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Top 8 Best Boat Design Software in 2024 (Free & Paid)

Written by: 3DSourced

January 16, 2024

Whether you’re a student, a hobbyist, or a professional, finding the right software is the key first step to designing a boat. However, with such a wide range of programs available, you need to make sure you choose the best boat design software for you.

We usually talk about 3D software in relation to 3D printing, but 3D modeling techniques are used across many applications and industries, including boat design. In fact, 3D printing is becoming increasingly prevalent in the boat design industry, with one example being Tanaruz’s 3D printed boats .

Quick Overview

• Free!ship : Best Free Boat Design Software for Linux
• Sailcut CAD : Free Sailboat Design Software
• Bearboat SP : Free Boat Designer for Small Boats & Kayaks
• DELFTship : Intuitive Free Boat Design Tool with Professional Option
• Fusion 360 : Best Free Boat Design Software for Beginners & Mac
• SketchUp : Best Boat Design App for iPad
• Autoship : Best for Naval & Marine Architecture, Best for Windows
• Solidworks : Best for Aluminum Boat Design Software & Best for Yachts

In this guide, we review several 3D ship design software to help you do just that. We’ll take a close look at both free and professional options, so that you’ll be able to find a suitable program regardless of your budget and experience.

Read more: our feature story on 3D printed boats

Best Free Boat Design Software

1. freeship – best free boat design software for linux.

Completely free and open source 

Subdivision modeling to design any hull shape

Can export designs in a range of file formats

Can submit support and feature requests 

Positive reviews from users 

Can be tricky for novices to get used to 

Not available on Mac 

Unlike most of the boat building software on our list, Free!ship isn’t developed by a company, but rather by an individual called Marven with a desire to make boat design accessible to anyone.

Free!ship is a surface modeling program for designing ships and yachts, using subdivision surfaces modeling rather than NURBs, providing the freedom to design hulls of any shape. 

Available on Windows and Linux, you can get started with this free CAD software by automatically generating a basic boat structure to use as a template. You can then easily use the nodes on the structure, as well as a variety of tools like curve, split, collapse, and insert plane, to reshape the design to your liking.

You need to fill in certain parameters, such as:

• Boat length
• Beam length
• Longitudinal and vertical direction

Once you’ve done that, you can view your boat design in four different perspectives and every angle to help you finalize your structure.

Free!ship offers the option to fill out support requests, feature requests, and report bugs. However, bear in mind that design beginners may be better off with a professional free ship design software that has more support options and tutorials available, as you don’t get any training with Free!ship.

2. Sailcut CAD – Free Sailboat Design Software

Specialist sailboat design software 

Easy to use node editing

Supports a variety of sail designs

Export designs in different file types including DXF files

Not suitable for designing other boat types

If you’re looking for a free small boat design software specifically geared towards designing sails and sailboats, you can’t go wrong with Sailcut CAD .

This design and plotting software can be used to design the sail, hull, and rail of a boat, in addition to precisely computing panel development in flat sheets.

You can use it for a variety of different sail types, including wing sails, cross cut, twist foot cut, vertical cut, mitre cut, and radicul cut, so it’s a versatile tool that will suit virtually any sailboat designer.

The software provides a base design template that you can then edit and view in a variety of formats, including shaded, wireframe, and development. It provides control over all the key dimensions of your sailboat, such as boat length, gaff round, and seam width.

Sailcut provides documentation that explains how to use it for CAD as well as community mailing lists and a bug tracker where you can report issues.

3. Bearboat SP – Free Boat Designer for Small Boats & Kayaks 

Specialist kayak design software 

Simple to use 

Control all aspects of your design

Multiple view options

Advanced tools like wetting

Not suitable for larger boat designs

Dated interface 

Bearboat SP is a specialist kayak design software that can also be used to design other similar types of small boats.

People have been using Bearboat to design kayaks since 1998 – and it’s the most popular program for this specific type of boat design. 

