simple catamaran drawing

Log in or Sign up

You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser .

Open Source 13-15m Catamaran Plans

Discussion in ' Projects & Proposals ' started by archie1492 , Jan 3, 2018 .

archie1492 Junior Member

Dear all, I want to create a detailed building information model for a 13 - 15 meter catamaran that is capable of being CNC cut and assembled. I need some help finding plans I can use as a basis of design. Specifically, I need the hull profile information. Section cuts through the hull will give me the ideal contours for a boat of this size. Can someone help? After weeks of searching, I still cannot find these online. For now, this is merely an exercise in my 3d modeling capability. I'd like to share my drawing work with the forum if I can get some assistance to start off. There are future possibilities I am also considering. I'm an experienced Architect & construction designer with a strong background in computer aided design. Once I've modeled the boat in 3d, I would like to flatten the various parts and create plans for the individual boat parts to be CNC cut. I would like to build a small scale model first (1:2o or perhaps 1:10) with the ultimate goal of building the boat full scale.

TANSL Senior Member

This is a very simple catamaran which, if you are interested, I can give you a lot of information. It is not a spectacular boat but it can help you in your first steps with boats. LOA = 16 m, Lbp = 14.6 m

Thanks I really appreciate it. The hull lines for the motor cat you've provided are not quite what i'm looking for. I'm specifically looking for the hull lines for a 14m catamaran sail boat. I guess there is some standard for these contours especially the area below the waterline. Check the attached document as well if anyone is interested in this.

Attached Files:

catdimension.pdf

I'm sorry, you never specified that it was a sailing catamaran. I thought that to carry out your purposes, " For now, this is merely an exercise in my 3d modeling capability ", any model was valid. Apparently, you have different purposes than, in addition to, to practice with 3D models. The better you clarify what you are really looking for, the better someone can help you.

Hi all, Here's an example of what kind of information I need to get started. Optimising Hull Lines for Performance https://www.graingerdesigns.net/the-lab/optimising-hull-lines-for-performance/ The boat shown here is a 8.5m cat sailboat. I'm looking for something a bit larger in the 14m range. Also, the images only show one of the hull profiles. I'd like profile lines for the entire boat. I will post some other images I've found online showing profile lines for smaller boats. I still cannot find any 14m hull lines. Can anyone help?

grainger_1488019480.jpg

Grainger_1488019410.jpg, grainger_1488019333.jpg, grainger_1488019265.jpg, grainger_1488019219.jpg.

Here are some other hull lines I've found online. Hope this is useful to anyone else looking for this information. Thanks!

Evergreen Lines small.jpg

Hull-lines.jpg, shark-20.jpg.

You could take any of those boats and scaleb the lines to get the desired length. Since it is only a 3D modeling exercise, you do not have to worry about anything else. You could even make a mix of 2 or 3 of those models to get the one you are looking for.

Thanks Tansl, I'd like to make the boat drawings accurate for the 14m size. Perhaps one day I will develop this into something worth building full scale. The more accurate I can draw the boat, the more I will learn about the boat design.

Maybe it does not look like it but I would like to help you. If you do not find what you want on the Internet I could draw a lines plan, strictly following your instructions, which would help you to make the 3D model. Or, if you find something similar on the internet I can adapt it to your needs and fill in the information that you indicate you need for your work. I insist that starting from the shapes of a 10 m boat you can get the shapes of a boat of 14 m, with total accuracy.

Dolfiman Senior Member

archie1492 said: ↑ I'd like to make the boat drawings accurate for the 14m size. Perhaps one day I will develop this into something worth building full scale. The more accurate I can draw the boat, the more I will learn about the boat design. Click to expand...

Cata 14m with Gene-Hull UE Catamaran 2.3_2018 01 15.ods

Gene-Hull Catamaran 2.3 User Guide_2018 01 16.pdf

Hull for cata 14m with Gene-Hull UE Catamaran 2.3_2018 01 16.pdf

Dolfiman, thanks so much! This is exactly what I was looking for. It's very interesting and probably a bit over my head at this point. I think this should work for modeling the basic hull shape. For the bridge deck and all of the stuff above the hull I can model this with a bit more creativity. Although, I'd like to learn more about understanding the center of gravity for the boat and the proper location of the mast. Are there any rules of thumb about this? Thanks again!

archie1492 said: ↑ I think this should work for modeling the basic hull shape. Click to expand...

Cata 14m V2 with Gene-Hull UE Catamaran 2.3_2018 01 15.ods

In complement to illustrate this first approach, my good friend Alain did some 3D views here attached of the hull V2 version with Multisurf (using fit for purpose ouput data in section 5. of the above file). To inspire you , some other examples of cata, more sport/day sailer oriented than the Saona 47 : - R/P 45 (Reichel-Pugh) : multihull http://reichel-pugh.com/tag/multihull/ - Dazcat 1295 : in this video, from 1:45 the launch, you can see the hulls from various angles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BZF4Udda5E - SIG 45 (VPLP design) : from 1:20 you can see the winward hull fully lifted

dean 1962 New Member

archie1492 said: ↑ Dear all, I want to create a detailed building information model for a 13 - 15 meter catamaran that is capable of being CNC cut and assembled. I need some help finding plans I can use as a basis of design. Specifically, I need the hull profile information. Section cuts through the hull will give me the ideal contours for a boat of this size. Can someone help? After weeks of searching, I still cannot find these online. For now, this is merely an exercise in my 3d modeling capability. I'd like to share my drawing work with the forum if I can get some assistance to start off. There are future possibilities I am also considering. I'm an experienced Architect & construction designer with a strong background in computer aided design. Once I've modeled the boat in 3d, I would like to flatten the various parts and create plans for the individual boat parts to be CNC cut. I would like to build a small scale model first (1:2o or perhaps 1:10) with the ultimate goal of building the boat full scale. Click to expand...

Archie, I have been looking to do the same thing. Where are you at on the project? Very interested in hearing all about it. Thanks.

The Open Trawler Project!

No, create an account now.
Yes, my password is:
Forgot your password?

PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
RANDOM QUIZ
Browse Articles
Learn Something New
Quizzes Hot
This Or That Game New
Train Your Brain
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Hobbies and Crafts

How to Draw a Sailboat

Last Updated: November 29, 2022

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 15 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 202,952 times. Learn more...

Drawing a sailboat can be a great way to envision sailing the open seas if you're not able to do so at that moment. It's also a relatively easy process! This wikiHow article will explain how you can draw a sailboat.

Community Q&A

Things You'll Need

Piece of paper
Coloring tool(s) of your choice (if you'll be adding color to your picture)

About This Article

To draw a simple sailboat, first, sketch a long, upside-down trapezoid for the hull of the boat. Then, draw a small trapezoid on top of the larger trapezoid for the cabin. You can also draw some long rectangles to serve as windows. Once you’ve drawn this, sketch a long, skinny L-shape on top of the cabin. This will be the mast. Finally, draw 2 right triangles on each side of the mast for the sails. If you’d like, draw some waves below the boat to make your drawing more life-like! To learn how to finalize your sailboat sketch, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

Send fan mail to authors

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

How to Draw A Boat – A Step by Step Guide

Boat drawing in just 7 easy steps.

