ELEMENTS OF TECHNICAL BOAT DESIGN “ELEMENTS” – Introduction to Boat Design

(Formerly Called Yacht Design Lite)

A comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts in yacht and boat design, for marine professionals. Note: Graduates of Elements may continue on to complete the full Westlawn Yacht Design Program.

 

Course No.: ELEMENTS

A yacht and boat design program for those who need to understand the basics of yacht and boat design but who do not intend to become professional designers, and also for mechanical and structural engineers who need to gain a good grasp of the fundamentals of boat design. Elements of Technical Boat Design (formerly Yacht Design Lite) will be of primary benefit to marine-industry managers, yacht and boat surveyors, industrial and interior designers, professional crew, investigators and adjustors, boat builders, and others simply looking for an expanded knowledge of job-related disciplines.

 

A modified curriculum developed to provide a working knowledge of design principles, hull dynamics and manufacturing technologies. Elements of Technical Boat Design will be of primary benefit to marine industry professionals for whom this concentrated “cross training” will lead to improved job performance, promotion opportunities, or simply expanded knowledge of job-related disciplines. For marine surveyors particularly, Elements an invaluable tool that will both systematically expand your knowledge of boat design and construction and enhance your credentials. This course concentrates on basic drafting processes and essential design principles—styling, aesthetics and space utilization—in the context of structure and hull dynamics to deliver a solid understanding of yacht design fundamentals.

 

Featured subjects include:

■ Introduction to Hydrostatics.

A comprehensive study of the characteristics and values pertaining to the underwater form of a boat

 

■ Stability

Design implications of vessel weight, buoyancy, loading and external factors. Presented in two parts.

 

■ Principles of Resistance

Fluid characteristics and their relationship to hull form and propulsion.

 

■ Drawing of Hull Lines

The elements and process of creating a working document that precisely defines a hull’s shape.

 

■ Interior Design

Defining and arranging interior spaces for maximum utility and comfort.

 

■ Fiberglass Boat Construction

Introduction to the properties and capabilities of FRP materials, mold-making, lamination processes, coring, and stiffening. Presented in two parts. On achieving a passing grade in each of eight separate assignments, the student is awarded a Certificate of Completion.

 

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a high school diploma or the equivalent and must have two years of high-school-level mathematics in algebra and trigonometry. Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent may be accepted if they can satisfy the faculty that their experience and education have prepared them to pursue this course. The applicant’s age must exceed the compulsory age for completion of high school. Students need a computer and the ability to log on to the Internet to enroll.

 

Program Timing and Enrollment

The entire Elements of Technical Boat Design course requires about 280 hours of study and assignment preparation. Working on a full-time basis, students should be able to complete the course in six months or less. Those studying on a part-time basis may take an optional six-month extension at no additional charge. Additional extensions after the free extension are available and are outlined in the enrollment agreement. The tuition fee covers all coursework expenses from the day of enrollment to the awarding of the certificate of completion, except for postage for assignments you mail to Westlawn (the school pays postage for all material sent to you) and the cost of required drafting tools and related accessories. These can be purchased sources recommended by Westlawn at a cost of about $300.00.

 

Click here to view a detailed Elements of Technical Boat Design course syllabus

 

Important: Elements of Technical Boat Design is not a substitute for the full Yacht & Boat Design Program. Should a student take the Elements course and thereafter decide to pursue the Yacht & Boat Design Program, credit will be given for all subjects receiving a passing grade. Elements can be an excellent way to start the full Westlawn Yacht & Boat Design Program. Under no circumstances, however, should a student presume that completion of Elements of Technical Boat Design alone qualifies him or her to design boats or yachts.

 

Those interested in the full Yacht & Boat Design Program should download the course catalog at:

 Yacht & Boat Design Course Catalog

 

NOTE: Yacht Design Lite includes a substantial portion of the ID 201 course, “Interior Design Methods,” and also all of the BC 401 course, “Fiberglass Boatbuilding: Materials & Methods.”

 

Click Here To Download The Elements of Technical Boat Design Enrollment Form

(Be sure to download the correct form, either U.S. or international and for Yacht Design Lite.)

 

Prerequisite: Applicants should have a high school diploma or the equivalent and must have two years of high-school-level mathematics in algebra and trigonometry. Knowledge of descriptive terminology used in boat construction. A computer with reliable Internet access and email is required.

Number of Lessons: An 8 lesson course that can be completed in about 280 hours of study.

Materials & Service: Instructor services, Westlawn textbooks, and study guide.

Time Allowed to Complete: six months, plus no-cost six-month extension (twelve months total).

Tuition Fee: $2,575 U.S., $2,800 international

(Low-interest monthly payment plan tuition assistance available.)

Award: Certificate of Completion & 28 CEUs

Accreditation: Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)

NOTE: Be sure to fill out and submit all four pages of the specific Yacht Design Lite enrollment form.

 

RECOMMENDED COMPLEMENTARY COURSES

To obtain and “Advanced Marine Surveyor” certificate: SUNY Maritime’s Yacht Damage or Hull Survey Course. Alternately, continue on to complete the full Westlawn Yacht & Boat Design Program.