The Custom Design Process
How To Do Buiness With A Yacht Designer And What Is Expected Of The Client.
The majority of people who have a boat custom designed have never had that experience before, and thus do not know
what to expect of the naval architect - and what is expected of them. In this section I'll try to address these
questions and define the way we - and most other yacht designers - do business. Much of the material herein is
lifted straight out of our standard design contract forms with some elaboration for clarity. Since these forms
were arrived at in collaboration with a number of other designers, they form a good basis for understanding the
profession.
WHO NEEDS A CUSTOM DESIGN?
Most of the inquiries we receive deal with having a new boat custom designed, or with modifying an existing design to
meet some specific need and type of service.
Fortunately, there's really no such thing as a "typical" custom design client. As all our clients are very much
individuals, their differences and unique requirements are such that the most interesting and widely varying designs can
be created. Perhaps some of the most pleasing clients to work with are those who have had a good deal of experience
skippering a variety of boats. Such clients have selected aspects from each of their prior vessels to suit their
particular, and often evolving, cruising, living, and working philosophy. In the process, they have also learned what
they wish to avoid. In working with individual custom design clients, however, the "work flow" most often follows a
"typical" process, and the description of it here will provide a good idea of what can be expected.
The creation of a new yacht is similar in complexity of materials, equipment and form to the thousands of hours of design
and engineering in the creation of a new airplane or automobile. A major difference arises, however. The yacht designer
and his client are able to afford only a few hundred hours in developing a new design. Thus, the custom yacht design
client must be prepared to approach his new design on a somewhat empirical and experimental basis. The yacht designer
will bring forth his best efforts, together with his many successful past experiences, to create the finest new design
possible to best fit the parameters set out by the client. A client with extensive past experience in boating is the
best prepared to venture into the realm of experimental ideas. For the new ideas to have the best chance of working most
successfully in filling the clients' needs, they must be based on tested past experiences.
Those without experience are best off starting with used boats first. This is a much more economical way of breaking into
discovering what each cruise, with its varying conditions in weather, waters, locale and crew, will reveal, to help build
up a store of ideas of just what their different experiences dictate as necessary for their next vessel.
HOW TO CHOOSE A YACHT DESIGNER
The creation of a special boat to fill a unique set of requirements can best be accomplished by those with the specialized
experience, day in and day out, in creating special boats. A prospective client would do well to make an overview of the
market with several thoughts in mind. Firstly, which of the many designers available has created yachts that you admire
or indeed love? What publications with his designs are available? With what construction materials has he accumulated
extensive experience? Next, a closer inspection of this newly narrowed field should include the various designers'
experiences. How successful were their yachts? Were they merely handsome in appearance, but poor performers in reality?
Or were their yachts of high-strung performance to the detriment of the comfort and enjoyment of the rest of the boat
and/or crew? Did their yacht hold together or were there problems with the construction? If the latter, was it possible
to determine whether it was a builder or designer problem? (Builders have been known to make changes to the plans without
letting the designer know….) Or was the problem caused by "operator error"?
Does the designer really care about his work, or is it just another job? Often a way to tell this is what the designer
does with his spare time: does he seem to enjoy cruising and/or racing (thereby accumulating more knowledge to feed into
future design work) or does he spend the majority of his time elsewhere, seemingly relieved to be away from the subject?
The best designers truly love their work, seeing it not as a 9:00 to 5:00 job, but as something from which they would never
wish to "retire". Those with such an approach to the art will naturally see their job as one in which they want to do
their best effort. They know that future work comes from top present performance. This includes thoughtful consultation
during all stages of the boat, from design through construction and into operation of the vessel. The result: a grand
yacht and a happy client.
CUSTOM DESIGN PROCEDURE
The custom design process usually begins with the designer receiving a letter or phone call from the client inquiring into
the possibility of creating a workable boat out of the ideas and thoughts he's collected over some period of time. From
this point, letters are exchanged, or meetings arranged, to review the concept and its feasibility. The client often
supplies photos and clippings of boats that appeal to him. Such details as the new vessel's intended use, desired range,
speed, and rig, as well as the cruising and working philosophy of those who are to be involved in the new vessel are also
discussed. Extent of design detail desired, and construction information required in the plans is also of pertinent
interest. Once it's agreed that there is potential merit in the idea, the designer will explain the costs involved in the
preliminary drawings.
Upon payment of a retainer, the designer sets to work giving the idea some form on paper. When the designer is reasonably
pleased with the drawing, two copies are sent to the client so that one can be marked with comments and questions and
returned to the designer. The designer will answer the questions and give his opinions on the clients' comments, and then
frequently revisions will be made to the drawings. These revised drawings will make the circuit again (sometimes more than
once) until both the client and the architect are in agreement that the basic concept is well enough defined to proceed with
working drawings.
