GCMNA's expertise
The GCMNA team has several decades experience designing yachts using a variety of computer design programs, with which we carry out each design with creativity and efficiency. While the final product of our design process is an aesthetically pleasing vessel, our core disciplines and experience are the ingredients that make your yacht strong, safe and seaworthy. Our detailed naval architectural and engineering studies create a yacht that performs exceptionally well.
When a yacht is completed and afloat, we tend to see the glamour and luxurious appointments that make it unique. Your yacht's appearance is central, of course, yet the aesthetic appeal must be underpinned by its rigorous engineering and naval architectural design. This part of the design is mostly hidden but essential to the yacht's operation and comfort.
Designing a large yacht is like putting together a huge puzzle. In many ways, the vessel resembles a mansion that offers excellent living space. But this floating home also carries aboard a complete propulsion system, fuel storage and distribution systems, navigational equipment, ways of making and disposing of water, and electrical generation methods to power equipment. In addition, the floating home must move efficiently and safely while offering exceptional stability.
Initial design
The vessel's overall dimensions and displacement, hull shape, the distributed size and weight of tanks at various loads, the vessel's speed, its stability — all these features are first approximated, then calculated more precisely, then analyzed and computed again — and again.
The initial portion of the design is not a one-time task: rather, the work is cumulative and iterative and is divided into a number of undertakings.
Establishing the vessel's dimensions
How many staterooms would you like? Is your main helm station on a separate level? How much equipment must fit into the engine room besides the engines? Will you carry your tenders on the upper deck or in a dinghy garage? These are the kind of questions whose answers will guide us to establish your yacht's overall length and beam. We then fit your requirements into the space available and prepare a first cut of the profile and arrangements.
Estimating the displacement and weight
Calculating the vessel's weight and how that weight is distributed is perhaps the most crucial aspect of the design. Again, calculating weight is not a one-time process. As the design evolves and changes, we measure again and again, ensuring the weight is properly distributed and the center of gravity occupies the right place.
Developing the most hydrodynamic hull
Only after estimating the yacht's weight can we begin drafting the hull shape. The issues that influence that shape include the yacht's desired maximum and cruising speeds, its seakeeping characteristics as well as any aesthetic considerations we developed earlier.
The vessel's weight and center of gravity, along with its required speed determine whether we design a full displacement, semi-displacement, planing or semi-planing hull. Other choices influencing the hull's shape include what kind of chine it will have and how its quarters are shaped.
We investigate and then propose the type of rudders and propellers best suited to the yacht and its powertrain. All these factors will influence how well the boat performs both in heavy seaways and at anchor. Our design team focuses not only how the yacht will perform but also on your comfort while aboard during different weather systems.
Once completed with all changes included, we present you with line drawings and 3-D renderings of the hull.
Estimating the yacht's speed
It's the hull shape and displacement that forecast how fast a vessel can move through the water and what size engines are required to travel at that speed. Our team uses speed-prediction software to ensure that our design offers the lowest hull resistance and optimizes efficiency and performance. We also test other possible methods of streamlining the hull. Does a bow bulb improve flow patterns and speed? What are the optimal locations for the exhausts, tunnels or rudders?
Studying the propulsion system
All propulsion components must be kept in mind when designing a system with maximum performance and most efficient fuel consumption. Do you want a straightforward driveline system consisting of a propeller-shaft-gearbox-engine arrangement? Are you interested in diesel-electric propulsion, gas turbines, Z-Drives or nozzles? What is your desired range? These choices determine how we optimize your system.
We next draw your propulsion system, which shows how all components are connected and integrated, from the main engines to shafts, propellers, rudders and nozzles.
Again, we use information technology to predict the yacht's propulsion needs and efficiency, as well as an estimate of fuel use. We compute how much fuel will be consumed by auxiliary units like generators. Those calculations allow us to anticipate fuel consumption under a variety of conditions and, keeping in mind the desired range, the size of the fuel tanks.
Designing the hull for strength
As part of designing the yacht's structural integrity, we specify the scantlings and laminate schedule of the hull, decks and superstructure, as well as those areas needing additional reinforcement, like bow thrusters, davits and stabilizers. We spell out the required stiffness and strength of the areas supporting the engines, measure the requirements of the classification societies, and engineer the bow to survive repetitive crashing into mountains of water. Finally, we optimize complicated structural components with our in-house Finite Element Analysis software.
Arranging tankage for optimum weight distribution and stability
Positioning the tanks aboard your yacht is a delicate task that requires the careful balancing of loaded and partially loaded tanks under all sea conditions. We must consider not only fuel tanks, but also reservoirs for lubricants, potable water, grey and black water, and ballast.
