
How to Design a Ship
Arrangements, Hydrostatics, Mechanical, Piping, StructuralHow to design a ship? How to go from a blank sheet of paper to a sensible design for a ship, when you have nothing to start with? So here are my secrets revealed.

Improve Engineering Value
3D Modeling, Arrangements, Drafting, Engineering Business, Fatigue, FEA / Numerical Methods, Fluid Dynamics, Fluids, Fluids Special Methods, Hull Structure, Hydrostatics, StructuralWe all want to feel good about paying for engineering analysis. Sometimes the best answer drives us to maximize value, rather than minimize cost. In those cases, you do better to go beyond basic safety and search for enhancements. Today we discuss four engineering tasks where you can maximize your value. Extract every last drop of knowledge from your engineering project.

Splitting Waves and Hairs: Comparing X-Bow, Axe Bow, and More
Arrangements, Fluid Dynamics, Fluid Loads, Fluids, ResistanceWe currently enjoy an explosion of variety in bow shapes, each suited to a different task. Nearly the same bow shape, used on a different hull, may work for entirely different reasons. This time we distinguish between four prevalent bow shapes: conventional hull, X-Bow, Axe Bow, and wave piercing.

How do I Select the Right Hull?
Arrangements, Fluid Dynamics, Fluids, Resistance, Seakeeping / Fluid Structure InteractionMonohull, catamaran, trimaran . . . so many choices. Which hullform to pick? This article provides a rational and design map for selecting hullforms applicable to any type of mission. This organized approach allows us to see past the limitations of historic examples and consider new alternatives.
Go FAST Boat: Pros and Cons of a Planing Hull
Arrangements, Fluid Dynamics, Fluids, ResistancePower. Speed. Performance. Planing hulls promise incredible capabilities. But seakeeping, slamming, and low deadweight capability frequently plague planing hulls with design challenges. But if you accept these limitations, the planing hull compacts large capabilities into a small package. Sometimes smaller is better.
Smooth Sailing: Pros and Cons of a SWATH Vessel
Arrangements, FluidsImagine gliding gently over waves. That serenity is what SWATH ships deliver. It comes at the price of several new design challenges. But for the right mission, a SWATH is worth it. Maybe the tradeoffs are right for you? Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of a SWATH.
Why You Want a Trimaran: Pros and Cons of a Trimaran
Arrangements, Fluid Loads, FluidsThree hulls are better than one! The trimaran hullform bridges the gap between monohulls and catamarans. It offers some advantages of both deadweight capability and larger deck area. Recognize the potential applications by understanding the strengths and weakness of the trimaran hullform.
Me and My Six Imaginary Friends: The Practicalities of Yacht Layouts
Arrangements, Human Ergonomics, RecreationWhat practical consideration gets overlooked most often in blue water cruisers? The choices of a production yacht design offer us windows into the priorities of a modern recreational sailor. Today, I examine several features of yacht layouts through the lens of a commercial ship designer.