Boats have served many purposes since the very first time that humans connected logs and sticks together to make crude boats.

They’ve been used for people to travel to distant, new lands, to mount expeditions and for fun days traveling over lakes and oceans.

No matter what they may be used for, there are few vehicles that provide the freedom and possibilities for exploration that boats do.

If you love boats and the freedom they provide, then you may want to know how you can draw one.

How to Draw A Boat – Let’s get Started!

For this first step of our guide on how to draw a boat, we will start with the main body of the vessel. To draw this, simply start with a straight line for the top of it.

Then, you can use a curved line beneath it to form the bottom of the boat. Try to keep the front of the shift, which is on the left-hand side, pointier than that right-hand side.

Step 2 – Start drawing some sails for your boat

For this part of your boat drawing, we will start on the sails of the boat. For now, simply draw two short lines to form the pole of the sail.

Then, draw a vertical line to form the bottom of the sail as it appears in the reference image. Then, you can move on to step 3!

Step 3 – Draw the rest of the sail

Now that you have the base of your sail, you can draw the sheet in this step of this guide on how to draw a boat.

To do this, simply draw two vertical curved lines that go up from the ends of the base. Finally, connect them with one horizontal line on top of the sail to complete the sheet.

Step 4 – Continue adding to the mast

We will extend the central mast of your boat drawing in this next step. To do this, simply draw two more lines coming up above the sail.

You can use a ruler or a straight object to make sure that they line up with the bottom lines of the mast below the sail. Finish it off with a small circle on top of the mast.

Step 5 – Next, draw some fun details for your boat

Step 5 of this guide on how to draw a boat will be all about adding some extra elements to your drawing.

To start off with, draw a flowing flag near the very top of the mast. Maybe you could design a symbol or picture to go on the mast for an extra fun detail!

Then, draw some more lines coming out from the sides right at the very top of the mast. This will form the support beam that the top of the sail is attached to.

Finally, finish off with some jagged lines coming out from the base of the hull to create some ocean water that your boat is sailing on.

Step 6 – Now, draw some final details

This part of your boat drawing will be focused on drawing some final details for your boat drawing.

We have shown one way that you could draw some final details, but you should also feel free to add any changes or extra details that you want!

We used some long, horizontal lines across the hull of the boat with some shorter vertical lines to create a wooden look for the boat.

You could also leave those lines out and change the details a bit if you would prefer a more metallic, solid look for your boat.

Whichever look you decide on, before you move on you can also draw some fun extra details.

Perhaps you could name your new vessel and write it on the side for us to see! You could also add to the background, perhaps by drawing some clouds and rougher waters for it to sail on.

For another fun touch, you could draw yourself sitting in the boat to show you piloting your very own boat!

Step 7 – Finish off your boat drawing with some color

In the final step of this guide on how to draw a boat, we shall be bringing your picture to life with some beautiful colors.

This is the step where you have an opportunity to really show off how creative you can be! You should use any colors that you love for your incredible boat drawing.

Boats come in all manner of different color schemes, so this leaves a lot of room for you to experiment.

Will you choose a more muted, wooden look or use some bright and vibrant colors to really make your picture pop off the page?

Different art mediums can also create multiple feelings and moods in an image. For example, acrylic paints, colored pens and markers are perfect for bright and vibrant color schemes.

Alternatively, watercolor paints, colored pencils and crayons can create darker, more subtle and moody images.

There’s no right or wrong way to do it though, and each approach has its own beauty to it. We can’t wait to see what you choose!

Here’s how you can make your boat drawing even better…

Stay afloat as you follow these fun tips for making your boat drawing even better!

This guide on how to create a boat sketch was so fun and simple, but there are ways that we can keep going with it!

The first tip that we have for you involves changing the style of boat. This one has a sail to make it look like a traditional sailboat, but if you wanted to have a boat with a motor then you could remove the sails and add one.

You could also just change the sails and the hull of the ship to create your very own new design!

What good is having a boat if you don’t get to sail it? For that reason, we think it would be great to draw a background for this drawing of a boat.

When doing this, you could draw some heavy ocean waves or maybe the calm waters of a lake.

There is so much beautiful scenery that you could add to the background to create a stunning sailing setting.

Boats will usually have markings on them, and will often also have the name of the vessel printed on the hull.

You could choose a name for your boat creation and then write it on the side to show what it is called.

Then, you can add some stripes and other patterns onto the side and the sails in order to personalize it even further. What would you name this vessel?

Lastly, you can play around with your colors and art mediums to make this boat drawing look even more beautiful.

There are so many colors you could use, and you can play aorund with various art tools and mediums to get the color intensities you want.

Colored pens and acrylic paints would be great for a brighter look, whereas some watercolors would be best for a softer look.

It all depends on what you prefer personally, and you can really show off your creativity as you choose your colors!

Your Boat Drawing is Complete

You now have an awesome drawing sitting in front of you, and we hope that you had a great time getting to this point by using this guide on how to draw a boat.

We aimed to make this guide easy to use for you, but we also wanted to make it a really enjoyable experience.

Learning how to draw this boat is just part of the fun that you can have with your drawing. Now you can have a great time bringing it to life with some final details and colors.

You could draw some extra elements to your picture, such as a cool background or some characters having a great time on the boat.

This along with the colors and mediums that you use can help you put your own unique spin on this drawing!

We hope that you will check out our site often, as we have so many more incredible step-by-step drawing guides for you to enjoy, and we have more coming out frequently!

Moana Coloring Pages

How to Draw a Cardinal – Step by Step Guide

How To Draw A Yacht Step By Step? (A Guide For Beginners)

Do you want to learn how to draw a beautiful yacht? Drawing a yacht can be a fun and rewarding project, even for beginners! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of yacht design, from creating a basic outline of the hull to adding small details like rigging.

With a few simple steps, you’ll be able to draw a stunning yacht of your own.

Let’s get started!.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Start by sketching out a basic outline of the yacht, focusing on the shape and overall size.

Add details such as the deck, windows, and masts.

Shade in the parts of the yacht to give it depth.

Add the details of the rigging, flag, and other decorations to finish the drawing.

Understanding the Basics of Yacht Design

When it comes to yacht design, it is important to understand the basics before attempting to draw a realistic version of a yacht.

To successfully draw a yacht, you must first understand the different components of a yacht.

A yacht is made up of a hull, deck, cabin, and superstructure.

The hull is the main body of the yacht, and is typically made out of fiberglass or steel.

The deck is the top surface of the yacht, and is usually made from teak or synthetic materials.

The cabin is the interior of the yacht, and contains the living and dining areas.

Finally, the superstructure is the upper part of the yacht, and is typically made of metal or wood.

In addition to understanding the components of a yacht, it is also important to understand the different styles of yacht design.

The most common styles of yacht design are the sailboat, powerboat, and motor yacht styles.

Sailboats are designed to be powered by sails, while powerboats are designed to be powered by an engine.

Motor yachts are designed to combine the power of an engine with the luxury and comfort of a sailboat.

By understanding the different styles of yacht design, you can better visualize what a realistic yacht should look like.

Create a Basic Outline of the Yacht’s Hull

Drawing a yacht can be a great way to express creativity and have fun.

To get started, create a basic outline of the yacht’s hull.

Start by sketching a few basic shapes, such as a square or rectangle, to represent the main body of the yacht.

