going to assume that SW can build very nice multichine hull surfaces and if you have the Marine version, you can also run hydrostatics on those surfaces.

Rhino does all that too if you have the RhinoMarine plug-in. I'm inclined to say that the reason that all the NA shops are going to Rhino is its flexibility when drawing organic shapes, the support and the pricing structure. Where AeroHydro bangs you for an additional $250, or so, annually for the maintenance agreement on SW, Rhino does not. The upfront cost of the software apears to be about the same.

I'd say that unless you're really unhappy with SW, and you have the grand to throw-down as well as the time for new learning curve, you may be better-off hanging with SW. Rhino is a very powerful package for the money involved, but only you can decide if the switch is in your best interests.

A new Rhino 4.0 is on the way this year with seriously enhanced CAD tools.

Chris Ostlind
Lunada Design