Hull Design - What Are the Basics?

When it comes to building a boat the hull will be the major part of the boat design. It is the essential part of the boat that is required to provide buoyancy while the boat is in the water. When designing the hull for your boat building project there are some rules that should be followed. I will split these rules up between 3 popular designs.


Racer Boat - This boat may be an inshore ‘light air' boat but the hull should be designed a bit differently. The prismatic coefficient of the boat should be around point five to five. This will allow the boat to perform at its maximum.

Ballasted Boat - When it comes to a ballasted boat, you should make sure that the actual weight of the ballast does not weigh more than fifty percent of the upward weight provided by the boat. The boat should maintain stability even when dipped in water. Also, an equal thrust should be working on all sides of the boat while the boat is in motion. This will prevent the boat from sinking. Place the ballast in one place so as to ensure proper equilibrium.

Clinker-on-Frame - The clinker-on-frame hull requires a totally different design. This hull should be separated in three different joints. This is very important. Ensure that there is a freeboard about one tenth of the LWL of the boat if you are planning a small or a medium size boat. This is all that you will need to create the perfect clinker-on-frame hull design.

These are just some basic tips. You can find a lot more tips by browsing the internet. I would recommend that you invest in some 3d boat design software. Boat design software is usually pretty cheap and provides many pre-made designs of hulls, boats, and bottom lines.

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