Endurance Racer/Long distance offshore cruiser

[Matt]

Who was it that had the formers for a plug laser cut? I've got a vague recollection it might have been one of adams hulls.

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by Matt

Who was it that had the formers for a plug laser cut? I've got a vague recollection it might have been one of adams hulls.

The original MDF ones for the BananaShark race boat were laser cut, and we have had some water cut (got a great local company for that) - the problem with laser is the extraction for MDF or wood fumes apparently?

[Matt]

More pointless tree huggery?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Matt

Who was it that had the formers for a plug laser cut? I've got a vague recollection it might have been one of adams hulls.

Had a good number of hull plugs done that way now and generally works out really well.

Also going the full 3d CNC route, but still some issues cropping up there with taking off the mould etc. Nothing that is too difficult but some different practicalities for builders to take into account!

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by Matt

More pointless tree huggery?

YUP!

[cfun]

On the tube front always liked the Buzzi Bullet 36 design run by Jan and Drew with the twin clip-ons, I assume it is the same hull used for some of the single inboard Buzzi boats (except the larger ex Pro Vee boat) always looked big enough to be capable but smaller than one would assume for a 36', don't know how much effect on handling and buoyancy the tubes had as they were very small and tapered just like the B/Shark

[Scand]

Originally Posted by Tom Stone

looks great, nice to see something different. what software do you use?

Thank you all for taking an interest in our little project.
I use Rhino3D for hull modeling, Flamingo for 3D rendering, SolidEdge for drafting and mechanical design. For hydrodynamic calculations I use some “home made” software and a CFD code called Autowing. Autowing is brilliant for wing in ground aerodynamics, and also handle stepped hulls with one step. Rhino3D can unfold so called developable (single curvature) , and also approximate the unfolded shape of double curvature surfaces which are much more useful. I have done a few projects in the past using full scale templates and although the takes a bit longer in the design phase you more than save this during manufacturing. We will park this project for class “C” for now, and look at something similar suitable for class “E”.

[Tony Davis]

What boats have been built that you've designed using this software?

[Geriatric]

The Sandbanks ferry, MV Napoli, Exxon Vadiz and Mayflower.

[Tony Davis]

pretty successful then!

[cfun]

As regards boat building design and development, looking at this Sunsation promo vid gives me the impression if you want to build a range of boats from say 26' upwards these methods are becoming more necessary than ever, I see the Buzzi site has this system but how many British company's that build a range of boats over 26' do or indeed deem it worthwhile in our small market

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlVBT5Y1NAw

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by cfun

As regards boat building design and development, looking at this Sunsation promo vid gives me the impression if you want to build a range of boats from say 26' upwards these methods are becoming more necessary than ever, I see the Buzzi site has this system but how many British company's that build a range of boats over 26' do or indeed deem it worthwhile in our small market

What methods are those?

[cfun]

Originally Posted by Cookee

What methods are those?

Well not being a boat builder I assume it started by someone making a plug by eye and measuring each part to make sure all angles and spray rails were within as best as possible accurate to their drawn ideas and dimensions and as boats were made a bit of adjusting here and their to make it perfect proceeded, but now with computer controlled cutting and cad design it's a new age in boat design and making, so I was wondering is this now necessary to compete with American boats or not

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by cfun

Well not being a boat builder I assume it started by someone making a plug by eye and measuring each part to make sure all angles and spray rails were within as best as possible accurate to their drawn ideas and dimensions and as boats were made a bit of adjusting here and their to make it perfect proceeded, but now with computer controlled cutting and cad design it's a new age in boat design and making, so I was wondering is this now necessary to compete with American boats or not

Trying to compete with the American boats like for like is a waste of time, their economies of scale outweigh any savings made by making the plug with a CNC. It is one of the reasons RIBs cost more than hard boats in general - they are a cottage industry and almost every boat is near enough a one off.

A skilled plug maker should still be able to make a "true" plug just as good as a machine!

[Matt]

Cough....Steve Baker....Cough

[Jon Fuller]

Originally Posted by Cookee

A skilled plug maker should still be able to make a "true" plug just as good as a machine!

Kinnell! that's bold!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Cookee

A skilled plug maker should still be able to make a "true" plug just as good as a machine!

Very true - there are some excellent plugs / moulds by traditional methods. Also many a plug / mould that has gone less than perfect by using more modern techniques.

Providing you have access to suitable technology / skills the over-riding factor is often cost!

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by Jon Fuller

Kinnell! that's bold!

It's also fair to say that a lot has been "got away with".

If you can't visually compare one side with the other then so long as it looks right .........................

[kitten]

Matt have you ever measured a Phantom, or just about any boat, try it some time you may be supprised, but give yourself at least a day.
Now I believe some one is handing me a jacket

[Matt]

Of course I haven't, I've got much better things to do with my time.