Do I need a naval architect? Boat furnishing designer?

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by tomjack, Dec 23, 2017.

  1. tomjack
    Joined: Dec 2011
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    Location: Miami

    tomjack Junior Member

    I'm picking up a new hull next week, and am going to pull the center console and seats out and start with a blank slate. There's a bunch of custom stuff I want to do, not limited to the following:

    New center console with porta potty
    Custom T-Top and wrap-around windshield
    Roll-down screens for bug and weather protection
    Tackle center
    Rod holders and mounting options for downriggers
    All new upholstery
    Additional storage and coolers

    I've got a pretty good of idea of what I want the end result to look like (and have a bunch of pics pinned in my Pinterest board), but need to get my thoughts organized and into some type of 3D renderings so I can look at a bunch of different options.

    Who do I need to hire to design this type of stuff? A Naval Architect or boat designer? What do you call all this stuff anyway, boat furnishings?

    If it's relevant, the boat will be in S. Florida in a few weeks.
     
  2. PAR
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    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    You don't either, though someone with good skills working with 'glass and possibly composites would be a wise choice. If you could provide reasonable sketches, to control the aesthetic considerations, anyone with reasonable marine building skills could slam this sort of work out.
     
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  3. rwatson
    Joined: Aug 2007
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    rwatson Senior Member

    ]

    I found it invaluable to get interior designs done in cad, and then reviewed by an experienced designer/NA.

    There are "standards" used in interiors to ensure adequate head height over bunks, access to doors, layout for cooking all while accommodating water tanks, engines pipes etc etc.

    By doing a series of "walk thrus" with scale sized dummies, it is easy to spot potential safety hazards, inadequate seating and access to everything from chart tables to engine access to change oil filters.

    In the process, you can check out the "look" you want, and specify materials.

    Finally, its great to be able to just pass the drawings to skilled tradesmen, so they know exactly what and where to put into the boat, and will make the quotation all the more accurate as well.

    Its like the difference between an architect designed house, and a "builders choice" construction, and adds considerable value to the boat as a whole.

    If you get someone who is a keen sailor, as well as technically trained, a lot of practical considerations will be included.
     
  4. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    The most important part of designing and building all what you propose on the boat is to keep track of the total weight and make sure it is placed properly. Many boats end up listing, squatting, too slow, etc. because of it.
     
  5. tomjack
    Joined: Dec 2011
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    tomjack Junior Member

    Getting the designs done in CAD- that's what I need help with. Where do I look? For my business I would post requests to places like Upwork, Elance, etc. Should I just be looking for a naval architect, or is this more of a boat furnishings designer that I need? I've attached a couple pics of the type of custom design I'm looking for. The boat I'm picking up is a 28' RIB. JPmataporiLissa_020.jpg 6542730_20171127010828149_1_LARGE.jpg
     
  6. TANSL
    Joined: Sep 2011
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    TANSL Senior Member

    The first thing you need is a good creator of 3D models. Once the 3D model is obtained, any designer can do the calculations that your project needs. I advise that the designer be a naval architect. I also advise that it is a single professional who does both jobs, although it is not necessary.
     
  7. rwatson
    Joined: Aug 2007
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    rwatson Senior Member

    Great points. Another reason for a bit of planning.

    Try
    Media for user: Unik | Boat Design Net https://www.boatdesign.net/gallery/users/unik.59103/

    as a former client, I got good value, even though he is in Ukraine
     
  8. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
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    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    Anyone with building experience can do this and there's no need for CAD unless you'd like some precision fitted parts cut up for you. A experienced builder will know to build light, will understand about headroom and other compliance and practicality concerns. CAD work isn't inexpensive, unless done by someone that's limited in experience, which is just what you don't want.

    On the other hand, if you're looking for some production run detail work, yes, you'd be well advised to have an experienced, CAD capable designer or NA work up accommodations options for your RIB. I'd assume you'd already have some accommodations worked up, so transferring some files to have the new or changed portions fleshed out is a good idea. I'm just suggesting for a one off, not so much. Simply put, you'll need to amortize these costs across more than a few boats.
     
  9. TANSL
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    TANSL Senior Member

    I would say, and I think not wrong, that the OP does need a CAD model :
    With it he can decide the best aspect for his booat, before making more calculations. Of course, following the procedure of the design spiral, you can adjust the parameters of your boat, weights and its distribution along with many other things, until you reach the final GA. There are things, such as determining the center of buoyanci or the metacentre, or the fulfillment of certain norms ... that, perhaps, anyone with only building experience can not be determined. You have to think about teamwork, without underestimating the work of any professional.
     
  10. PAR
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    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    The question is likely more about costs associated, rather than need. Again, for a one off, certainly an extravagance, but for a limited production run, possibly a requirement.
     
  11. TANSL
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    TANSL Senior Member

    Cost associated to a 3D model with a CAD software?, very small. I do not know what can be charged for that but cost should not exceed 150 euros. Do not put the cry in the sky, gentlemen, I'm talking about the model that, I think, the OP needs.
     
  12. PAR
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    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    I don't know were you're getting a full set of accommodation drawings, but I can't do it for a $150, not even remotely close to it, nor do I know any experienced modeler with naval design experience that can.
     
  13. TANSL
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    TANSL Senior Member

    At no time, if I am not very wrong, I have spoken of "a full set of accommodation drawings". Review my post, please.
    I have not the faintest idea what it can cost what you understand by "a full set of accommodation drawings".
    Maybe I've explained myself wrong. Sorry for saying what I said and not what you think I said.
    And, of course, I know experienced modeler with naval design experience, or without it, that can do that.
     
  14. Angélique
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    Angélique aka Angel (only by name)

    Right, you do not know.
     
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  15. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    There are countries where $150 will get you a couple of weeks of labor.
     
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