When arranging the tankage in the yacht, we take account of the location and weight of such peripheral but necessary equipment as pump rooms and pipes, manifolds and fuel polishers. When positioning tanks, which are bulky and take up large spaces, we make sure they don't interfere with areas needed for stabilizer reinforcements, bow thrusters and other equipment. We also design the systems that connect tanks so their contents can be pumped across to maintain yacht stability and trim.
Positioning bulkheads and scantlings
Developing the hull's structure depends in part on its material — steel, aluminum or composite. The scantlings and bulkheads are arranged according to the rules for stability and deflection properties stipulated by the classification society you chose.
Our designs pay particular attention to the way bulkheads are attached to the hull structure. The bulkheads tie the hull and deck together, make the hull more rigid and keep it from wracking and hogging. In addition, if the yacht were in a collision, our watertight bulkheads are robust enough to withstand a wall of water pressing on it from one side only. Similarly, our designs include the "damaged stability criteria" defined by the classification societies to ensure your yacht can withstand flooding.
View Video - 2.9MG
Developing a 3-D visual of the hull with weight and structural details
A 3-D hull model not only lets you to see how the yacht is structured, but also provides data on weight and the focal point for gravity. If later we make changes in any part of this structural hull form, the center of gravity must be recalculated and adjusted.
In addition, the 3-D model offers a good overview of the kind and quantity of materials needed to construct the hull and its reinforcing structures. The estimates also give a good indication of the amount of filler, primer and paint needed as finishing coats.
Calculating stability and hydrodynamics
We calculate the stability of a yacht under a variety of operating conditions, not only when the vessel is moored or at anchor. We assess how the yacht will perform in a storm, in severe waves causing rolling, or in various damaged conditions.
Classification societies like ABS, Det Norske Veritas or Germanischer Lloyd issue rules and regulations for ships' safety. Several nations also publish their own norms for ships' safety. Usually, while we develop the properties of a yacht, we work with representatives of the appropriate classification societies or national maritime offices to make sure the yacht meets the standards. Only then do we finalize the hull lines.
Calculating the load line and tonnage
We follow the International Convention on Load Lines rules, which contain detailed regulations on the vertical distance between the top of the hull and the waterline — usually called the freeboard — for all seagoing vessels. Other rules cover such items as where the freeboard mark and hull openings should be located, and the size of freeing port areas.
Similarly, we adhere to the rules and regulations established by the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships. The Convention lays down the requirements for measuring both gross and net tonnage. We also comply with any classification society or national requirements germane to the project.
Assessing safety
Fire is one of the great dangers aboard ship, not only because vessels carry huge quantities of fuel, but because fire can spread rapidly in the yacht's confined spaces. At this point in the design process, we evaluate all aspects of safety aboard, including inherent fire protection measures like automatic fire extinguishing equipment, safety gear, watertight bulkheads and compartments, and escape routes.
Designing special custom features
Will your yacht carry a helicopter? Have a garage for an automobile or other ground transportation? How and where will your tenders be housed? The GCMNA team assesses these questions and designs the answers. Other features that are fine-tuned at this stage are the engine room and its auxiliary equipment, air handling systems and other custom features.
Spacing the decks
When designing the total height of your yacht, we carefully analyze the space required for each level. Leaving comfortable headroom (at times we've boosted headroom for exceptionally tall clients) should not interfere with the space required by ducting and raceways in the soles or deckheads. The height of each deck also influences the dimension of the bulwarks as well as the size and positioning of windows.
Reducing noise
Nothing is less pleasant than being unable to converse when the engines are running. Few things are more irritating than a persistent rattle in the pipes. That is why the GCMNA crew carefully analyzes all places where noise and vibration can occur or be propagated all around your yacht. Through our experience, we have learned where most acoustic problems occur; we isolate and insulate these locations.
The GCMNA team has several decades experience designing yachts using a variety of computer design programs, with which we carry out each design with creativity and efficiency. While the final product of our design process is an aesthetically pleasing vessel, our core disciplines and experience are the ingredients that make your yacht strong, safe and seaworthy. Our detailed naval architectural and engineering studies create a yacht that performs exceptionally well.
When a yacht is completed and afloat, we tend to see the glamour and luxurious appointments that make it unique. Your yacht's appearance is central, of course, yet the aesthetic appeal must be underpinned by its rigorous engineering and naval architectural design. This part of the design is mostly hidden but essential to the yacht's operation and comfort.
Designing a large yacht is like putting together a huge puzzle. In many ways, the vessel resembles a mansion that offers excellent living space. But this floating home also carries aboard a complete propulsion system, fuel storage and distribution systems, navigational equipment, ways of making and disposing of water, and electrical generation methods to power equipment. In addition, the floating home must move efficiently and safely while offering exceptional stability.