It’s a fairly simple, no-frills software that makes it easy to get stuck straight in. You begin by filling in the core boat hull parameters, such as length, stability, and design deplacement, and then just click the ‘create’ button to generate your base kayak template. 

From there, you can go about making structural changes to aspects like shape seam, bow and stern seam height, and rockers parameters. You can also easily change dimensions using the nodes on the 2D wireframe design.

There are three viewing options – bird view, side view, and cross-section view – for inspecting your design from different perspectives, as well as options such as changing the color of the wireframe design for easier analysis. 

Advanced features include the ability to view the wetted surface and underwater area, and a drag spreadsheet that contains all the parameters of your boat design, making Bearboat SP a well-rounded boat design tool overall.

4. DELFTship – Intuitive Free Boat Design Tool with Professional Option

More up-to-date and intuitive than other free boat design software tools

Impressive model rendering

Professional license and extension options

Perform basic calculations to check buoyancy and other factors

Free version has limited features compared to paid version

DELFTship is another great free boat design software, and offers a somewhat more professional and up-to-date solution versus Sailcut and Free!ship, with more impressive renderings than other free programs.

This 3D hull form modeling program is very intuitive with a range of easy-to-use design features, including lots of nodes that make it simple to edit your base model just by dragging and dropping.

You can inspect your models from five different viewpoints and convert them to wireframes and other formats to better analyze structure. Features like the keel and rudder wizard make it simple to design additional components of your boat.

DELFTship provides an unlimited free version alongside a professional license that costs $160. You can also add on extensions and board stability analysis calculations upon request for additional fees.

Even without the paid license you can still use DELFTship free to perform basic hydrostatic calculations and resistance calculations to help improve the precision of your designs, making this one of the most impressive free boat design tools. 

5. Fusion 360 – Best Free Boat Design Software for Beginners & Mac

More beginner-friendly than other boat design software 

Lots of learning resources & tutorials

High quality, flexible 3D modeling tool

Impressive renderings

Available on Mac

Not a specialist boat hull design software

Unlike the other programs we’ve covered so far Fusion 360 is a general purpose 3D modeling software that’s not specifically made for boat designing. However, it’s still widely used in boat designing, and its more general nature has some advantages.

For starters, designing a boat is a fairly large and complex task, and the more specialist software like Free!ship and Bearboat SP are complex if you’re new to computer aided design. 

While Fusion 360 still has a learning curve, it’s one of the best designed, intuitive, and beginner-friendly 3D modeling software out there. On top of that, it has a huge range of learning resources and tutorials, great support, and a large user community, so it’s very popular among new designers.

In fact, there are a variety of YouTube videos and written tutorials showing how to use Fusion 360 for boat design and for different types of vessels, including yachts and canoes. These include videos showing how to design wooden boats , so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a plywood boat design software.

Another benefit of Fusion 360 is that, unlike most naval architecture boat design software, it’s available on Mac. It even has iOS and Android apps that allow you to view designs and collaborate via your smartphone or tablet. 

Fusion 360 is also free for three years as long as you’re using it non-commercially.

Best Paid Boat Design Software 

6. sketchup – best boat design app for ipad.

• Price : $119 a year for the app (free online version available)

3D modeling iPad app

High quality renderings

Intuitive and beginner-friendly

Free online version available

Not specialized for boat design

SketchUp is another general purpose 3D software used for boat design. While it’s not one of the most widely used boat design programs, the reason it’s on our list is that it’s one of the few premier 3D CAD tools that has a fully-fledged mobile app for iPad.

While some programs like Fusion 360 have viewer apps, these don’t have the modeling tools of their desktop counterparts. However, with the SketchUp iPad app, you can enjoy advanced modeling on a tablet, and you can even get creative using an Apple Pencil stylus.

There are a variety of tutorials and videos showing how to design boats with SketchUp, and as a user-friendly software it’s a good option for beginners. SketchUp also boasts high quality renderings for producing 3D boat designs that you can easily share with anyone. 

