In our estimation at DLBA, seakeeping considerations remain perhaps the most important element of boat design, for most boats. Certainly racing boats and other craft trying to set speed records have a need for speed which is paramount, but boats carrying workers, paying passengers, or recreational guests need to be comfortable.

In our estimation at DLBA, seakeeping considerations remain perhaps the most important element of boat design, for most boats. Certainly racing boats and other craft trying to set speed records have a need for speed which is paramount, but boats carrying workers, paying passengers, or recreational guests need to be comfortable.

The first step in having an efficient boat is to have an appropriate hull form for the intended vessel size and speed range. Most new recreational vessel designs today, with the exception of small outboard powered craft, fall into the non-dimensional speed range referred to as semi-displacement or semi-planing. While some people believe there are some minor technical differences in the terminology, we at DLBA believe they are one in the same.

Back in 2018 we added Donald Blount’s paper on the Design of Propeller Tunnels for High Speed Craft to our online library. Based on the interest received in this paper, we conclude that it remains a hot topic.

When you think about high speed craft, like the two projects SeaForce 410 CC and the CFD simulations for Scout Boats, one question that should flash through the designer’s mind is: “Will she become airborne?” This is an important question to know the answer to as it significantly increases structural loading on the hull structure and other components.

Our team has the pleasure of supporting many clients in the definition phase of their projects. In these early on, low maturity efforts, we have discovered the need to be able to produce relatively accurate design/product information in a short amount of time with little known information.