Someone calls our office to talk about a new boat. They can’t find what
they like, so now they’re thinking custom. First task: discuss what they
want and try to figure out if it’s possible. Questions like What size
boat?, Where do you plan to cruise?, What special features?, and What
have you seen that you’ve liked? start us off. Through one or more
calls, we hopefully find a comfort level with each other. That is an
important step in a long term project.
The first formal step is the preliminary design. The fee
for the preliminary design could be hourly, allowing the client total
freedom exploring all options. Often, however, a fixed fee is preferred
with the overall commitment more clearly defined. Either choice will
call for one to several weeks of work depending upon the project’s
complexity.
We need more than just a check, however. We need
information. The client is asked to draft a couple of pages detailing
the goal. What does the boat have to do? Additionally, what would you
like it to do? Here we are interested less in the pumps and
equipment than in things that affect space, weight or general geometry
of design. More detail is better: pictures or sketches can help.
That input and more become the defining elements of the
profile and arrangement drawings that follow. Other elements like
preliminary hull lines or performance prediction may be done depending
upon decisions made. The client can also expect several revisions as we
hone in on his needs. The design goal is meeting the client’s vision,
not just our own.
With all that in the mix the client’s dream vessel
gradually evolves. Remember creating a good boat is neither magic nor
moments of brilliance from the designer. It is simply a collaboration
between us and the owner working toward a common goal.