While the SketchUp boat design app has a yearly fee, you can also use the software for free using the online-only version, or choose from a variety of desktop licenses that vary in terms of features and storage.

SketchUp also offers iPhone and Android apps, although these are more stripped back versions more suited to viewing and sharing designs on your mobile.

7. Autoship – Best for Naval & Marine Architecture, Best for Windows

• Price : upon quote 

Large software suite that covers the entire boat design pipeline

Used by professional boat manufacturers

Highly intuitive NURBs modeling

Comprehensive testing features and data management

Extensive training and support

Can be used to create load plans

Not available on Mac

Steep learning curve 

Autoship is a software suite designed for professional naval and marine architects that provides solutions for every aspect in the boat design process, from modeling to construction and load planning modules for more optimal loading.

In terms of design, Autoship software offers five different CAD/CAM solutions:

• Autoship Pro – a hull design and surface modeling program.
• Modelmaker – for creating 3D models of vessels and components.
• Autohydro Pro – for analyzing hydrostatics and stability of your models.
• Autoplate – a plate design, expansion, and management system.
• Autopower – for resistance and powering predictions.

So, you can create a package with any number of these programs based on your needs. The great thing about Autoship software is all the programs are fully integrated, so any changes made to your model integrate into each solution.

Autoship Pro is the primary design solution in this suite, with a vast array of advanced features for designing vessels. Based on NURBs modeling, the intuitive interface allows you to work in up to four views simultaneously with ten levels of zoom and unzoom for top precision.

Some of the impressive features of this vessel design software include extensive context menus to help speed up operations, the ability to color surfaces so it’s easy to pick out parts in complex designs, curvature displays for curves and surfaces, hydrostatic and resistance calculations, and strength assessment tools.

Overall, with its mix of powerful design, testing, and engineering features, Autoship is one of the most complete boat design software on the market.

8. Solidworks – Best for Aluminum Boat Design Software & Best for Yachts

• Price : upon quote

Solidworks is one of the most advanced 3D CAD/CAM software out there and is widely used across design and engineering industries, from automotive to aerospace as well as boat design. 

In fact, this software is used by a number of leading boat manufacturers. One such example is Kvichak Marine Industries, a Seattle-based maker of high quality aluminum vessels, including both passenger and industrial boats.

In this v i deo , the assistant chief engineer explains how Solidworks’ highly precise 3D modeling tools allow them to improve processes by spotting issues quicker and therefore improve efficiency, with the ability to inspect every element from the individual pipes within hulls to the connections within engines.

Solidworks’ extremely advanced and flexible modeling allows you to create any type of boat you like. There’s even an eBook that explains each step in designing a superyacht using Solidworks.

While this software is mostly used by professional companies, there are also numerous YouTube videos showing you how to design a boat with it, so it’s accessible to amateurs.

What is Boat Design Software?

A boat design software is a program used to sketch, plan, and model a boat in 3D. Popular boat design programs include Free!ship, Solidworks, Fusion 360, and Autoship.

What is naval architecture?

Naval architecture is the processing of designing and engineering marine vessels like ships and boats, as well as their parts. Naval architects also work in boat and ship repair. 

Do I need special software for designing boats?

You don’t need a special boat design software to design boats and ships. While there are a number of specialist boat design software tools out there, general 3D modeling CAD programs like Fusion 360 and AutoCAD are also used for this purpose. 

What Can You Do With Boat Software? 

All boat software have different features that determine what you can do with them. For example, certain programs are designed for creating certain types of boats, such as kayaks and sailboats, so this is the first consideration you need to make to find a suitable program.

More expensive programs typically offer a much wider range of features than paid versions. At the top end are industrial solutions like Autoship and Solidworks, which offer extremely high quality and flexible modeling tools and provide support for testing, manufacturing, and engineering processes, so they’re complete solutions. 

There are also software like DELFTship and Fusion 360 that provide both free and paid versions, so you can try out the free versions and then upgrade if you want the extra features available on the paid licenses.