Then, draw a line down the middle to create the centerline of the yacht.

After that, use a ruler to draw the keel line, which is the line that runs along the bottom of the hull.

Lastly, draw the gunwales, which are the sides of the yacht.

Once you have the basic shapes and lines in place, you can begin adding details to your drawing.

Add Details to the Hull

Once you have sketched a basic outline of the yacht’s hull, it’s time to add in the finer details! Start by drawing any windows and doors, as well as any other features you want to include.

For example, if you’re drawing a sailboat, you might want to add in a mast, sails, and other rigging.

If you’re drawing a powerboat, you could add in an engine, propellers, and other mechanical components.

When you’re adding details, it’s important to pay attention to the proportions and shape of the yacht.

Keep the windows and doors proportional to the size of the yacht, and use curved lines and smooth angles to create a realistic shape.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even draw the interior of the yacht, complete with furniture, beds, and other amenities.

Once you’re happy with the details, use a pen or marker to trace over your lines and make them stand out.

Erase any unwanted pencil marks, and you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Draw the Deck of the Yacht

Drawing the deck of a yacht is an important step in creating a realistic and detailed picture.

To draw the deck, start by sketching out a basic outline of the main deck, including the sides, bow, and stern.

From there, add details such as windows, doors, hatches, and any other features you wish to include.

Depending on the type of yacht, you may want to add a flybridge, which is an upper deck located above the main deck.

To complete the deck, be sure to add details such as portholes, lifeboats, and masts.

With patience and practice, you can create a realistic deck of a yacht that will impress your friends.

Draw the Cabin and Mast

Once you have the basic outline of the yacht drawn, the next step is to draw the cabin and mast.

Start by drawing the cabin, which is usually a box-like structure at the back of the yacht.

Make sure to draw the cabin accurately in proportion to the rest of the yacht and add small details such as windows, doors, and handles.

Next, draw the mast.

This is a tall vertical structure that is usually placed in the center of the yacht.

Start by drawing a long vertical line, then add details such as the crossbar and any rigging.

If youre feeling adventurous, you can even add a flag to the top of the mast! Remember, the key to drawing a realistic yacht is to take your time and be patient.

Take the time to draw each individual detail accurately and dont be afraid to make mistakes they can be easily corrected.

With practice and patience, you can create a beautiful and realistic drawing of a yacht that will be sure to impress your friends!.

Add Rigging and Other Small Details

When youve completed the main outline and features of the yacht, its time to add the rigging and other small details.

Rigging refers to the ropes, cables, and sails that are used to navigate and maneuver a yacht.

To draw the rigging, start by sketching out the main ropes that connect the sails to the hull.

You can also add smaller ropes that hold the sails in place.

Next, draw the sails in place, making sure each sail is connected to the main ropes you drew earlier.

The details of the sails will vary depending on the type of yacht you are drawing, but the basics are the same.

Once youve finished the sails, you can add the mast, which is the vertical post that the sails are attached to.

Finally, you can add any additional details that you like.

This could include flags, seagulls, or other small details that will make your drawing look more realistic.

You can also add shading and highlights to give your drawing more depth and realism.

With patience and practice, you can create a realistic drawing of a yacht that will impress your friends.

Practice Makes Perfect

Drawing a yacht can seem intimidating, but with the right techniques and a bit of practice, you can create a realistic drawing of a yacht that will impress your friends.

The key to success when it comes to drawing or painting is to practice and refine your skills.

Start by sketching a basic outline of the yachts hull, and then add details such as windows, doors, and other features.

Work at your own pace and dont be afraid to make mistakes and experiment with different techniques.

It’s also important to pay attention to the details when drawing a yacht.

Take your time to add small details like the rigging and flag.

These small details can make a big difference in the overall look of your drawing.

Be sure to use light, even strokes when shading and blending colors and lines.

This will help you achieve a more realistic look.

Finally, take a step back and look at your drawing from different angles.

This will help you identify any areas that need improvement and make any necessary adjustments.

With patience and practice, you will be able to create a realistic drawing of a yacht that will truly impress your friends.

Final Thoughts

Drawing a yacht doesn’t have to be intimidating.

With a few simple steps and some practice, you can create a realistic and impressive drawing of a yacht.

Start by understanding the basics of yacht design, sketching out the hull, and adding details.

Then, draw the deck, cabin, and mast before finishing off with rigging and small details.

With practice, you can create a beautiful drawing of a yacht!.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

Sailboat Drawing royalty-free images

36,669 sailboat drawing stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free for download., nautical hand drawn vector set.

Nautical hand drawn vector set Stock Vector

Continuous one line drawing of sailboat. Business icon. Vector illustration

Boat and Sea Hand-drawn Doodles

ship steering wheel vintage vector illustration

nautical set

Sailboats sailing the ocean

collection of sailing boats - yachts - Sport

hand drawn nautical collection

Boat on water under the tree sketch wallpaper

Vintage sailboat

Sailing boat vector sketch isolated with reflection. Sea yacht floating on the water surface.

sailing yacht

Summer Labels and Design Elements

Beach Doodles

Nautical Vector Illustration Set

Pirate ship - hand drawn vector illustration, isolated on white

continuous line drawing of sailboat

Boat on sea drawing. Sailboat vector sketch

Vector sailing boat

Seamless vector pattern with hand drawn sailing yachts and seagulls. Summer bright background for fabric design.

Vector abstract seamless background on the theme of travel, adventure and discovery. Old manuscript with caravels, wind rose, anchors and other nautical symbols with blots and stains in vintage style

Vector abstract seamless pattern on the theme of travel, adventure and discovery. Vintage repeatable background with hand-drawn sailboats, map, wind rose, anchors, sketches, inscriptions and ink blots

Sailing boat

Set of vector drawings of yachts. Figures in the form of a sketch. It can be used to design brochures, advertising, travel.

Nautical design elements: anchor, starfish, wheel, boat, fish, rope, bell, lifebuoy, lighthouse, flag, compass

sailing collection - drawing a black marker - vintage "sepia" haze

Sea sail yachts. Active people. Extreme lifestyle. Travels. Competitions on water. A set of boats. A vector hand drawn sketch.

Sailboat/yacht in the sea sketch. Vector.

Nautical doodles on Torn Paper- Hand drawn collection in vector

Hand drawn summer design elements in navy blue and orange. Rough prints, palm silhouettes, sun, sunset, ocean, sailboat, hello. Brush lettering, June, July, august.

A woman talking on her phone while on vacation

vector sign for sailing

Linear drawing of a sailboat in the waves. Single line illustration of a yacht at sea. Logo sailboat in the sea. Boat with sails on the waves

hand drawn nautical elements

Origami paper ship and sailboat sailing

patchwork background with sea transport

Marine seamless pattern with cartoon boats on blue background

Two boats navigating around rocks

nautical elements - hand drawn set

ship vector logo design template. sailboat or frigate icon.

Hand drawn vector set of vintage sailing ships in the sea

Boat and sea wave icon

Marine doodles set with ships, boats and nautical anchors. Vector illustrations in hand drawn style.

Seamless pattern in the concept of children's drawings. Seamless pattern with ships, fish, sun, clouds, sea and waves.

Sailing boat floating on water surface. Vector color illustration.

