Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology

All the boats pictured on this site were designed by Westlawn alumni.
Click here to see a gallery of alumni designs.

Westlawn alumni are prominent in the marine industry. Click here to see more.

Click here for information on the joint Westlawn/SUNY Maritime Continuing Education Program.

Click here to sign up for Westlawn’s free email journal, The Masthead, with: technical information, what’s happening at Westlawn, and boating industry updates.

Click here to order books, apparel and accessories.

Professional Diploma Program in

Through Guided Distance Study

Yacht & Boat Design enables students to master the principles of design based on the fundamentals of small craft naval architecture and marine engineering.

The program consists of 38 lessons divided into four modules (see syllabus below). Instruction covers both custom design methods and design for series production. Design projects focus on production boats while engineering modules teach structural requirements.

The subjects are covered in 24 text books, study plans, and other materials that are sent to you at the beginning of each module. The tuition fee includes the cost of these materials. Westlawn instructors will provide you with the guidance you need to become proficient in each subject. They will also critique your course work professionally and provide additional instruction as needed.

Yacht & Boat Design prepares students for careers as professional yacht and small-craft designers with production boat building companies, independent design firms, and as self-employed yacht designers in private practice.

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction To Small Craft Design

Introduction to Yacht & Boat Design
Basic Mathematics
Introduction to Hydrostatics
Review
Principles of Resistance
Stability Part 1
Design Practicum
Stability Part 2
Review
Introduction to Marine Drafting
Drawing of Lines
Module 1 Examination

Module 2: Intermediate Boat and Yacht Design

Exterior Design
Interior Design
Design Practicum
High Speed Power Boats Design
Practicum
Sailboat Design Part 1
Sailboat Design Part 2
Design Practicum
Multihull Design
Module 2 Examination

Module 3: Construction Methods

Wood Boat Construction
Design Practicum
Fiberglass Boat Construction Part 1
Fiberglass Boat Construction Part 2
Design Practicum
Fiberglass Boat Building - Production Methods
Aluminum Yacht Design & Construction
Introduction to Computer Aided Yacht Design
Module 3 Examination

Module 4: Systems and Equipment

Marine Engines
Propulsion Systems
Electrical Systems
Systems & Equipment
Specifications
Professional Practice
Final Examination