Buying Guide – Things to consider when choosing boat software

Type of Boat

Boats come in all different shapes and sizes, and some software are specially built for designing certain types of boats. For example, Bearboat SP is primarily geared towards kayak designing, while Sailcut is for sailboats. 

On the other hand, general 3D modeling software like Fusion 360 and Solidworks are more flexible, so you could use it as a Yacht design software and for other types of boats. The benefits of this are the increased flexibility and beginner-friendliness, but these general programs can lack some of the more specialist features that the likes of Bearboat SP and Sailcut have.

Compatibility

The device you’re using is going to have an impact on what naval architecture software you use, as most programs only work on certain operating systems.

In fact, the majority of boat design software are only compatible with Windows. If you’re looking for a boat design software for Mac, Linux, or iPad, you may be best off using a more general purpose 3D modeling software like Fusion 360 or SketchUp.

3D Rendering & Graphic Quality

Free programs like Free!ship, Sailcut, and Bearboat SP are all great for creating precise boat designs at no expense, but in terms of graphics and 3D model rendering, they’re all very basic. 

This isn’t unusual when it comes to free programs, and if you’re not bothered about graphics then it’s no issue. However, if you do want to create higher quality models and renderings – which is especially important if you’re a student or aspiring professional boat designer – then you’ll need a program that provides this, such as Solidworks or Autoship.

Usability & Training

Boat design isn’t exactly a simple process, so if you’re a complete beginner, you’ll want a software that’s easier to get to grips with. 

The free boat design software we’ve covered are all fairly simple to use, but the level of intuitiveness and support varies. If you’re a complete newbie to computer design, you may want to go for a widely used modeling software like SketchUp or Fusion 360, both of which boast great support, large communities, and more tutorials than specialist boat structural design software.

Budget & Free Trial 

The price of boat design software can vary a lot, from free programs to expensive professional solutions like Solidworks and Autoship that can cost thousands, so bear this in mind. Many paid boat design software offer free trials, so you should definitely take advantage of this to try a program out.

What software is best for basic boat design?

Free!ship, Delftship, and Sailcut are all popular free software that allow you to create basic boat designs. 

How do you design a yacht?

If you want to design yachts, the first step is to find a high quality yacht designing software such as Solidworks or Autoship.

How do you become a boat architect / ship designer?

To be a boat architect or ship designer you need to first obtain a relevant degree, such as a BEng or MEng in naval architecture.

How much do yacht architects make?

Yacht and naval architects can make anywhere from $60,000 to $150,000 depending on their experience and position, with the average salary around $75,000.

Autoship, Solidworks, Maxsurf, and OrcaFlex are all popular marine design software that are used in professional ship design.

To become a boat designer you first need a degree in a relevant subject, such as naval architecture, ship science, or marine technology. 

The best way to learn how to make a boat hull in Solidworks is by watching one the boast hull design tutorial provided by Solidworks Product Manager Mark Biasotti.

The first step to designing a yacht is finding a suitable CAD software, such as Solidworks or Fusion 360.

Lightning CAD Dock Designer is one of the most popular boat dock design software.

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Design Your Own Yacht

When designing your own yacht, you have a few options, from commissioning a custom new build yacht construction project through to refitting an existing yacht. When deciding which route to take, it’s helpful to know some of the pros and cons of each approach.

Option 1: The deluxe, no-holds-barred, fully custom yacht.

Experienced yacht owners and charterers often dream of one thing: the day they design their own yacht from scratch. A fully custom new build project is the pinnacle of the yacht ownership experience, as it allows you control over every aspect of your yacht’s design, from technical details like hull form and noise-dulling technology, right through to you designing that split-level master stateroom with private terrace or beach club with spa. Designing a fully custom yacht ensures that your yacht is the realization of every yachting dream, tailored perfectly to how you use your yacht. However when designing your own yacht, this luxurious bespoke option comes at a price, and the build time tends to be longer than with semi-custom models.

Option 2: The freedom and efficiency of a semi-custom yacht.