Ship Pirate Black template logo dowload

Sailing - Retro Clipart Illustration

A child's craft table - Offset

Seamless abstract sea background. Sailboats on a waves. Vector wavy striped pattern.

Landscape with yachts and the sea. Outline vector illustration. Yachting . Black on transparent backgroun

set of boat icons

big doodle set

Yachts on sea waves. Seagull in the sky. Draw one continuous line. Vector illustration. Isolated on white background

Beautiful Hand drawing colorful wind surf seamless pattern in vector. Flat style illustration. Summer beach surfing illustration in the ocean on white background.

Nautical vector drawings collection. Sea life, marine symbols, various boats and ships. Objects isolated on white background.

Sailboat vector sketch, isolated and stylized waves. A sea single-masted yacht floats on the surface of the water.

Vector abstract seamless background on the theme of travel, adventure and discovery. Old hand drawn map with vintage sailing yachts, wind rose, routs, nautical symbols and handwritten inscriptions

Sailing boat with a flag. Vector sketch stylized wave. Sea yacht floating on the water surface. Drawn with a ballpoint pen.

Acrylic illustration of yellow background with funny cat

sailing ship

Continuous one drawn line cargo ship silhouette

Big Sailboat and tiny sailing yacht in the ocean. Hand drawn style. Vector

Set of different types of boat and submarine

Boats on sea artistic drawing

Nautical set - hand drawn collection

Sailing boat / vintage illustration from Meyers Konversations-Lexikon 1897

Boat icon set. Simple set of boat vector icons for web design isolated on white background

Vintage hand drawn vector illustration with palm tree in engraving style. Sketch of a tree isolated on white for design

Hand drawn vector world map with compass, anchor and sailing ships in vintage style. Perfect for textiles, wallpaper and prints.

Sailboat wallpaper

Child blowing a chalk drawing of a sailboat on a blackboard concept for wishing, dreams, hope and aspirations

set of sailboat icons, vector illustration

Sailing yacht flat square icon with long shadows.

Hand made vector card.

nautical theme

watercolor sailboats set, vector illustration

Collection of beach doodles - sketches

Vector isolated sailboat line simple drawing. Small cute tiny ship sailboat line doodle sketch. Yachting, sailing icon logotype symbol

Watercolor sail with red beads. Watercolor yacht floating on the waves. Time to travel

Set of sea transport stickers. Eps 10

pirates-hand drawn collection

Journey Cruise sailboat print hand drawn on white background vector illustration t-shirt print for men menswear

Set of 4 Nautical cards

Vector seamless pattern. Grungy sketch illustration. Nautical sea background. Rough dark stripes on white background.

Vector sketch seascape with yachts and seagulls on the background of the shore. Black and white hand drawn image sea and seagul.

Cute yachts, boats and ships with sails floating in sea or ocean. Baby sailboats in water. Colored flat textured vector illustration of little marine vessels

Ship2 engraving picture. Vector illustration

Scrapbook baby boy set

Hand drawn vector seamless sea map with compass and sailing ship. Perfect for textiles, wallpaper and prints.

Sailboat in the ocean with a seagull background vector

Our company

Press/Media

Investor relations

Shutterstock Blog

Catamaran Hull Design

Post author By Rick
Post date June 29, 2010
2 Comments on Catamaran Hull Design

Part 1: Notes from Richard Woods

Since the America’s Cup experimented with going multihull, there’s been a lot of interest in catamaran performance and the catamaran hull designs that define performance. Many guys are investigating whether to buy a catamaran or design and build their dream boat. Let it be said here that building a large catamaran is not for the faint of heart. People begin building 100s of boats a year, yet few are ever completed, as life always seems to have a way of interfering with a good boat build.

Never the less, since the rest of this website is about selecting and buying a boat , it only seems fair to have at least one webpage that covers catamaran design. This page contains notes on boat hull design goals and an accompanying page from Terho Halme has mathematical formulas used in actual catamaran hull design. It has become a popular research stop and an important reference to the catamaran design community.

The content of this page was reproduced from the maestro of Catamaran designs, renown British naval architect, Richard Woods, who not only designs catamarans, he sails them across oceans…. repeatedly. He has a lot to say on the subject of catamaran hull design.

“…When it’ all said and done, the performance of a sailing catamaran is dependent on three primary specs: length, sail area and weight. If the boat is longer it generally means it’ a faster boat. If she has more sail area, it means she’ a faster boat and if she’ light it means she’ a faster boat. Of course, there are limits: Too much sail area capsizes the boat in brisk winds. If the boat is designed too light, she will not take any kind of punishment. Too slim a hull design and the boat becomes a large Hobie Cat capable of only carrying your lunch. Of course, too long and large and you’d have to be Bill Gates to afford one. Then there are lot of additional and very important factors like underwater hull shape, aspect ratios of boards and sails, wet deck clearance, rotating or fixed rigging and so on….” Richard Woods

All Catamarans are not equal, but all sailboats have two things in common: They travel on water and they’re wind powered, so the Catamaran design equations in the 2nd part should apply to every catamaran from a heavy cruising Cat to a true ocean racer.

Richard Wood’s comments on catamaran design:

We all know that multihulls can be made faster by making them longer or lighter or by adding more sail. Those factors are the most important and why they are used as the basis of most rating rules. However using just those figures is a bit like determining a cars performance just by its hp and curbside weight. It would also imply that a Tornado would sail as fast forwards as backwards (OK, I know I just wrote that a Catalac went faster backwards than forwards)

So what next?? Weight and length can be combined into the Slenderness Ratio (SLR). But since most multihulls have similar Depth/WL beam ratios you can pretty much say the SLR equates to the LWL/BWL ratio. Typically this will be 8-10:1 for a slow cruising catamaran (or the main hull of most trimarans), 12-14:1 for a performance cruiser and 20:1 for an extreme racer.

So by and large faster boats have finer hulls. But the wetted surface area (WSA) increases proportionately as fineness increases (for a given displacement the half orange shape gives the least WSA) so fine hulls tend to be slower in low wind speeds.

The most important catamaran design hull shape factor, is the Prismatic Coefficient (Cp). This is a measure of the fullness of the ends of the hull. Instinctively you might think that fine ends would be faster as they would “cut through the water better”. But in fact you want a high Cp for high speeds. However everything is interrelated. If you have fine hulls you can use a lower Cp. Most monohulls have a Cp of 0.55- 0.57. And that is about right for displacement speeds.

However the key to Catamaran design is you need a higher Cp if you want to sail fast. So a multihull should be at least 0.61 and a heavy displacement multihull a bit higher still. It is difficult to get much over 0.67 without a very distorted hull shape or one with excessive WSA. So all multihulls should have a Cp between 0.61 and 0.65. None of this is very special or new. It has been well known by naval architects for at least 50 years.

There are various ways of achieving a high Cp. You could fit bulb bows (as Lock Crowther did). Note this bow is a bit different from those seen on ships (which work at very specific hull speeds – which are very low for their LOA). But one problem with them is that these tend to slam in a seaway.

Another way is to have a very wide planing aft section. But that can increase WSA and leads to other problems I’ll mention in a minute. Finally you can flatten out the hull rocker (the keel shape seen from the side) and add a bustle aft. That is the approach I use, in part because that adds displacement aft, just where it is most needed.

