Boat Design

I have recently purchased a fun little boat company, that produces 10 foot mini runabouts. The boats are currently made from fiberglass, and I have the plugs and molds for them. However I am looking into using a different material (plastic), and also looking to update the hull design. I would like to end up with a CAD 3-D model for tool design. I would also like input on the changes that I am planning to make on the hull. My problem is that I do not know where to go for these services or what they would cost. If anyone could provide me with the names of some companies that do this kind of work I would appreciate it. I am located in the midwest near Lake Michigan.

Mark Schuldt
mschuldt@maintenancecoatings.com

 

"PLASTIC"... Not sure how you can find out about this. Triumph boats are made of roto molded marine plastic. Their molds are one piece and injected with the material, then rotated in a large oven for even distribution of the material. Doubt they are giving up any Tech.

 

Do you want 100 dollards and a pancake with it?

 

I assume you mean ABS plastic; it is popular in canoes and kayaks. Some of the early craft built from it were terrible. Now it is used as a composite and has become a very good construction method. A brand like Royalex is a sandwich composite material that comes in sheet form, it is heated and molded into boats. Here is one of many companies in the US that do this.
http://www.wenonah.com/canoes/

Gary

 

Thanks

Thanks for the input, although what I really need is help in finding a company to help make the design changes and the 3-D modeling. I think I have the material chosen however I will look into that composite. If there is a company that would be interested in this project please let me know. I've looked into some naval architectual firms, but they all seem more into the large yachts. Thanks again.
Mark

 

Guest:
You can try about.com's web site then go to the "composites" list hosted by Barry Barrenburg. There is a wealth of knowledge to be had there. The tooling for what you are trying to do will cost and then cost some more though. 5 axis CNC will be the first expense for rotomolding tooling It seemsto be a fairly complex process "process control" timelines and temp but your cost per part in a production set-up would be low. So might be a viable option for you. Vacuum bagging with pre-pregs might be a winner too. I guess it depentds on the volume you want to achieve and how many employee's you want. hope this can point you in the right direction Good luck!
8Knots

p.s. The process Gary is talking about is a good one too. Be aware of the depth of draw for your mold. Thermoforming usually requires that you have to "Dumb down" or soften your edges to keep it fast and cost effective. Go to your local Kayak retailer and compare hull forms of glass boats v/s plastic and see what I mean. The average consumer does not microscope hull form like us boat nuts so if you keep the cost down more than likely you will end up with a winner!

 

another option

Mark:
Check out http://www.sunrez.com
If I were to persue my Kayak biz this is the resin and system I would use hands down. VARTM (vacuum assisted resin transfer molding) with a UV cure resin can't go wrong! in small boat manufacture. the owner Mark Livsay is a good fellow too he was very helpful and easy to work with.
8

 

EBDG

Try Elliott Bay Design Group, Seattle WA,

www.ebdg.com

Though they concentrate on commercial craft, they do lots of odd work as well and are very good at modeling.

 

designers needed?

Maybe we can help you.
e-mail us!

 

??

Would The Shapde Of A Boat Change How Much Mass It Can Hold

 

Yes if it's changing the overall volume.

 

Mark (and anyone else who is interested),

I would be happy to redraw/re-design the small run-about in question. I am very used to using Rhino 3.0 and I have started to write my own Design and Hydrostatics code.

See http://forums.boatdesign.net/showthread.php?t=4587 for more details

Please contact me at TIM@MarineDesign.tk if you are interested (this e-mail does not accept attachments, if you need to send an attachment, contact me and I will send you an alternative address)

Tim Brocklehurst

 

Mark:

You should check the resources in this Web site. Specially in the directory.

If you want to try your hands on design, why not use Carlson design program. It's limited to hard chines, but might give you the basics.

For Carlson look in www.carlsondesign.com, under 'Shareware for boat design', the program is free. See 'Hull Designer'.

If you want a detailed redesign, you'll have to contact a naval architect. There are many in boatdesign.net pages.

 

Designer

I saw on his website that you can hire Ted Brewer as an "advisor" for a very reasonable fee. Why not get someone with that kind of experienced and with god connections until you are up and running.

Also contact technical schools in your area. There are many that take on project so the students get some real experience to develop their CAD skills. There instructors will also know who is hireing, You don't need someone fulltime so sharing with another small businers could work well.

Asathor

 

Confluence Watersports in Trinity, NC makes a huge line of differentiated small watercraft, including the brand Wavesport. (You may find them at www.youcanpaddle.com). They do all of their design and manufacturing on-site in rural NC. They are using a process called roto-molding for all of their high-impact polymer crafts. (with much succes, I might add)