University Yacht Design Project

[Leonine]

Hi all,

I'm a student at Massey University in Auckland New Zealand studying transport design, specialising in marine design. I'm in the research phase of my final year research and development project.

As part of my initial research I'm conducting a short online survey (10min) about what sail and powerboat owners and users enjoy about boating and the marine environment. I hope to collect around 100 responses from different sources. The information will be used to help me gauge user perceptions, expectations and needs; ultimately helping make decisions about the visual and functional features to incorporate in my design.

The survey is anonymous and information gained through it will only be used for the benefit of my project, it will not be distributed to other parties or used for commercial gain.

Below is a link to the survey, I greatly appreciate all contributions!

What Do You Enjoy About Boating? Survey

Regards,
Andrew

[atoll]

done,though all the boats were crap,this is a sailing forum lol

[Teknav]

That's what I like about Atoll...he never minces his words, and always tells it like it is! I tend to "coconut" coat things; easier to "swaller". Mauritz

[Leonine]

I'm aware that this is primarily a sailing forum, but I did post this in the powered boats section; regardless, I'm taking feedback from anyone at this stage, seeing as the questions are relatively general and are applicable to both sail and powerboat owners.

At the moment my vision for the project is to create a sustainable and practical recreational watercraft concept, that merges the functionality of powerboats with the sustainability of yachts. This would entail taking advantage of multiple sources of renewable energy from the immediate environment and using them for propulsion, possibly wind and solar.

The watercrafts purpose would be to provide shelter, amenities and comforts to those who enjoy the marine environment, much like what exists currently. However, the design would pay special attention to features that support the most popular activities like socialising with friends & family, snorkeling, fishing, ect.

The findings of my research (this survey and other components) will no doubt influence these ideas.

Any feedback on these ideas is welcome!

Thanks to those who have already done the survey!

[ranger58sb]

I don't do surveys, but I took a quick look at yours since Atoll's comment was intriguing

I sort of agree with him, although for different reasons. Believe it'd be useful to consider adding flybridge boats to your thinking.

We prefer a bridge boat because of better visibility, more space, comfortable entertaining... and in our case, the helm and sightlines are set up for trolling (so helmsman can assist cockpit crew, handing rods down, etc.). Other bridge designs offer different advantages...

Many would welcome smarter power sourcing, when viable; better batteries, diesel-electric (or other hybrid), solar, wind, maybe wave (when moored), etc.

-Chris