House Boat help

[Mech]

I need help deciding which software to purchase to build a 80' by 60' houseboat, problem is, I figure out which software to use (all the forums recommend 15 different things).

The hull's shape has been determined so I do think I need Maxsurf but I still need a program to create the design and FEA/hydrostatically test it. So my question is.

What is a program/s that is better suited for my needs?

[J Feenstra]

i'd say Hurray for Hydromax, I don't know about the costs, but it's a good program for calculating the Hydrostatic stability. Why would you want to calculate the FEA for the ship?

[Mech]

What program would I need to make the hull to test? The hull's shape isn't complex so I wouldn't think I need an expensive hull designer

Originally Posted by J Feenstra

Why would you want to calculate the FEA for the ship?

I just thought that FEA was required for boats this size. Something kinda like MAESTRO or Solidworks.

[Tad]

Mech,

With all respect.....we have no idea what this vessel is (dimensions are unusual) or what it will be used for, how can you "test" it if you don't know what you are testing for?

Far simpler and straightforward to talk with a qualified marine engineer than go blindly buying software hopping that will sort something out. If you don't know what the results should be it's silly to put faith in some program.......

[Mech]

Sorry to waste your time, I'll put together a more detailed list of the vessel and re-post after talking to a marine engineer

[Submarine Tom]

That shape is more indicitave of a float home than a house boat.

[WestVanHan]

Originally Posted by Mech

Sorry to waste your time, I'll put together a more detailed list of the vessel and re-post after talking to a marine engineer

Please do..that 4800' home sounds interesting.

Also please take the advice by Tad seriously.
When I was a kid a guy in the area built his own houseboat-with no designer input- and on the first day it flipped over: of his kids drowned and the rest of the family barely escaped.

Your huge barge will never flip,but a poorly designed/built one may break apart in bad weather.

The cost of an engineer's time will be a drop in the bucket compared to the overall build cost.