Is it okay to publish the 3D CAD hull models of these boats?

I think I already know the answer, but I'm interested in the discussion.
I've already asked this question in the WoodenBoat forum, but I'm also interested in the opinion here in this forum.

I have developed a passion for using CAD Software (Rhino 5) to create 3D models of hulls based on line drawings of boat designs that I find interesting for one reason or another. Among other things, this helps me to better understand these designs by using the hydrostatics function of one of the programs I use (ProSurf 3).

Over the years, I have amassed an extensive collection, which also helps me evaluate my own designs: https://photos.app.goo.gl/j4YTQSLQUC6LET8J7



I would like to make the 3D models available to other boat enthusiasts who might be interested.
However, this raises a problem with regard to copyright protection. Even though I have only used line drawings that are publicly available on the internet or in publications such as Wooden Boat Magazine and various boatbuilding books, and these have undergone a transformation through the creation of the 3D models, I do not want to infringe on the intellectual property of the creative minds I admire (e.g., John Welsford, Michael Storer, Paul Gartside, Sam Devlin, John Harris, Ross Lillistone, to name but a few).
The 3D hull models do not represent the entire design, and only a few people will be able to build an actual boat based on them. Nevertheless, I understand that they could be misused.

Perhaps the members of the forum or even the designers themselves can help me understand where to draw the line.

 

I would begin with two things. First is to make explicit every source you used and state that anyone who actually wants to do something with this should consult that source. Second is to contact every publisher and find out what they consider fair use to be. After that, you may want to contact some individual designers and see what they have to say.

This probably has as much to do with the manner in which you are portraying their designs than actual copyright sort of issue. Designers can and should protect the way their designs are rendered.

They should be very concerned if this is accessible in CAD form as opposed to CAD-derived renders. Design hydrostatics, if they can be extracted from what you publish, can get you in trouble fast. You also need to be explicit about any compensation from publishing this, including ad revenue, and consider if there is any risk of siphoning revenue from any of your sources. For instance, Wooden Boat sells many books with boat lines in them.

 

Thank you very much for your contribution. These are very helpful comments.

Even before I received feedback, I had already decided against publication.

Some of the designers concerned have also spoken up on the WoodenBoat forum and emphatically clarified their position, for which I am very grateful. Here is the link again for further information: Is it okay to make the 3D CAD hull models of these boats puplic? - The WoodenBoat Forum https://forum.woodenboat.com/forum/designs-plans/9483656-is-it-okay-to-make-the-3d-cad-hull-models-of-these-boats-puplic

 

This is an interesting one, and a bit tricky, and only “possible” today with such easy access to “data”.

On the one hand, if the drawings/data have been published publically, one may consider well, isn’t this a free-for-all, i.e. anyone can now use it?
On the face of it, one may think – yes. But if you interrogate the data/drawing that has been published, it will more often than not, under it or in the test, say something like:

Credit XXX
Or
Published with permission from XXX

Almost never do you see such data/drawings presented without a reference to its source.

Then, in which case, you must also obtain permission to use said data.
The fact that you have used their data to create your own set of “data” does not make it yours, nor are you free to publish it as yours…it is theirs!

 

I’ve found a way to share the 3D models of the boat hulls so you can get a good idea of the hull shape without infringing on copyright.
A program like Sketchfab allows for interactive viewing without granting access to the data underlying the 3D model. This does mean you can’t perform hydrostatic calculations, but you can’t always have everything.
I haven’t quite mastered the program yet, but I can already show some initial results. This is one of my designs, which I’ve worked out in more detail than I plan to for the presentation of the hulls.
https://forum.woodenboat.com/forum/designs-plans/8938543-two-32-foot-flywood-canoes

Flywood 31-8 Big - Tumblehome 3 Parts - 3D model by flo-mo https://skfb.ly/pHQnz

 

I don't know the laws in Austria but in the USA we have a law called the Hull Design Protection Act. https://www.copyright.gov/reports/vhdpa-report.pdf
Designers/boatbuilders can register their designs with the Patent/Trademark office. This is not a patent or a trademark, but it allows the design/boatbuilder some protection against someone who copies (called splashing) their design. I don't know if you would run afoul of this by publishing 3D models of someone elses designs. But it could happen. Their only recourse, in a case of someone copying their design, is a lawsuit. But I would give it a lot of thought and as others have said:
1. ask permission (no, it is not better to ask forgiveness, than asking permission.)
2. give credit. It takes nothing to give credit to the designer.
If the designer has a website, give a link to the site. The designer will appreciate that.

PS: I wrote the US Coast Guard's opinion on this law when it was before Congress. But they passed it anyway. (LOL)

Sorry about the link. I have corrected it so it works

 

I think this is a spectacular exercise. Having purchased a handful of plans, most of which have been a waste of time as specific element of the design were not available until the funds were spent, these comparisons allow someone "on the street" to compare design A to B to C without having to guess....this gives us prospective buyers a very good opportunity to compare to a potentially (and beneficial) known form.....vs. using simply the marketing/descriptive jargon that the designers use in that particular plan. It is a significant benefit to put an eyeball
'apples to apples" comparison to use before buying a particular plan.

In my particular instance, I would not buy another set of plans without a reference like this, and would hope the designers could appreciate the ability to park their design alongside another and have someone be able to make a marginally more informed decision. It is not as easy as parking a Camry next to an Accord and seeing which one is taller or has the bigger trunk....but anyone with a few neurons sparking upstairs gets the point.

 

I would never ever buy dwgs that did not include the offsets
without
how'd you know if hull is fair?
a section plan MUST be drawn so as frames, floors tank ends can be lifted