If you want to design your own yacht, and want to give your input in the design, but want to take advantage of efficiencies in build time and budget, you can opt for a semi-custom design, whereby the yacht’s hull form and design is part of an existing series of yachts. Building on a proven platform, the yacht owner gets to design the yacht’s décor, and depending on the builder, amend parts of the interior layout. The degree of freedom to change elements of the yacht will vary depending on which yacht builder you go with. A semi-custom yacht can have very different décor than other yachts in the same series, but the exterior design (and sometimes interior layout) is clearly part of a series, which will not appeal so much to yacht owners who crave a unique look to their yacht design.

Option 3: Buying ‘off the plan’ with a production yacht

This is the quickest and most cost effective way to buy a new yacht, as production yacht builders buy materials in bulk and put their yachts together quickly due to repetition of process. You can often purchase a yacht that is already under construction, meaning that time to delivery is slashed and you can take possession of your yacht much sooner than if you buy a custom yacht. This option has a lot less room for owner input on design, although some décor choices are normally left open.

Option 4: Refit an existing yacht

If you’re not in the mood to wait for several years for a brand new yacht to be delivered, refitting an existing yacht is an excellent option that can dramatically change the look of your yacht, while also providing the opportunity to update the engineering and onboard systems. A quality refit with a great design can deliver a ‘like-new’ yacht, and will normally significantly add to the resale value and charter potential of your yacht. However, major yard periods run the risk of going over time and over budget, so planning your yard period well is imperative.

Deciding between fully custom, semi-custom, production yacht and refit depends on how you use your yacht and how much input you want on the design process. If you would like to design your own yacht and want to discuss these different options in more detail, please contact our yacht construction team directly by sending us a message by using the form on the right, or give us a call by using the phone numbers listed in the footer of this page.

WE BUILD SMART YACHTS FOR SMART OWNERS

At Dynamiq, we believe in a smarter way to build yachts. We believe in intelligent buyers and next-generation yachts that are efficient, easy to order and effortless to customize. We believe in the latest technologies, logical innovations and unique collaborations. We believe in the winning, value for money formula of yachts that are engineered in the Netherlands, designed in Monaco and crafted in Turkey. So don’t think too hard. Live smart. Be Dynamiq.

YOUR SPECIAL PLAYGROUND FOR YACHT BUILDS FROM 35 to 65 METERS

The shipyard.

The construction of Dynamiq yachts is carried out in the Antalya Free Zone, Turkey, which is a government-protected area that benefits from a special tax regime lowering costs and hosts a cluster of high profile shipyards from both Turkey and the Netherlands. Dynamiq occupies the most modern and newest facility in the Free Zone, with 10,000 m 2 covered space and access to a 2,000 ton syncrolift for safe and easy launching. The sheds are well fitted out for building the full range of Dynamiq superyachts up to 65 meters in length. Various powertrain options are available including hybrid or diesel-electric technology.

The works are organized with international subcontractors from Germany, Austria and Italy, who team up with the best local craftsmen to achieve a level of quality in line with North European standards. Dynamiq has in-house interior, teak and stainless steel production to ensure that the end product finish is absolutely perfect and minimize the risks of delays. The shipyard working environment is carefully managed and strict quality control standards are maintained by both the Dynamiq team and external surveyors from Europe. Dynamiq organized dedicated modern office spaces to welcome owner's representatives and crew members. 

Designed in MONACO. ENGINEERED IN THE NETHERLANDS. CRAFTED IN TURKEY.

The Dynamiq range is a product of leading European technology and craftsmanship. This unique international approach has created an innovative superyacht of the highest quality born from a collaboration of the world’s top superyacht design and construction experts.

