Boat design starts here

BoatCAD is a compact CAD system developed specifically for boat design. It allows you to create boat blueprints quickly and with minimal setup. The software includes two main design wizards: one based on parametric curves and another based on NURBS curves. A boat section can be U-shaped. In this case, the section is generated as a smooth curve running from the upper left board line to the upper right board line through the keel. A section can also be V-shaped. In that case, it is generated as two symmetrical curves running from the upper board lines down to the keel. The stern can also be defined as U-shaped, V-shaped, or double-ended. To start a new blueprint, you only need to enter the boat length. BoatCAD then creates a basic hull model, which you can refine by adjusting the dimensions and hull shape.

Example Boat with NURBS curves U-shape.

With this wizard you can create yacht, sail boat or speed boat. All curves are NURBS.

Example Boat with Parametric curves U-shape

With this wizard you can create a small fisher boat, sail boat, also plywood boat. It uses parametric curves. It is very simplified, but still can have a nice boat shape.
Most modern CAD systems use NURBS curves, and BoatCAD supports them fully. At the same time, BoatCAD can also work with traditional parametric curves. This example boat uses parametric curves. In this model, the red lines, rather than the purple ones, simulate a wooden batten, while the blue curve bends along them. This approach produces a hull shape that is close to real wood bending. A coefficient is used to define the flexibility of the blue curve. The coefficient ranges from 0 to 1, with the most practical values usually between 0.4 and 0.6. The default value is 0.5. For hundreds, and even thousands, of years, many boats were built without formal blueprints by skilled builders who relied on practical experience developed over a lifetime. This blueprint wizard helps you create hull forms with a natural and realistic shape.