Software for easy 2D boat layouts

Discussion in 'Software' started by Sleipnir, Feb 1, 2015.

  1. Sleipnir
    Joined: Jun 2014
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    Sleipnir Junior Member

    Can anyone suggest me an easy to use (free or reasonably priced) software which I can use to make various layout proposals. I'm not interested in designing and calculating the hull, propulsion etcetera at this stage...... it's only to play around with various proposals for motor boat layouts.

    Thanks for any input
     
  2. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    gonzo Senior Member

    A 2D program won't be too useful for a boat interior. Unlike a house where the walls are vertical, a hull has curves and all kinds of different angles. You could do a 2D layout and find out some of it is outside the boat.
     
  3. TANSL
    Joined: Sep 2011
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    TANSL Senior Member

    Most of projects done in this world have, among many other drawings, one called "General Arrangement" and is always in 2D. It is not only useful but is essential for a proper project from the beginning. I would say, but this is debatable, the first thing to do to start a project, the famous spiral of the project, is a general arrangement in 2D. Gallery pictures of this forum is full of GA drawings in 2D.
    The only problem that can occur is that, as always, one must know what is being drawn and properly use the tools that are available.
    Answering the OP, I think looking at Google you can find some free drawing programs.
     
  4. Sleipnir
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    Sleipnir Junior Member

    Thanks TANSL; you nailed what I need it for. A general freeware drawing program could do it of course; I was just wondering if any of the more dedicated boat design programs were easier to work with, i.e. offered some standard templates I could use as a starting point.
     
  5. TANSL
    Joined: Sep 2011
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    TANSL Senior Member

    I have worked with various programs for ship design, I even created my own software, and I think there is not what you ask for. I know of no such program with the available templates that you're looking for. There are 3D modeling programs that have models of ships, modifying, you can bring your boat. But for that, in my opinion, you must first know something of your boat, which get through a 2D drawing. Good luck
     
  6. Hampus
    Joined: Jan 2010
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    Hampus Junior Member

    Yes, the use of the GA could hardly be depated. I think though, that what Gonzo means is that without knowing the full geometry of the hull it will be impossible to know wether your GA will fit within the hull or not. If the OP wants to start with the GA and build the hull around it, then that's another matter and a 2D program will do just fine.

    To the OP. Even with a 2D program it is possible to make a lines plan on which you can fit your interior to match the hull geometry. You would go about this much the same way that you would have drawing with pen, paper, splines and curves. You would draw stations, buttocks and waterlines in different views. Each view will show one set of curves and two sets as straight lines. By working back and forth between the views you project, from the intersections points through which you run your curves. Confusing, I know...

    Some software:
    http://www.punchcad.com/p-27-viacad-2d3d-v9.aspx Cheap

    http://sourceforge.net/projects/free-cad/ Free

    And my personal favourite: http://draftsight.en.softonic.com/ Free
     
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2015

  7. DCockey
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    DCockey Senior Member

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