GRAN TOURISMO TRANSATLANTIC

• LOA 35.5 metres
• Max speed 23 knots
• Starting at 15,000,000 €

• LOA 41 metres
• Max speed 21 knots
• Starting at 19,500,000 €

• LOA 50 metres
• Max speed 16/21 knots
• Starting at 24,900,000 €

• LOA 52 metres
• Max speed 19 / 23 knots
• Starting at 27 ,1 00,000 €

• LOA 40 metres
• Max speed 14 knots
• Starting at 21,000,000 €

• LOA 45.5 metres
• Starting at 24,750,000 €

G 500 Hybrid

• LOA 50 metres
• Max speed 16 knots
• Starting at 27,500,000 €

• LOA 55.7 metres
• Starting at 27,900,000 €

WHY DYNAMIQ?

Forward thinking design, innovative naval architecture, highest engineering standards, top-quality steel & aluminium construction, ocean-going range, smart pricing.

Dynamiq's unique exteriors look impressive and fresh and express the sporty, chic soul of our yachts. They not only look great, but also perform at the top of their class and lend owners a sense of exclusivity and pride.

Dynamiq’s high efficiency is based on innovative technologies in modern naval architecture: fast displacement hull lines, the Hull Vane under the stern, and Sleipner curved fin stabilizers. Completely drawn by leading naval architects in the Netherlands, all Dynamiq yachts feature a round-bilge shape for remarkably low resistance and low fuel consumption, while providing seaworthiness and comfort with long waterline length and low centre of gravity.

Each Dynamiq yacht is by definition safe, comfortable and environmentally friendly in accordance with the strictest RINA and BV Commercial Class standards, prestigious Comfort and Green Star Plus notations, Large Yacht Code 4 (LY4) compliancy and manning standards. This not only makes our vessels ultra-safe and almost silent, but also means they can be chartered to offset the cost of ownership.

Only certified marine-grade steel, aluminium and Sealium are used for Dynamiq hulls and superstructures. In comparison with composite hulls, they are much quieter, easier to repair and have higher trade-in value due to the fact that they have a very long service life.

Dynamiq yachts are designed with an ocean-going capability in mind, which means owners have the opportunity to enjoy multiple seasons during the year (say Mediterranean and Caribbean) and visit remote locations with no re-fueling infrastructure. Equipped with high-capacity marine fridges and freezers, cold garbage stores, separate laundry facilities, plenty of storage space, generous fresh water tanks and powerful water-makers, Dynamiq yachts provide autonomy at sea in complete comfort.

Combining Dutch engineering with production facilities in the one of the biggest Turkish shipbuilding hubs of Antalya Free Zone means Dynamiq can offer North European standards and quality craftsmanship at significantly reduced prices. Being pioneers in the superyacht industry, Dynamiq also has an Online Configurator where clients can customize their yachts in a few clicks and see in real time how the price and delivery times vary.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES

• INTERNATIONAL

• Maria Dobroserdova
• Dynamiq Sales Director
• M: +33 617 07 93 26 [email protected]
• Language: English, French, Russian Location: Monaco
• Türkiye

• CANDAŞ BALCI
• BLC Yachts Brand ambassador
• M: +90 543 373 92 07 [email protected]
• Language: Turkish & English Location: Türkiye

• Emi Okamoto
• Japan Yacht Management Brand ambassador
• M: +81 (0) 80 6791 1048 [email protected]
• Language: Japanese & English Location: Japan
• Germany, Austria and Switzerland

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• Ocean Independence Brand ambassador
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Build your own yacht

A yacht isn’t built in a day. For the future owner it starts when after years of dreaming they decide that the time to have their own yacht built is now.

Home › Your Yacht › Build your own yacht

Build your imagination

As a process, having your own yacht built comes close to having your own house built. You have an idea, you talk to an architect, you discuss the intended use, possibilities, materials and budgets. Except that when its done, you can take your boat all over the world.

Building a yacht: step by step plan

After a first contact, usually by phone or email, we make an appointment to meet. Face to face, digital or in the flesh, whatever works best for you. We discuss initial ideas, wishes and demands. We want to get to know you and your sailing intentions, so we understand what kind of boat fits you. When we have a general idea of the intended use, the size, hull shape, riging wishes and budget, that’s when we can start sketching.

