CAD software for small boats

Discussion in 'Software' started by TXcoast, Jul 3, 2020.

  1. TXcoast
    Joined: Jul 2020
    Posts: 5
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    Location: Texas

    TXcoast Junior Member

    Here's what I'm building. I've been drawing plans for a 13 and half foot flats skiff similar to what you might find on saltboatworks.com or boatbuildercentral.com. I'm not going to do stitch and glue. I might try that when I get ready to tackle my kayak/skiff hybrid. But this boat will be used in the shallow marshes and flats on the Texas gulf coast. Shallow draft, light weight, low horsepower outboard. Yeah, I could buy a boat, but where's the fun in that?

    I've been drawing this out on graph paper. It's time to step up to CAD.

    Anyway, I saw the recommendations for Freeship and Deltfship software. Any others?

    Thanks
     
  2. bajansailor
    Joined: Oct 2007
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    Location: Barbados

    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

    Welcome to the Forum TX.

    Others can better advise on software than I - there are programs like Rhino3D and MaxSurf, but you do have to shell out quite a lot of $$'s to buy them.
    Re how you are not going to do 'stitch and glue', I am wondering why?
    Surely this method would be the easiest / cheapest for a basic flats skiff?
    If not stitch and glue, what construction method are you proposing?
     
  3. TXcoast
    Joined: Jul 2020
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    Location: Texas

    TXcoast Junior Member

    I'll still bond the stringers to the hull and frame members with the resin/microballoon mix, but I plan to mechanically attach the parts rather than use zip ties. My plan is to use small number 6 or 8 stainless countersunk screws that will be sunk below flush and filled. Stitch and glue is a good method, and do plan to try it at some point, but using stainless screws is the way I want to go on this boat.

    The structure of the boat will feature a center keel with two equally spaced stringers running parallel. It's a semi-monocoque design that will have five frame members, a forward casting deck, a center grab bar and rear seat with an aluminum frame that will bolt to the deck. Basically, I'm applying thirty plus years of experience working in heavy aircraft overhaul (Delta and Southwest) along with what I know about aircraft structures to the design.

    But I do want to look at my design on a CAD program before I start spending money on materials. I have to drive five hours to Houston to buy the marine grade plywood I plan to use due to lack of availability in the part of the state where I live. So I do need to be proactive.
     
  4. TANSL
    Joined: Sep 2011
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    Location: Spain

    TANSL Senior Member

    DELFTship is very good software, since it is free, the graphical interface is great, the calculations are good but they are very limited. They are probably enough for what you need. For such a simple ship, you shouldn't buy any software. If you need to do some supplementary calculation, I am sure that some member of this forum could help you.
     
  5. TXcoast
    Joined: Jul 2020
    Posts: 5
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    Location: Texas

    TXcoast Junior Member

    Thank you TANSL. I'm going to give DELFTship a try. I have to start somewhere. I saw some older threads on here in which people were talking about 3dboatdesign.com and I almost bit on it and bought that software. But I became suspicious when I saw all the different reviews and noticed that were all worded the same, even with the exact same misspelled words. It was my research on them that led me to this site. It seems this site saved me some money!
     
  6. TXcoast
    Joined: Jul 2020
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    Location: Texas

    TXcoast Junior Member

    I downloaded the Delftship software, latest version. My computer is freaking out. This message keeps popping up: Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk.

    I don't download very much stuff to my computer. Actually, I can't remember the last time I downloaded any kind of program. So a little guidance here? Thanks
     
  7. TANSL
    Joined: Sep 2011
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    Location: Spain

    TANSL Senior Member

    Windows establishes many indiscriminate protections against software that is unknown to it (they have not paid Microsoft the highest fees to belong to the Microsoft Developers Network) or that, by whatever system, it detects that few users use. That makes totally honest and well-intentioned programs have trouble running on Windows. However, any hacker, a beginner, can create a virus that circulates around your computer like at home. Those Windows "protections" are so bad that we all need to buy an antivirus that protects us because Windows doesn't.
    Use DELFTship, despite what Windows says and don't forget to operate as System Administrator.
     
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2020

  8. TXcoast
    Joined: Jul 2020
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    Location: Texas

    TXcoast Junior Member

    Very, very good, thank you!
     
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