Oak Hill Marine Design

Advantages

Computer Modeling and CAD Drafting

We utilize computer modeling and drafting wherever suitable in the design process. We have found that the time spent creating an accurate and precise three-dimensional model of the vessel is saved many times over in the life of the project. Since the design process is iterative, the computer allows many more revisions to be made in a given amount of time, yielding a final solution closer to optimal than is possible with traditional methods.

For the customer wanting a new boat, computer modeling and drafting offers these advantages:

• greater optimization of the design;
• improved planning of the vessel's structure and arrangement;
• greater accuracy in hydrostatic and stability analyses;
• simple and quick revision of drawings;
• third-party evaluation of vessel characteristics such as speed, motion, power requirements, etc.

Computer Lofting

Traditional lofting, whether from hand- or computer-drawn plans, is well within the capabilities of most small boat builders. It is relatively simple to do and requires less up-front expense, but it offers a limited amount of information for the builder for the time expended. The full-size computer lofting we offer, however, provides much more data for the designer and builder:

• creates a fully-faired hull (and superstructure) which can be viewed from any direction, both on-screen and in print; promotes better understanding of a vessel's final appearance, usability, and construction through easily created exterior and interior views;
• allows fabrication of extremely accurate molds for building hulls, superstructure, or individual parts in fiberglass or wood; provides data for creation of very accurately cut structural parts and joinerwork;
• allows the expansion of surfaces for creation of plates for metal vessels;
• reduces construction costs by optimizing the design for less expensive materials and building methods;
• reduces the likelihood of rework due to design errors not readily visible in traditional lofted lines;
• promotes higher-quality construction for metal boats: the precise fit of parts yields better welds and less distortion, needing less fairing work.