Stages of Design

Generally we start with a concept, gradually working our way deeper into the design, then finally perfecting details. The design process of a new yacht is typically divided into three stages

First stage is the Concept Design

The yacht’s basic lay-out is drawn without details and calculation in order to give the client a basic insight into the project. It is an exchange of ideas, to see what they look like when put on paper. If the concept complies with the client’s wishes, then we can move forward to the second stage.

The second stage is the Preliminary Design

At this stage the design is further developed, without going too deep into details. The Preliminary Design stage has two purposes.

A. To develop the design with correct dimensions and proportions and in addition, to provide insight of compliance with the principle classification and flag authority criteria.

B. To produce documentation to enable experienced shipyards to quote.

The documentation produced contains the following items:

  • An update and consolidation of the preliminary General Arrangement Plan
  • Preliminary Lines Plan Hull
  • Preliminary Tank plan
  • Preliminary Stability Calculation (intact)
  • Preliminary Damaged Stability Calculations
  • Preliminary Resistance and Power estimation
  • Preliminary selection of main engines and propulsion system
  • Preliminary calculating and drawing of the structure basic system
  • Building specifications.

The third stage is the Final Design

At this stage design drawings and other documentation is produced for the yard that has been assigned for the build. In comparison to the first two, this stage is far more comprehensive. It contains the production of detailed drawings, reports, yard visits etc. Among the drawings produced are in accordance with a previously agreed drawing list.
  • Hull Construction
  • Welding schedule with details
  • Hull lines plan
  • Superstructure lines plan
  • Engine Foundations
  • Superstructure Construction
  • Cranes Bases
  • Construction drawing of each deck showing all required reinforcements, foundations, and penetrations
  • Rudder Arrangement
  • Stabilizers installation
  • Arrangement drawing of scupper pipes
  • Helicopter platform
  • Tank plan
  • Windows plan
  • Inclination test report
  • Final stability booklet
  • Propulsion Lay-Out
  • Exhaust Main Engines
  • Typical hull skin fitting and hull penetrations drawing
  • Detail drawing of stern door
  • Docking Plan
  • Antennas Plan
  • Railing Plan
  • Mooring Plan
  • Anchor pocket
  • Mast Construction
After launching, the final stability booklet can be put together, for which an inclination test is conducted to determine the weight and the position of the centre of gravity. In other words, the final design stage, follows the build through the sea trial until the delivery of the vessel to the owner.