Sometimes, however, the preliminaries are done as exploratory work towards seeing if an unusual idea will work, and if it
is in the range of something near the projected budget. If it is not close enough to the mark, a second drawing (or more)
may be made to see if the goals can be achieved by some other method. Occasionally, after the drawings are done and the
quotes are in, the client decides that the boat is not what was in his mind or decides that he is unable to proceed beyond
this stage. At this point, on bringing his account current for the preliminary design work, he can elect to stop the
process and be under no further obligation to have the design completed.
Many times, the client will want to circulate the preliminaries for bids (also preliminary) to ascertain that the project
will be within his budget. The designer usually assists in this, in recommending yards and in commenting on the bids as
they are returned. Assuming the bids are reasonably close to what was expected, the next stage in the design process
begins.
The evolution of the working (construction) plans and details involves perhaps the most hours of the total project, due to
the extensive engineering, calculating, research, computer time, and drafting work which needs to be done. However, this
part of the design usually runs more smoothly than the evolution of the preliminary conceptual work, because the gestation
period has passed and the work that needs to be done - although innovative in a different way - is relatively straightforward.
However, because the design is an entirely new creation, and as such is as experimental as the previously mentioned new
plane or automobile design, there's always "fine-tuning" as the new ideas are tried and fitted into the total concept
which is to be brought to life in the boat shop. The yacht designer, with fewer available hours and a much smaller staff,
must depend partly on past experience, and even partly on intuition. However, the advances made in recent years in the
computer industry have eliminated the need for an excessive amount of rule-of-thumb estimating. The result of the need
for "fine-tuning" of a new design is that there is occasionally the need for changes while the boat is under construction.
The client and the yard should be ready and able to accept this sometimes frustrating aspect of what is the natural result
of working out the myriad problems inherent in bringing a brand new design to life for the first time. Naturally, the
designer will make every effort to foresee as many of these problems as possible before they get to the shop, but often
even the client does not realize what he has asked for, until he sees it in real life. Should he change his mind about
any aspect of the design as it comes to life, this of course may affect many other parts of the vessel - all of which
will need alteration accordingly, and which usually add time and cost to the project correspondingly.
As a general example, one area that can never be calculated with complete accuracy is the weight of new vessels. Even
in the top production yards, which may be popping out hundreds of the same units annually, there is some variance in
weight and trim between supposedly identical yachts. Each one requires slightly different trim ballasting after launching.
To exercise very great accuracy in pre-calculating the weight of a one-off custom yacht is thus, by comparison, almost a
black art. Differences between construction practices and biases from one yard to the next are difficult to prejudge on
the drawing board. When the designer does know which yard is to build the yacht, he can base his estimates on weight and
trim of the vessel with somewhat greater accuracy, based on his knowledge of the particular practices and prejudices of
that yard.
CUSTOM DESIGN FEES
The fee for a custom design will vary amongst designers, depending on the extent of detail put on the drawings, the time
spent on the project, and the overhead costs of the office. Some designers will charge a percentage of the cost of the
construction of the boat, often in the 7 percent to 15 percent range. However, this does not always provide the most
incentive for the designer to keep the cost of the boat to the client as low as he can. An alternative method is for the
designer to quote a flat fee for the work, after talking over the project with the client and after reviewing the cost
records from prior design jobs of similar size and complexity. The advantage of this for the client, is knowing in
advance, the extent of the design fees. The disadvantage is that there is a strong incentive for the designer to do it
as quickly as possible, making the designer reluctant to encourage improvements in the design as they occur to the parties
involved, for this would entail spending unbudgeted time on the project, even though the result might be a better boat.
A third method is for the designer to bill for the time spent on this job at a previously quoted rate, or rates if several
staff members will be working on the job. This method leaves the designer with a clear incentive to work towards the best
possible boat, knowing that the creative time spent on it will be properly reimbursed. It also allows for varying the
extent of the design detail required, depending on the needs of the client and the builder. This latter method is usually
our preferred method of working and we've been quite flexible in the extent of the detailing supplied, once the basics are
covered and we're assured that the result will be sufficient for a good boat to result. With unusual projects, or highly
sophisticated concepts for very simple boats, it is often best to approach the job on an hourly rate basis, with frequent
billings so that the client can keep track of the cost of the design work on a current basis.
DELIVERY TIME FOR CUSTOM DESIGNS
Most small jobs and revision work can be expected to take a minimum of two to three months, and may be as long as six
months or more, depending on the size of the yacht. If a specific delivery time is needed to fit a construction schedule,
the designer appreciates being advised of this, so that schedules can be coordinated. Most designers have a number of
projects "in process" at any one time, and just getting a position on the waiting list may take additional time.
Many custom design jobs, particularly on larger yachts, can be expected to take the best part of a year to gestate smoothly
from the original concept into plans for the finished yacht. It is particularly important to allow plenty of planning time
during the initial, conceptual work, so that the various new ideas can have the chance to be absorbed, develop further, and
finally evolve into the best end product. Once the preliminary conceptual work is over, the balance of the construction
drawings flow reasonably smoothly.