We draw our initial designs. Top view, side views. These sketches form the basis of a process that can take anything from a couple of months to more than a year. There are many choices to make. Shape, size, exterior, interior, materials, number of masts, huts, bunks, engine type to name but a few. After each round of schetches we discuss the design choices. If they meet your demands and how they have consequences for other wishes you might have. You can imagine how for example the choice for a lifting keel influences the interior.

Prepare for building

When the final drawings are approved, we can prepare for hull building. This means breaking the whole design down to a list of all parts and materials and checking their availability. Once we know when we can have all necessary materials, we can start planning the build.

Start building

The day we start the actual build is a special day. If in any way possible the owners are present and get the honour of performing the first weld, much like laying the first brick when building a new house.

When the hull is done and it is time to build the interior, we ideally make a mockup of the yacht so we can walk you through it and make sure we’re still on the right track.

Finishing touch

Now it’s time for finishing, electricity, plumbing and then we’re ready for testing.

Before we can launch, we test everything inside. Water, plumbing, lights, gas and if everything works as planned, it time to launch.

Launch time

The moment everybody has been waiting for. Launch time. But the yacht isn’t finished yet. The next step still holds some essential parts.

Getting ready

Mast, rigging and sails are installed. Quite important for a sail boat.

Now your yacht is ready to be tested in the field, or in our case in the lake, the IJsselmeer.

And then, after what usually has been more than 12 months, we can hand the ownership officially over to you.

A custom built yacht is unique. There is no way of knowing beforehand that what looked like an excellent idea on paper, will perform exactly as expected. So after a few weeks of sailing, you might want to come back and have some options changed or added. This is normal and we still have to build our first yacht that doesn’t need a few tweaks here and there before its new owners are perfectly happy.

Interested in your own yacht?

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Design Process

Translating the customer’s demands and wishes into a comfortable, reliable and safe yacht is basically what the design process entails. It all starts with listening to the customer, what do they want, what do they need and how can we make that happen.

Decades of experience, expertise and many specialized eyes for detail.

Building process.

A yacht isn’t built in a day. For the future owner it starts when after years of dreaming they decide that the time to have their own yacht built, is now.

This is Bestevaer

Every yacht we built is unique, and built specifically for its owner. No two yachts are the same, as each owner has his own wishes and demands.

Bestevaer M/Y

Inspired by its iconic Bestevaer expedition sailing yachts, KM Yachtbuilders proudly presents a motoryacht like no other. With its minimal design in raw aluminium and Scandic design interior Bestevaer motoryachts set the bar for understated elegance. Form follows function, the function being: a go-anywhere yacht offering real comfort in all weather conditions. Where will you go next?

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The Sterndrive Class is great for embarking on a full array of day boat activities. From the 20’ foot runabout for inland lakes to the roomy 36’ luxury cruiser that handles big water, you’ll find a great choice among our Sterndrive Class for doing it all on the water.

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For those who want all the versatility of a sterndrive with enhanced surf boat capabilities, the Surf Class is the perfect choice. In three easy steps, you’ll have the ideal wave for your family’s surfing success. And all of this with no trade-offs in your cruising enjoyment.

The Outboard Class offers powerful cruising with a modern quiet ride. Great in saltwater, these outboard boats are engineered for efficiency, ease of maintenance, and year-round readiness with a variety of power options.

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You can create your own yacht using the N’Fun Yach Configurator. Choose color, equipment and technical solutions for your own unique yacht. Check online to see how your choice affects the N’Fun 30 look. The configurator will calculate the price of your yacht. We will contact you directly after your specification summary is sent. Click the button to find out how easy it is.

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Browse Course Material

Course info.

• Prof. Jerome Milgram

Departments

• Mechanical Engineering

As Taught In

• Mechanical Design
• Ocean Engineering

Learning Resource Types

Sailing yacht design (13.734), course description.