I agree that a high Cp increases drag at low speeds. But at speeds over hull speed drag decreases dramatically on a high Cp boat relative to one with a low Cp. With the correct Cp drag can be reduced by over 10%. In other words you will go 10% faster (and that is a lot!) in the same wind and with the same sails as a boat with a unfavorable Cp. In light winds it is easy to overcome the extra drag because you have lots of stability and so can fly extra light weather sails.

The time you really need a high Cp boat is when beating to windward in a big sea. Then you don’t have the stability and really want to get to your destination fast. At least I do, I don’t mind slowly drifting along in a calm. But I hate “windward bashing”

But when you sail to windward the boat pitches. The sea isn’t like a test tank or a computer program. And here I agree with Evan. Immersed transoms will slow you down (that is why I use a narrower transom than most designers).

I also agree with Evan (and why not, he knows more about Volvo 60 design than nearly anyone else on the planet) in that I don’t think you should compare a catamaran hull to a monohull, even a racing one. Why chose a Volvo 60/Vendee boat with an immersed transom? Why not chose a 60ft Americas Cup boat with a narrow out of the water transom??

To be honest I haven’t use Michelet so cannot really comment. But I have tested model catamarans in a big test tank and I know how inaccurate tank test results can be. I cannot believe that a computer program will be better.

It would be easy to prove one way or the other though. A catamaran hull is much like a frigate hull (similar SLR, L/B ratios and Froude numbers) and there is plenty of data available for those. There is also a lot of data for the round bilge narrow non planing motorboats popular in the 1930’-50’s which again are similar to a single multihull hull.

One of the key findings I discovered with my tank test work was just how great the drag was due to wave interference between the hulls. Even a catamaran with a modern wide hull spacing had a drag increase of up to 20 % when compared to hulls at infinite spacing. One reason why just flying a hull is fast (the Cp increases when you do as well, which also helps). So you cannot just double the drag of a single hull and expect to get accurate results. And any speed prediction formula must include a windage factor if it is to give meaningful results.About 25 years ago we sailed two identical 24ft Striders next to each other. They were the same speed. Then we moved the crew of one boat to the bow. That boat IMMEDIATELY went ½ knot faster. That is why I now arrange the deck layout of my racing boats so that the crew can stay in front of the mast at all times, even when tacking or using the spinnaker.

I once raced against a bridge deck cabin catamaran whose skipper kept the 5 crew on the forward netting beam the whole race. He won.

Richard Woods of Woods Designs www.sailingcatamarans.com

Tags Buying Advice , Catamaran Designers

Owner of a Catalac 8M and Catamaransite webmaster.

2 replies on “Catamaran Hull Design”

I totally agree with what you say. But Uli only talk sailing catamarans.

If only solar power. You need the very best. As limited watts. Hp.

The closer to 1-20 the better.

Closing the hulls to fit in cheaper marina berth. ?

You say not too close. But is that for sailing only.

Any comment is greatly appreciated

Kind regards Jeppe

Superb article

How To Create the Perfect Cruising Catamaran Layout

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

More than ever before, sailing fans are gaining an interest in catamaran layouts and designs that define performance. Many others are also looking into either buying a cruising catamaran or designing and building one. While building a catamaran is no piece of cake, this article shows you how to create the perfect cruising catamaran layout.

To create the perfect catamaran layout, carefully consider factors like a good hull design, optimal helm station placement, boat stability, and adequate load-carrying capacity. Excellent galley positioning, ease of handling, and spacious living and sleeping quarters are also crucial.

The modern cruising catamaran is a far cry from the simple Polynesian double canoe of old. That’s because structural innovations and new composite materials have resulted in multihulls with impressive cruising abilities. Keep reading to learn more about exceptional catamaran layouts.

The Changing Trends in Catamaran Designs

The early cruising catamaran designs resulted in boats that could sail much faster than traditional sailing boats. In addition, they could glide with ease in shallow waters and required less wind and crew. Unfortunately, these cruising cats were heavy, had small, cramped interiors, and boasted somewhat challenging handling abilities.

Today’s cruising catamarans are different. They boast the utmost comfort, high speeds, and the safety of a well-designed cruising yacht. They are also more exciting, visually appealing, deliver the smoothest of rides, and sport more spacious interiors.

Have a look at the below video showcasing the top ten cruising catamarans:

Features To Look Out for in Catamaran Design Layouts

Cruising catamaran designers understand what most sailors look for in a cruising vessel. They, therefore, design cruising multihulls that address these pertinent issues and more. Some of the features you might want to consider having in your dream boat include the following:

Responsive performance. Outstanding performance allows for pleasurable cruising and ensures your safety since you have more options during difficult weather.
Excellent load-carrying ability . This allows you to have an extended cruising vacation or ocean crossing.
Boat stability . Go for lightweight, robust construction, which results in a lot of buoyancy.
A low center of gravity for smooth rides and enhanced performance. Centering weight around a low center of gravity improves the overall sailing quality, reduces pitching movement and reduces the risk of capsizing .
Adequate bridgedeck clearance to reduce slamming and provide better performance in rough conditions. A high bridgedeck also means less noise and slapping action from the waves hitting the boat bottom, thus ensuring a quieter, smoother ride.
Comfortable sailing. To enjoy a quality life on board, you need comfort while at sea. Thus, elements like gentle movement, no creaks or groans, no bridgedeck slamming, and minimal pitching are essential for quality, peaceful and restful sleep.

Now that you know what a cutting-edge catamaran features, let’s look at how to create the perfect cruising catamaran layout.

Build a Larger-Sized Catamaran

The early catamarans ranged between 36-42 feet (10.9-12.8m). At the time, this appeared to be a good size in terms of safety and ease of handling. However, the boats were heavy, and the additional drag and displacement adversely affected their performance and windward ability.

It’s now possible to make the new generation catamarans lighter, larger, and more spacious with excellent power-to-weight features. The current trend is larger-sized catamarans in the 45-50 feet (13.7- 15.2) range. Composite engineering and technologically advanced equipment such as furling systems, electric winches, and autopilot make it easier for a smaller crew to sail larger boats with confidence. And to do so without compromising safety or stability.

Get the Best Catamaran Hull Design

A cruising catamaran’s performance depends on three main aspects; its length, the sail area, and the boat’s weight. Long boats are generally fast. A light boat with more sail area is also faster than a heavier boat with less sail area. In other words, you can make a multihull faster by making it longer, lighter, or adding more sail.

However, there are exceptions to this rule; a boat with too much sail area is more likely to capsize if there are brisk winds. Also, if the boat’s design makes it too light, it’ll be unable to handle much punishment, while a hull design that’s too slim would make the vessel incapable of carrying any significant loads. But that’s not all; if the boat is too long or too large, it’ll become grossly exorbitant. Narrow hull shape might also mean smaller cabins.

Nonetheless, these three factors alone are not enough to determine a cruising catamaran’s performance. While faster boats boast finer hulls, the wetted surface area tends to increase as fineness increases; thus, fine hulls end up becoming less fast in low wind speeds. Also, very wide hulls mean a reduction in actual performance.

