Design process

The SYS goal, when designing a custom yacht, is to ensure that the client's requirements are considered and to turn these needs into the best functional design possible.

Sayer Yachting Services uses Maxsurf Software- a hull modelling and analysis programme developed by Formation Design Systems in Perth, Western Australia - initially for the America's Cup Challenge. Today, Maxsurf is, without question, the most advanced, complete and best integrated suite of marine design software available for naval architects.

Step 1 - Design Brief

After an initial consultation with Jon Sayer, the client is asked to create a Design Brief for the proposed boat. This Design Brief is usually a simple concept detailing the overall intent of the design. It should include the boat's size, the construction medium, the boat's intended purpose eg cruising or around the buoys racing etc), range, speed, rig type, general appearance / fitout requirements and most importantly, the budget that is available for the project.

After considering the client's Design Brief, a design proposal is then presented to the client by Jon Sayer, giving a summary of the design process itself, a description of the drawing / plan details and an estimate for the design work required to achieve the desired result.

Step 2 - Preliminary Line Drawings

After the acceptance of the design proposal, the actual design process can begin. At this stage a nominal fee is charged to prepare a Preliminary Line Drawing of the boat. The purpose of this preliminary drawing is to establish style, size, dimensions, rig layout and target displacement, primarily to establish "proof of concept" for the design.

As well as a "line drawing", a preliminary computer model of the boat is created. This model generates a lot of information. The hydrostatics of the proposed design will be known right from the start. A computer 3D image of the preliminary concept is also presented to the client. This provides him with a visual image of exterior shape of the actual boat.

Step 3 - Working Drawings

After studying the Preliminary Line Drawing, the client is in the position to better ratify his requirements and discuss his design needs in more detail. From this information, Jon Sayer is then able to develop the actual Working Drawings for the project.

Prior to commencement of the Working Drawings, we ask for a deposit of 50% of the cost of the design fee. The balance is required to be paid on completion of the working drawings.

Sayer Yachting Services works within the parameters of the ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) design and construction guidelines. Third party engineers can be brought into the project such as EMP engineering for the high end racing market.

Subject to the client's requirements and budget, a full set of working drawings will normally include:

Hull design (incl bulkheads, fixed bunk and tank positions)
Deck design (incl layout for winches, blocks, tracks, hatches)
Interior layout (incl cabins, bunks, saloon area, galley, WC and engine beds etc)
Keel design
Rudder design
Rig design
Sail plan

Step 4 - Advanced Computer Modelling

It is a known fact that computer modelling is the most efficient and accurate means of defining hull form. The designer is provided with access to powerful analysis tools for optimising shape, fairness, stability and performance.

In addition to the above, Sayer Yachting Services can offer the additional service of providing the client's boat builder with computer controlled cutting information for the structural parts of the boat eg, frame cut outs, hull plates etc. As well as being clean and accurate, this process saves considerable fabrication time for the builder - which, in the long run, is more cost effective for the client.