Best overall software???

If you have any doubts about the ability of solid works have a look at this on you tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9c5QHGuNu0

Before investing the money in (and time to learn) new software, have a look into more efficient assembley structures to speed up solid works.

 

I can confirm you that several italian boatbuilders use Unigraphics too. There must be some good reason for that.

 

You may try intelliship (now called smartMarine) from Intergraph. The last release is not great, but hope they have changed. Please note that Intelliship use the geometric kernels as solidworks (ACIS).

The problems with big players is that you seldom have chance to do the bench mark test. For small firms, you can download the software and try out. But for big firms like Catia, SmartMarine or UG, unless you buy a lot of seats, you don't have chance to do any seriours tests.

Another questions, has anyone tried blender? blender.org, it should be the best one as it is free.