The Prismatic Coefficient (Cp), a measure of how full the ends of the hull get, is the most essential design hull shape factor for any catamaran. A high Cp equals high speeds, although you can still use a lower Cp if you have fine hulls. Nevertheless, the key to a good Catamaran design is a higher Cp for fast sailing.

To achieve a high Cp, there are several things you can do:

Fit bulb bows . Unfortunately, the bulb bows tend to slam in a seaway when you do this.
Have an extensive planning aft section . However, this can increase the wetted surface area, WSA and lead to additional challenges.
Flatten out the hull rocker and add a bustle aft. This helps to add displacement aft.

Build Convertible Main Living Spaces

The open cockpit is now a thing of the past. Instead, pioneering designers for catamaran manufacturers like Nautitech, Gunboat, and Catana now replace traditional-style salons, cockpits, and cabins with spacious indoor and outdoor living spaces. The concept involves merging separate saloon and cockpit areas with duplicate lounge spaces and the use of hard-wearing composite materials.

You can also design the cabin to suit your preferences. You may decide to add a cabin or remove one, add a bathroom, have the forward berth in the hull or on the wing deck.

The design enhancements boost usable space while opening up the living areas.
It reduces time and costs for interior maintenance and cleaning.
Large windows bring in more light, increasing visibility.
Luxurious, spacious, and airy owners’ cabins provide more comfortable living space.

Bulkhead Helm Stations vs. Twin Stern Steering

Many catamaran owners have traditionally preferred bulkhead steering. This helm position remains popular, but twin stern steering positions come with more advantages since they provide greater sails visibility. The twin stern positions are also best suited for racing or day sailing since they often lack adequate protection for extended cruising.

Exposed helms are not ideal for a long ocean passage. Go for a safe, secure, and well-protected helm station that provides good visibility and comfortable space for long watches. Again, it’s best to have all control lines at the helm to establish a static control station. Also, have all push-button-controlled winches, instruments, windlass, and autopilot prominently located inside the cockpit.

Twin stern steering positions give you a better view of the sails
You get a better feel for overall sailing conditions.
Twin stern steering positions lack the necessary protection for extended cruising.

Go for the Flybridge Design

The flybridge design is appealing because it offers excellent visibility, more comfort, and additional entertainment and lounging space for everyone on board. Unfortunately for smaller boats – those below 50 feet (15.24m), there is minimal protection from the elements. As such, you might want to consider adding enclosures to offer protection. The flybridge, thus the helm, remains cut off from the vessel, which makes communicating with the crew a challenge.

It provides great visibility.
It offers comfortable spacing.
It might be unsafe to move from the cockpit to the flybridge in bad weather.
It isn’t easy to communicate with the crew.

Daggerboards vs. Fixed Keels

Average cruising catamarans typically utilize fixed keels while high-performance cats have daggerboards . Fixed keels allow you to beach your catamaran easily, and your hull remains intact if a collision occurs. While you lose some angle when sailing upwind, you gain more interior space in the hulls that you can put to good use.

Daggerboards are essential in a performance cruising catamaran since they guarantee that the boat delivers good upwind sailing, including during difficult situations. During long passages, they allow you to point better upwind though the drawback is that they consume much interior space within the cruising catamaran’s hulls.

Since flying on foils ( hydrofoils ) isn’t that practical on cruising catamarans, designers of larger-sized boats have also come up with modified daggerboards. These daggerboards produce lift and prevent leeway, too, thereby improving performance significantly, as seen with the Catana 59’s curved daggerboards. These foil-like daggerboards lift the boat ever so slightly upon reaching higher speeds, making it feel less heavy and much faster.

At the end of the day, calculating the performance of a boat sailing in a wide range of varying seas and winds might not be easy – despite a daggerboard or fixed keel configuration. This is because upwind speed depends not only on the sails’ quality but also windage and the height of the bridgedeck beyond the water.

The design innovations -curved daggerboards and hydrofoils- improve catamaran performance significantly.
Daggerboards enable you to access otherwise inaccessible anchorages.
Daggerboards take up hull space in the hulls of your vessel.

Galley Up vs. Galley Down

Galley layout are becoming more and more important as more people, including families, start sailing regularly. While at sea, your galley needs to be a safe place, well-ventilated, and functional. Everything should be well-thought-out for the sailor’s comfort, including handholds to make it safer to move around the boat.

While the galley location can either be up the bridgedeck or down in the hull, galley up appears to be the most popular trend. This makes the galley the focal point of both the living space and entertainment areas.

If you have a family, this placement is ideal since you make your meals from the galley and get to spend most of your time here. Many cruising families and couples prefer this arrangement and find separating the galley down the hull unappealing. Besides, carrying hot food up and down the staircase is unsafe.

Still, galley down is ideal for charter boats since it offers a private cooking area and uses up hull space efficiently.

Having the galley on the bridgedeck is ideal for families and cruising couples.
Placing the galley on a similar level with the serving area and cockpit is safer and less tiring.
There’s better ventilation on the bridgedeck, making for comfortable cooking.
There’s less kitchen privacy galley up.
On smaller catamarans, this layout can impact the size of the saloon seating area significantly.

Production Catamaran vs. Custom

The choice of either a production catamaran or a custom design might seem pretty straightforward. Production catamarans from major brands come backed by proven designs, dependable construction, solid warranties, and many years of experience. The catamarans are easy to service, source for parts, and most – particularly the owner’s versions – hold on to their value, making them much easier to resell.

On their part, custom boats are fantastic in that you can tailor them to your exact needs. However, they might be more challenging to maintain or service. That’s because of parts unavailability and lack of construction knowledge.

Choose Quality Construction Materials

The best quality materials to use on your catamaran are both light and robust. While carbon fiber is great, plywood, plywood/epoxy, and strip-cedar are excellent materials too. What’s more, they are also affordable, so you don’t have to get too hung up on cutting-edge building materials. What matters is build quality; thus, a well-built plywood catamaran boat can last as long as a boat made from more high-tech materials.

Combining various materials also helps combat some of the issues that plague plywood boats in terms of resale value. At times, the design tends to make the boats appear pretty dated.

Plywood and strip-cedar materials are affordable and provide excellent build quality.
Plywood boats may have a lower resale value than those built with modern materials.

Consider Ease of Handling

An important factor in handling a cruising catamaran is deck layout. Most cruising catamarans sailed short-handed , so if your boat has one helm, all lines should run back here to allow for a static control station for the entire boat.

The other essential element is visibility from the helm. The 360 degrees of visibility while maneuvering, docking, or underway is crucial to your boat’s safety, as well as life and property. As such, you should be able to view both bows, or at least the pulpits and sterns, while standing at the helm. If not, you may have challenges handling the boat due to blind spots.

Consider the Load Carrying Capacity

A well-designed catamaran is enjoyable to sail in all weather conditions. It’s also much easier to handle than a monohull because of its widely spaced twin engines. But when you immerse extra hull depth, the vessel gets sluggish and moves slower, maneuvering in tight spots or when docking becomes more challenging. Furthermore, the hull submersion reduces bridge deck clearance, leading to hull slamming.

To allow for adequate load carrying capacity, you need a design that provides a generous displacement. This helps to ensure that you maintain reasonable bridge deck clearance even when fully loaded. It also allows you to avoid digging big holes in the water as you drag your transoms.

