Hiring a Yacht Designer...

[Seafarer24]

I debate back-and-forth between modifying my existing boat, buying a "new" one, and designing and building one specifically for my needs. If I decide to build a boat, I'd like to have a hand in the design, but leave the final work to a professional.

If I draw out the basic hull shape, deck plan, and interior layout, how much should I expect to pay a designer to finish the work and create the plans?

[FAST FRED]

and designing and building one specifically for my needs

And what specific needs do you have that isnt found in a million existing boats?

FF

[rwatson]

Personally, I have found it very hard to find a designer available. And then finding one that seemed to understand the concept, despite detailed specs and diagrams.

I have had quotes for the same job ranging between $30,000 to $3,000.

At last I am on track, and things are getting done - after nearly two years.

FF's comments are very pertinent. Why not put your specs and sketches on line, and see if its available 'off the shelf' first. If nothing else, it will give you some close working examples to quote to the designer.

I am happy to put you in touch with my chap, in about 2 months after he has finished my drawings ? :-)

[the1much]

the person will charge you just as much for doing all the work, as they would for finishing yours.

[TYD]

I'm a Naval Architect and I'll be very please to chat about your boat and your needs. My web page is www.tridenteyachtdesign.com and my email is em@tridenteyachtdesign.com

Now I'm working on Italy so everything is going to be by email. I hope that isn't a problem for you.

Best Regards,

Enrique Mich.

[JeroenW]

Originally Posted by rwatson

...
Why not put your specs and sketches on line, and see if its available 'off the shelf' first.
...

Exactly, if you put your specs and sketches here somewhere, than someone might find a boat which is a close match, so that you only need to modify an existing design. Which might be cheaper (and faster?) than starting from scratch?

[Seafarer24]

Intended use: Single-handed circumnavigation
LOA: 24'
Beam: 8'
Draft: 4' - 4'6"
Rig: Free-standing cat-ketch with equal-length masts and booms
Aux. Engine: Generator powering two electric motors set into the keel, each turning a feathering prop. Or... no engine at all.
Tiller steering with Cape Horn wind-vane

Optimized ergonomically for a 5'10" sailor.
Intended construction is composite: strip-planking, foam core, e-glass skin

I've attached a quick-and-dirty interior layout and profile drawing

[the1much]

WOWZERZ!!!!!!!!! aint it GREAT to see a hand drawn sketchin,,hehe,,
have you ever thought of being an artist?
and im just playing with ya ,, i actually was pleasantly surprised not to see a "cad like" drawing hehe

[CTMD]

Seafarer24,

There are plenty of naval architects who could help you. Even more as you're not looking to win a race and therefor the level of detail and analysis is a lot less.

1. Don't do any more work. What you've shown here is enough to start a conversation with your designer and any drawings you do beyond what you've shown won't save them any time.

2. Talk to the local (phonebook) NAs explain what you want to do and what the time line is etc. You want someone local so you can do this accross a table.

3. Avoid the "FARR" type offices, you can't afford them and they won't bring anything to the table for your project that a smaller office could (except bigger bills).

Good luck and pleasant sailing.

[Ike]

There are probably more boat builders and designers concentrated in Florida than anywhere in the rest of the US if not the world. Ask around. Look them up on the net or just try your phone book. North Miami is chockablock with them. You should be able to find some one fairly easily. OR, wait until October and go to IBEX. http://www.ibexshow.com/ Many designers and builders go to this conference because it is an industry show.

[afrhydro]

seafarer
i am a custom boat builder right just south of you and i have a 6000 square ft building

[Seafarer24]

the1much- glad I could provide some amusement. Those were just quick 5-minute sketches. When I take my time I draw more like what you see here: 32' cruising cat-ketch from scratch.

CTMD- thank you for the advice. I'll start looking around locally first and see what they say about it.

Ike- Miami is still a 4-hour drive, but I'm sure I can find someone in the Tampa area to talk to.

afrhydro- I plan to do the actual building myself. I want to hire a designer because I don't trust myself to make it float on its lines.

[afrhydro]

cool well if you need help with the floatin part
lol good luck
feel free to call if you need a professionals opinion

[the1much]

no REALLY Seafarer ,,,i REALLY like them,,,them others are bad@ss too! ,,see im like,not very "teknickle",,haha,,so when i see those sketch's done on a computer,,,, they go over my head before i even know im looking at a boat hehe
but,,,,,,,, glad to see your actually another real "boater" and has a sense of humor,,,,,oh by the way,,,,,, nice meeting ya

[sharpii2]

Originally Posted by Seafarer24

Intended use: Single-handed circumnavigation
LOA: 24'
Beam: 8'
Draft: 4' - 4'6"
Rig: Free-standing cat-ketch with equal-length masts and booms
Aux. Engine: Generator powering two electric motors set into the keel, each turning a feathering prop. Or... no engine at all.
Tiller steering with Cape Horn wind-vane

Optimized ergonomically for a 5'10" sailor.
Intended construction is composite: strip-planking, foam core, e-glass skin

I've attached a quick-and-dirty interior layout and profile drawing

Looks pretty good to me.

Why the two motors? Wouldn't just one do?