For several decades, manufacturers have made several changes to the development and design stages of boats. However, other aspects of ship and boat building have remained consistent. Below are the factors that need optimization to manufacture an economical, environment-friendly boat and be up to date. The factors include holistic technological and structural factors that primarily influence the design of boats.
Technology in boat design
There has been monumental improvement and integration of technology in boats to make a ride smooth and comfortable. Currently, the technology examples that have become an integral part of designing boats include thermal imaging, automated controls, advanced safety devices, and sophisticated location and navigation software. Most boats are designed to accommodate such components since they have become necessities for a better water experience.
Further, the need for environmentally-friendly boats has influenced the adoption of new technologies in boat design. For instance, boats are attempting to minimize their carbon footprint through sustainable boat design that uses renewable energy sources to reuse, fuel its needs and recycle hazardous waste to minimize marine litter.
Materials used in boat design
Materials employed in designing boats have radically developed for the past five decades, and current boat manufacturers have invented more durable, cheaper, and better options. Traditionally, steel, iron, and wood formed the core materials for building boats. One of the major problems of steel and iron is that they are heavy for small boats, hindering their application on cruise liners and large ships.
Most boating manufacturers prefer to use aluminum, although its high maintenance and price discourage its application. However, recently, builders have shifted from wood to fiberglass. Also, fiber-reinforced plastic or glass-reinforced plastic has become the most used material for boat building. The major advantages of fiber-reinforced boats include improved efficiency, resistance to corrosion, low maintenance cost, longer durability, increased reliability, and high speed.
Aesthetic boat design
Aesthetic appeal is one of the major components of boat design that you need to consider. Unfortunately, some people believe that only luxury yachts or cruise ships should have sophisticated aesthetics. However, even the smallest boats require a certain aesthetic appeal and are ergonomic to attain optimal efficiency in operation.
