YACHT & POWERCRAFT DESIGN SERVICES

Yacht & Powercraft Design Services Ltd
 Email:  info@yacht-designer.co.uk
Tel. 44 (0) 1489-583346   Fax. 44 (0) 1489-583346  Mobile  07803-724317

Long after the original construction for the first owner, modifications are often carried out on yachts and boats for subsequent owners.  Occasionally these modifications are performed by inexperienced people without qualified supervision with the result that potentially fatal problems can occur when the boat is taken to sea again.  I have read of two fine yachts that have actually foundered at sea as a result of badly executed modifications, yet the yachts were extremely well built originally - I know as I worked on the design team and saw them being built in one of the finest yards.

A naval architect should be employed to advise on any modifications that either pierce the hull, affect the stability and loading, or change one of the vital pieces of equipment, such as the rudder or engine and stern-gear.  

The photograph (top left) shows a good example - a new  rudder has been designed for a motor cruiser to provide better manoeuvrability and strength with lighter weight.

I can normally advise on any modifications planned for your yacht or motor boat.  I can then prepare the necessary drawings, check the regulations and, depending on the boat’s location, inspect the subsequent work at the boatyard.  In addition, I can arrange and carry out careful sea trials on the vessel after the modification work is complete, but before the boat is handed back to the owner.

The middle and bottom photographs show modifications to a 31‘ motor cruiser.  To remove an annoying and potentially dangerous vibration problem a new purpose built P-bracket support structure was installed.  The  stern-gear arrangement was also re-designed.  (See Motor Boats Monthly - June 1996).  

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Modifications  to  Yachts  &  Boats