Displacement refers to the amount of buoyancy designed into the hulls, which essentially means that your boat will cruise better if its weight is less than your designed displacement.

Note that an overloaded catamaran not only loses out on performance but eventually, on safety too. To counter this, choose a lightweight catamaran with hulls bearing cored construction and interiors made of lightweight materials.

Remember, when you go cruising, you will need to carry fuel, extra water, supplies, equipment, and amenities, translating into thousands of extra pounds. Therefore, try and avoid the following design errors to ensure that your catamaran has an adequate load-carrying capacity:

Avoid putting in place too much accommodation space.
Avoid building a heavy boat ‐ use low-tech construction materials.
Avoid installing inboards in a small boat.
Lightly constructed catamarans perform faster and carry more weight.
Cored construction makes for a strong and stiff catamaran, thus enabling good performance.

Final Thoughts

A well-designed cruising catamaran is a joy to behold. Today’s modern technological advancements mean that you can buy or build a light but strong cruising catamaran. And as you can see from this article, there are many excellent cruising catamaran layouts that you can choose from.

However, whichever layout you decide on needs to fit your sailing needs and purposes to ensure you remain comfortable and safe while at sea. Above all, ensure that you go for a vessel that you can handle with ease in all weather conditions.

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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.

Yachts rendered in Solidworks and SketchUp

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.

Top Free CAD Software for 3D Printing For Every Skill Level
Best 2D & 3D Car Design Software in 2022
Top Picks For Beginner & Pro Free Furniture Design Software
Best PCB Design Software
Free Floor Plan Software
Garage Design Software
Great Pool Design Software

Was this content helpful? Give us your feedback here.

Learn More About 3D Sourced

6 Best Large 3D Printers in 2024 (All Budgets)

5 Best 3D Printers for Miniatures & Terrain in 2024

4 Fastest 3D Printers in 2024 (All Budgets)

Coolest Things to 3D Print 2023 Featured Image Articulated Dragon Gyarados and Shiny Gyarados

The 56+ Coolest Things To 3D Print in 2023

3D Printing Troubleshooting Errors Guide

44 Common 3D Print Problems – Troubleshooting Issues 2023

13 Best Free 3D Modeling Software (For Beginners) 2024

11 Best 3D Printers in 2024 (All Budgets)

5 Best 3D Printers For Beginners in 2024

Exceptional value with anycubic’s latest 3d printer deals.

40+ 3D Printing Industry Statistics (2024 Update)

22+ Coolest 3D Printed Robotics Projects (2024 Update)

8 Best DIY 3D Printer Kits in 2024 (From $150!)

3D Printing In Space – Top Projects in 2023

Sign In or Create Account

Forgot password.

If you don't receive the email within an hour (and you've checked your Spam folder), email us as [email protected].

Small Catamaran Boat

Small Catamaran Boat AutoCAD Block

This AutoCAD drawing offers meticulously detailed 2D representations of a small catamaran boat, capturing its elegant design and structural intricacies.

Both the plan and elevation views have been included to give a comprehensive understanding of the boat’s layout from top to bottom and side to side. The detailed graphics and precise linework reflect the boat’s unique features and design elements, providing a valuable resource for professionals, hobbyists, and enthusiasts alike.

Available for free download, this drawing serves as an indispensable tool for those seeking to delve deeper into the design specifics or to conceptualize modifications and enhancements for similar marine projects.

Rattan Chairs

Rattan Chairs AutoCAD Block AutoCAD DWG format drawing of different rattan chairs, plan and elevations…

Double Hung Windows

Double Hung Windows AutoCAD Block AutoCAD DWG format drawing of different double-hung windows, plan and…

Physiotherapy Equipment

Physiotherapy Equipment AutoCAD Block ThIS AutoCAD drawing provides a detailed schematic of physiotherapy equipment, also…

ROG Gaming Desk

ROG Gaming Desk AutoCAD Block AutoCAD DWG format drawing of a ROG gaming desk, plans,…

Multipurpose Sports Hall

Multipurpose Sports Hall AutoCAD Block This complimentary AutoCAD drawing provides plan and elevation views of…

200 Meter Running Track

200 Meter Running Track AutoCAD Block AutoCAD drawing unveiling detailed plan and elevation views of…

IMAGES

Vector logo sailing catamaran, sailboat, sailer, sloop, ship, sail boat
Catamaran Drawing at PaintingValley.com
Catamaran Sketch at PaintingValley.com
Catamaran autocad plans
How to Draw a Catamaran
Libro para colorear Barco catamarán para imprimir y online

VIDEO

DISTURBING Answer to a simple question!!
Catamaran gets haircut from bridge. @thequalifiedcaptain #boat #sailing #boatlife
Purely Normal Day Sailing: A Catamaran Adventure [S2-E2]
FROM NUMBERS TO DRAWINGS 🐈
Catamaran à vendre
How to Draw a Sailboat / Yatch Drawing / Easy Drawing Tutorials

