Suggestions wanted on boat designer

[TraceyC]

Hi -I am a student and I am doing some research for a local boat builder for my senior project. Currently they outsource the design of their boats-(their boats range in size from 16-23 foot fiberglass jet boats). But they want to do it all in house and implement a CAD system. .

I choose Solid Works for the design of the boat and Prosurf for the hull design. My main question is what type of a degree does the person need to design the boats and does this same person implement the design into CAD? Or are there generally two differ people that take care of this process.

Also what would the typical salary be for this type of position? I'm sure this person would need to relocate to Fargo, North Dakota USA. Are there any boards or websites where people have made posts that are looking for this type of position?

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated
Thanks
Tracey

[mackid068]

I think that all you really need is either a lot of practical experience or a degree in yacht design from one of the many schools OR a bachelors degree in engineering or something of that nature. Salary? I'd guess that it depends, but if you work for a corporation and you're just starting out...$30-$50k with Bachelors, $40-60k with Masters. maybe?

[Willallison]

Unless the laws in the US are different from those here in Oz, there is no requirement for a designer to have any particular qualifications - though there are moves afoot to change this - however, I'd be surprised if there's many companies around who'd be prepared to hire someone who didn't have at least some sort of qualififcation to show that they know what they're doing. Take a look here http://www.boatdesign.net/directory/...urces/Schools/ for a list of some of the schools that offer qualifications in the yacht design field.

As far as what that particular designer is responsible for, it would depend on the size and set up of the firm. It sounds like a relatively small operation that you're talking about, in which case the designer would do everything - from concept design, through to hull modelling, production of final (probably CAD) drawings, and the associated documentation that goes with it all (specifications, stability studies etc etc etc...)

As far as you last question goes - salary, I doubt I'll get disagreement from anyone here when I simply say NOT ENOUGH!

[Thunderhead19]

Been there, done that...well, not Dakota, but I've set up two design offices and worked for different small yards for over 7 years. I hold a 2 year diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology (machine design) from a nationally accredited college. It's not been easy, believe me!!! Shop drawings are distinctly different from design drawings. Manufacturing methods and systems play a role in design, and your main responsibilities lie with public safety, not with your employer! If you don't see eye to eye with your employer, you have to be able to stand your ground. Pay is not great, but it can be adequate.

One important thing though!
The smaller the yard, the less economically feasible it is to have a staff designer. Look at this closely before you agree to get involved! The designer may wind up having to do more work than the yard thinks that they should have to pay for. If you're interested in my experiences, shoot me an e-mail.

[mackid068]

I checked Payscale.com It stated that a salary for a naval architect is, in the state of Florida is $58k. In California, the avg. salary is approxamately $57k.

[TraceyC]

Thanks for all the great insight!
Tracey

[ARGO]

are you working for yourself or for a CO.