CONSTRUCTION BID SOLICITATION AND REVIEW
If desired, construction bids can be solicited from recommended yards, reviewed, and recommendations on them provided. If
this service is desired, the designer needs to know in advance, so that it may be included in estimating of time and expense.
MATERIAL LISTS
Most designers do not normally provide separate materials lists as a part of plans for a design, as materials and equipment
are already specified throughout the drawings, and the builder can generally best familiarize himself with the design by
compiling a materials list as required, upon studying the plans. Should separate materials lists be desired in the plans,
the client should mention this in advance, so that it may also be included in estimating of design time and expense.
INSPECTION
We generally inspect construction progress at the builder's site in our local travel territory. The purpose of these
inspection visits is to consult with the builder, to address any question or problem that may arise, and to generally
spot-check various aspects of the vessel to see that she is coming to life in the manner that we envisaged when we
originally created the plans. Some visits also cover minor changes desired by the client and/or builder, and to approve
such changes so that they will not drastically affect the successful outcome of the design. It is not the intention of
the designer to accept liability for the execution of the construction of the vessel in accordance with every detail in
the plans on the basis of such inspection trips, for the available time and relatively few number of visits make it
impossible to accurately determine the extent of the liability. Rather, we rely on the builder to construct the vessel
in compliance with the specifications, tolerances and materials designated in the design, so that the designed performance
of the vessel can be met, and we are happy to consult with the builder in an effort to best aid him in achieving this end.
We are pleased to inspect vessels that are built outside our generally traveled area for the cost of the travel and living
expenses incurred in doing this. However, if it is a large yacht, and/or the time involved in the inspection process is
considerable, then in addition, we charge for such consultation time. Quite naturally, such time subtracts from the
designer's available time at the boards, but it also continues to give him/her important feedback for ongoing design work.
Each designer's policies in this area are quite different from another's.
WHEN THE BOAT IS BUILT . . .
After launching, we enjoy, whenever possible, partaking in the builder's sea trials. Our participation thus does not end
either at the drawing board or the construction site, for we take the natural extension of our interest in our work which
has stimulated this new custom design, by desiring to learn exactly how she reacts to her more demanding testing grounds
at sea. Taking this sort of care, we believe that we are contributing to the sort of concern and attention to detail that
we expect the builder will also have brought in seeing her come to life. The result is to enhance the yacht's worth, and
her future resale value. The continuing success and longevity of our firm depends on our continuing ability to create
fine designs. As custom yacht design is our first love and life's work, we want to ensure the continuance of our good
name by taking the time and care necessary to see our designs successfully progress from the drawing board into the water.
REUSE OF PLANS
Unless otherwise specifically prearranged, building rights for one boat only are included with the design fee or purchase
of a set of existing plans. All rights of design ownership remain with the designer, and the designer should be consulted
regarding arrangements for building rights for additional vessels. The drawings and prints supplied are instruments of
service and remain the property of the designer. The designer may request their return on completion of the building of
the subject vessel.
COPYRIGHT
All designs, whether so marked or not, are protected by international copyright laws, and may be used and/or reproduced
only with the permission of the designer. We have experienced copyright infringement in several forms. Some of these
are the use of our drawings on some wrapping paper, on some business cards and stationery, on highway advertising signs,
and in magazine advertisements. The great accessibility of the material makes the temptation to copy it without
permission great. In most cases we would have been happy to have it used with a modest fee and/or a credit line as the
source for the art. If you have the desire to use some of it just give us a call and let us come to an agreement in
advance.
EXPIRATION OF QUOTES
When a designer quotes a fee for design work, quite naturally the quote would be valid for only a limited period of time.
In our office, it is good for sixty days, unless otherwise stated. Thus, if a client desires to proceed with work on
which a fee was quoted more than sixty days previously, it is advisable to contact us again to reaffirm the price.
OTHER DESIGN BUSINESS ASPECTS
Beyond the creation of an entirely new design, other aspects of custom design work include modification to existing designs,
consultation on other designs and/or vessels, and production design work.
Such modifications might include new interiors, new rigs, modified profiles, alternate engine-machinery, and/or alternate
construction materials and methods. The basic considerations in doing such work are, to a small scale, quite similar to
the creation of an entirely new design.
Consultation on such things as construction problems of any vessel, working out a new rig for an older vessel, or offering
an opinion on construction method of another boat than our own design, is usually done on an hourly basis.
PRODUCTION DESIGNS
Designing a boat that is to be built in production is another area of custom design. The basic approach is much the same
as any other custom design. In addition to the process outlined earlier for proceeding with such work, the designer would
also want such information as projected intentions for production quantities, construction schedules, location of
construction site and intended or desired builder.
THE DESIGN CONTRACT
The Design Contract pages have our design contract condensed without some specifics filled in.
It gives an idea of what to expect when you proceed with a design. It can also be used by designers who didn't participate
in the group that created it.
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