This subject teaches students, having an initial interest in sailing design, how to design good yachts. Topics covered include hydrostatics, transverse stability, and the incorporation of the design spiral into one’s working methods. Computer aided design (CAD) is used to design the shapes of hulls, appendages …

This subject teaches students, having an initial interest in sailing design, how to design good yachts. Topics covered include hydrostatics, transverse stability, and the incorporation of the design spiral into one’s working methods. Computer aided design (CAD) is used to design the shapes of hulls, appendages and decks, and is an important part of this course. The capstone project in this course is the Final Design Project in which each student designs a sailing yacht, complete in all major respects.

The central material for this subject is the content of the book Principals of Yacht Design by Larssson and Eliasson (see further description in the syllabus ). All the class lectures are based on the material in this book. The figures in the book which are shown in class (but not reproduced on this site), contain the essential material and their meaning is explained in detail during the lecture sessions. Mastery of the material in the book and completing a design project provides the desired and needed education.

This course was originally offered in Course 13 (Department of Ocean Engineering) as 13.734. In 2005, ocean engineering subjects became part of Course 2 (Department of Mechanical Engineering), and this course was renumbered 2.996.

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6 of the best yacht design courses to kick-start your career

Yacht design and production beng.

Although many of the world’s top superyacht designers had no formal training, taking a yacht design course can be a great way to kick-start your career and make vital industry connections. We round up five of the best.

Southampton Solent University’s Yacht Design and Production Course has an international reputation and for good reason, as it features guest lectures from BMT Nigel Gee and work experience placements at Sunseeker International . Students on this three-year course study the engineering science behind great yacht design as well as the fundamental principles of naval architecture. A foundation year is available, as well as opportunities to study abroad. Notable successes include the class of 2014, who built the foiling catamaran Solent Whisper (pictured above).

Yacht Design Diploma

Based in the American town of Arundel, Maine, the Landing School offers a wide range of courses in marine technology. Its Yacht Design Diploma boasts a 100% employment rate for former students and bursaries are available via the Women in the Marine Industry scholarship. Alumni have gone on to work for the America’s Cup team Artemis Racing (pictured above).

Yacht Design 1st Level Masters

Offered as a postgraduate course, the Yacht Design 1st Level Masters at Milan’s ISAD design school is intended for students who have a degree in architecture, engineering or design. Taught in both English and Italian, this one-year course culminates in an industry placement, and guest speakers include  Mario Pedol  (who designed the 180 metre  Azzam  — pictured), and  Andrea Vallicelli .

Yacht and Boat Design Diploma

The Westlawn Institute has been teaching yacht design for more than 80 years, and currently offers an online distance-learning programme. The Yacht and Boat Design course is taught by tutors based in the USA and Australia, and is accredited by the Royal Institute of Naval Architects in London. This one-year diploma features modules on construction, engineering and CAD. Famous alumni include Douglas Zurn , Tom Fexas and Geoffrey Van Aller , who is responsible for the design of many of the top 50 largest US-built yachts , such as the 73 metre Cocoa Bean (pictured above).

Automotive and Transport Design MDes/BA

A slightly left field option perhaps, but automotive design is one of the key fields that influences yacht design . This three to four-year undergraduate course at Coventry University is held in particularly high regard for its strong industry connections. Former students who have gone on to make a name for themselves in the superyacht world include Jonny Horsfield (whose H2 Yacht Design studio created the exteriors for the 123 metre Project Jupiter  — pictured above), and Steve Gresham.

Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering MEng

In recent years, there has been a trend towards students using naval architecture courses as a route into yacht design, as James Roy from BMT Nigel Gee explains: "It used to be that if you attended a traditional naval architecture degree then you would spend most of your time learning things about big merchant ships, but that is not the case anymore.

"Most university degrees are now geared to provide modular approaches, and the naval architecture and engineering of smaller and specialist vessels, such as yachts, are included."

This four-year course at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow is a case in point — providing a broad basis for understanding how a wide variety of vessels work, from luxury yachts to commercial ships. The faculty also owns a 10 metre sailing yacht called Catalina (pictured above), which students can hire for as little as £30 per day.

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