CAD software

What is the best CAD software for designing a sailboat ? Best in the meaning of bargain or best price/value ratio.

Thanx


John

[SailDesign]

Rhino seems to be the most popular for general use, but it is not ideal for initial hull design.
Someone more current with the free/cheap hull software will no doubt lead you on the right path.
steve

[Tim B]

The problem is that there is no single piece of software that will do everything. Your best bet (in my opinion) is to get hold of something like Rhino, and then write your own hydrostatics code to work on an output file from Rhino (or whatever). Easier for some than others, I know, but that's what I'm doing. Initial hull design I think depends largely on your method, but it can take a long time to get appropriate waterlines.

Cheers,

Tim B.

[ClarkT]

Steve, what do you see Rhino lacking for initial hull design? I'd prefer to use Rhino + Rhinostatics over any other software I know of for basic hull shape.

-Clark

[SailDesign]

Clark - I guess I'm just too used to using AutoShip or similar stuff for the initial hulls - plus I don't have Rhinostatics (for the same reason)
Rhino just doesn't "feel" right for initial design yet. Give me time, I'm not tooooo old that I can't change my ways eventually. ;-)
Steve