COMMENTS

How to Draw a Catamaran
Complete The Catamaran Drawing. Let's complete the catamaran drawing by first coloring the hulls with a green crayon. Shade the parts of the hulls beneath the surface of the water with a blue crayon as shown. Next, color the bottom platform and the cabin with a light brown crayon. Now, fill in the mast and the boom with a gray crayon.
How to Draw a Sailboat for Beginners: Narrated Step-by-Step
See How to Draw a Simple Sailboat Step-by-Step for Beginners, Pencil Drawing Tutorial. If you would like to join my online drawing course for beginners pleas...
How to draw a sailboat real easy
How to draw a sailboat real easy with award winning illustrator, Shoo Rayner, who has illustrated well over 200 - books for famous authors and for his own st...
Open Source 13-15m Catamaran Plans
This is a very simple catamaran which, if you are interested, I can give you a lot of information. It is not a spectacular boat but it can help you in your first steps with boats. LOA = 16 m, Lbp = 14.6 m ... I'd like to share my drawing work with the forum if I can get some assistance to start off.
How to Draw a Sailboat: 7 Steps (with Pictures)
1. Sketch the sailboat's hull. To do this, draw an upside-down trapezoid. 2. Sketch the cabin section of the boat. To sketch this section of the boat, draw a very skinny rhombus-like shape that is touching the boat—you won't need to draw the long bottom line though, since the sailboat itself already creates that.
Boat Drawing
Step 2 - Start drawing some sails for your boat. For this part of your boat drawing, we will start on the sails of the boat. For now, simply draw two short lines to form the pole of the sail. Then, draw a vertical line to form the bottom of the sail as it appears in the reference image. Then, you can move on to step 3!
How To Draw A Yacht Step By Step? (A Guide For Beginners)
Start by drawing the cabin, which is usually a box-like structure at the back of the yacht. Make sure to draw the cabin accurately in proportion to the rest of the yacht and add small details such as windows, doors, and handles. Next, draw the mast. This is a tall vertical structure that is usually placed in the center of the yacht.
Sailboat Line Drawing royalty-free images
traditional boat vector line art design, suitable use for symbol, sign, or element design to describe sea and boat. Continuous single line drawing art of Luxury Yacht. Speed boat line art drawing vector illustration. Find Sailboat Line Drawing stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, 3D objects, illustrations and ...
PDF How to Draw a Catamaran
Drawing Lessons for kids: How to Draw a Catamaran. Created Date. 6/12/2022 8:06:11 AM.
Sailboat Drawing royalty-free images
Find Sailboat Drawing stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. Thousands of new, high-quality pictures added every day. ... Vector isolated sailboat line simple drawing. Small cute tiny ship sailboat line doodle sketch. Yachting, sailing icon logotype symbol ...
Catamaran Drawing Pictures, Images and Stock Photos
Browse 160+ catamaran drawing stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Sort by: Most popular. Catamaran isometric drawings. Stylized vector illustration of isometric drawings of a sailing catamaran. Catamaran drawings illustration.
DIY Cruising Catamaran: Complete Building Guide
If you were to build a 40-foot (12.1-meter) catamaran, your cost of materials would range between 20-30% of the total cost. Therefore, for $300,000 total, the boat's materials would range between $60,000 and $90,000. The hull tends to range between 15-35% of the total build.
Bruce Roberts, CATAMARAN boat plans, CATAMARAN boat building
Power & Sail CATAMARAN. This CATAMARAN was designed to be built using the FIBERGLASS panel construction & special pre-scaled drawings are supplied for each hull panel making it simple for the builder to build all of the hull and superstructure as one complete unit.
Catamaran Hull Design
If you have fine hulls you can use a lower Cp. Most monohulls have a Cp of 0.55- 0.57. And that is about right for displacement speeds. However the key to Catamaran design is you need a higher Cp if you want to sail fast. So a multihull should be at least 0.61 and a heavy displacement multihull a bit higher still.
How To Create the Perfect Cruising Catamaran Layout
A cruising catamaran's performance depends on three main aspects; its length, the sail area, and the boat's weight. Long boats are generally fast. A light boat with more sail area is also faster than a heavier boat with less sail area. In other words, you can make a multihull faster by making it longer, lighter, or adding more sail.
Top 8 Best Boat Design Software in 2024 (Free & Paid)
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.
Catamaran Illustrations & Vectors
8. 9. 10. Download 1,273 Catamaran Stock Illustrations, Vectors & Clipart for FREE or amazingly low rates! New users enjoy 60% OFF. 237,472,764 stock photos online.
Catamaran Stock Plans
The DESIGNER'S book TRIMARAN and CATAMARAN CONSTRUCTION is part of the plans (over 21') and covers all phases of construction. Plans are leased to build ONE boat, NO time limit. Tri-Star designs are proven designs, sailing the seven seas since 1964. Free consultation is provided to the original non-professional builder till he or she is sailing ...
CATAMARAN DESIGN: Hull Shape
Have you ever wondered the processes that go into Catamaran design and building a Catamaran? Maybe. Maybe not.However for those of you who are contemplating ...
110+ Drawing Of Catamaran Stock Illustrations, Royalty-Free Vector
Browse 110+ drawing of catamaran stock illustrations and vector graphics available royalty-free, or start a new search to explore more great stock images and vector art. Sort by: Most popular. Catamaran isometric drawings. Stylized vector illustration of isometric drawings of a sailing catamaran. Open Sails.
catamaran
3. 4. 5. The GrabCAD Library offers millions of free CAD designs, CAD files, and 3D models. Join the GrabCAD Community today to gain access and download!
Small Catamaran Boat
This AutoCAD drawing offers meticulously detailed 2D representations of a small catamaran boat, capturing its elegant design and structural intricacies. Both the plan and elevation views have been included to give a comprehensive understanding of the boat's layout from top to bottom and side to side. The detailed graphics and precise linework ...

Log in or Sign up

Open Source 13-15m Catamaran Plans

archie1492 Junior Member

TANSL Senior Member

Attached Files:

catdimension.pdf

grainger_1488019480.jpg

Evergreen Lines small.jpg

Dolfiman Senior Member

Cata 14m with Gene-Hull UE Catamaran 2.3_2018 01 15.ods

Gene-Hull Catamaran 2.3 User Guide_2018 01 16.pdf

Hull for cata 14m with Gene-Hull UE Catamaran 2.3_2018 01 16.pdf

Cata 14m V2 with Gene-Hull UE Catamaran 2.3_2018 01 15.ods

dean 1962 New Member

The Open Trawler Project!

How to Draw a Sailboat

Community Q&A

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

About This Article

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

How to Draw A Boat – A Step by Step Guide

How to Draw A Boat – Let’s get Started!

Step 2 – Start drawing some sails for your boat

Step 3 – Draw the rest of the sail

Step 4 – Continue adding to the mast

Step 5 – Next, draw some fun details for your boat

Step 6 – Now, draw some final details

Step 7 – Finish off your boat drawing with some color

Here’s how you can make your boat drawing even better…

Your Boat Drawing is Complete

Moana Coloring Pages

How to Draw a Cardinal – Step by Step Guide

How To Draw A Yacht Step By Step? (A Guide For Beginners)

Short Answer

Understanding the Basics of Yacht Design

Create a Basic Outline of the Yacht’s Hull

Add Details to the Hull

Draw the Deck of the Yacht

Draw the Cabin and Mast

Add Rigging and Other Small Details

Practice Makes Perfect

Final Thoughts

Recent Posts

Sailboat Drawing royalty-free images

Continuous one line drawing of sailboat. Business icon. Vector illustration

Boat and Sea Hand-drawn Doodles

ship steering wheel vintage vector illustration

nautical set

Sailboats sailing the ocean

collection of sailing boats - yachts - Sport

hand drawn nautical collection

Boat on water under the tree sketch wallpaper

Vintage sailboat

Sailing boat vector sketch isolated with reflection. Sea yacht floating on the water surface.

sailing yacht

Summer Labels and Design Elements

Beach Doodles

Nautical Vector Illustration Set

Pirate ship - hand drawn vector illustration, isolated on white

continuous line drawing of sailboat

Boat on sea drawing. Sailboat vector sketch

Vector sailing boat

Seamless vector pattern with hand drawn sailing yachts and seagulls. Summer bright background for fabric design.

Vector abstract seamless background on the theme of travel, adventure and discovery. Old manuscript with caravels, wind rose, anchors and other nautical symbols with blots and stains in vintage style

Vector abstract seamless pattern on the theme of travel, adventure and discovery. Vintage repeatable background with hand-drawn sailboats, map, wind rose, anchors, sketches, inscriptions and ink blots

Sailing boat

Set of vector drawings of yachts. Figures in the form of a sketch. It can be used to design brochures, advertising, travel.

Nautical design elements: anchor, starfish, wheel, boat, fish, rope, bell, lifebuoy, lighthouse, flag, compass

sailing collection - drawing a black marker - vintage "sepia" haze

Sea sail yachts. Active people. Extreme lifestyle. Travels. Competitions on water. A set of boats. A vector hand drawn sketch.

Sailboat/yacht in the sea sketch. Vector.

Nautical doodles on Torn Paper- Hand drawn collection in vector

Hand drawn summer design elements in navy blue and orange. Rough prints, palm silhouettes, sun, sunset, ocean, sailboat, hello. Brush lettering, June, July, august.

A woman talking on her phone while on vacation

vector sign for sailing

Linear drawing of a sailboat in the waves. Single line illustration of a yacht at sea. Logo sailboat in the sea. Boat with sails on the waves