Initial design
The vessel's overall dimensions and displacement, hull shape, the distributed size and weight of tanks at various loads, the vessel's speed, its stability — all these features are first approximated, then calculated more precisely, then analyzed and computed again — and again.
The initial portion of the design is not a one-time task: rather, the work is cumulative and iterative and is divided into a number of undertakings.
Establishing the vessel's dimensions
How many staterooms would you like? Is your main helm station on a separate level? How much equipment must fit into the engine room besides the engines? Will you carry your tenders on the upper deck or in a dinghy garage? These are the kind of questions whose answers will guide us to establish your yacht's overall length and beam. We then fit your requirements into the space available and prepare a first cut of the profile and arrangements.
Estimating the displacement and weight
Calculating the vessel's weight and how that weight is distributed is perhaps the most crucial aspect of the design. Again, calculating weight is not a one-time process. As the design evolves and changes, we measure again and again, ensuring the weight is properly distributed and the center of gravity occupies the right place.
Developing the most hydrodynamic hull
Only after estimating the yacht's weight can we begin drafting the hull shape. The issues that influence that shape include the yacht's desired maximum and cruising speeds, its seakeeping characteristics as well as any aesthetic considerations we developed earlier.
The vessel's weight and center of gravity, along with its required speed determine whether we design a full displacement, semi-displacement, planing or semi-planing hull. Other choices influencing the hull's shape include what kind of chine it will have and how its quarters are shaped.
We investigate and then propose the type of rudders and propellers best suited to the yacht and its powertrain. All these factors will influence how well the boat performs both in heavy seaways and at anchor. Our design team focuses not only how the yacht will perform but also on your comfort while aboard during different weather systems.
Once completed with all changes included, we present you with line drawings and 3-D renderings of the hull.
Estimating the yacht's speed
It's the hull shape and displacement that forecast how fast a vessel can move through the water and what size engines are required to travel at that speed. Our team uses speed-prediction software to ensure that our design offers the lowest hull resistance and optimizes efficiency and performance. We also test other possible methods of streamlining the hull. Does a bow bulb improve flow patterns and speed? What are the optimal locations for the exhausts, tunnels or rudders?
Studying the propulsion system
All propulsion components must be kept in mind when designing a system with maximum performance and most efficient fuel consumption. Do you want a straightforward driveline system consisting of a propeller-shaft-gearbox-engine arrangement? Are you interested in diesel-electric propulsion, gas turbines, Z-Drives or nozzles? What is your desired range? These choices determine how we optimize your system.
We next draw your propulsion system, which shows how all components are connected and integrated, from the main engines to shafts, propellers, rudders and nozzles.
Again, we use information technology to predict the yacht's propulsion needs and efficiency, as well as an estimate of fuel use. We compute how much fuel will be consumed by auxiliary units like generators. Those calculations allow us to anticipate fuel consumption under a variety of conditions and, keeping in mind the desired range, the size of the fuel tanks.
Designing the hull for strength
As part of designing the yacht's structural integrity, we specify the scantlings and laminate schedule of the hull, decks and superstructure, as well as those areas needing additional reinforcement, like bow thrusters, davits and stabilizers. We spell out the required stiffness and strength of the areas supporting the engines, measure the requirements of the classification societies, and engineer the bow to survive repetitive crashing into mountains of water. Finally, we optimize complicated structural components with our in-house Finite Element Analysis software.
Arranging tankage for optimum weight distribution and stability
Positioning the tanks aboard your yacht is a delicate task that requires the careful balancing of loaded and partially loaded tanks under all sea conditions. We must consider not only fuel tanks, but also reservoirs for lubricants, potable water, grey and black water, and ballast.
When arranging the tankage in the yacht, we take account of the location and weight of such peripheral but necessary equipment as pump rooms and pipes, manifolds and fuel polishers. When positioning tanks, which are bulky and take up large spaces, we make sure they don't interfere with areas needed for stabilizer reinforcements, bow thrusters and other equipment. We also design the systems that connect tanks so their contents can be pumped across to maintain yacht stability and trim.
Positioning bulkheads and scantlings
Developing the hull's structure depends in part on its material — steel, aluminum or composite. The scantlings and bulkheads are arranged according to the rules for stability and deflection properties stipulated by the classification society you chose.
Our designs pay particular attention to the way bulkheads are attached to the hull structure. The bulkheads tie the hull and deck together, make the hull more rigid and keep it from wracking and hogging. In addition, if the yacht were in a collision, our watertight bulkheads are robust enough to withstand a wall of water pressing on it from one side only. Similarly, our designs include the "damaged stability criteria" defined by the classification societies to ensure your yacht can withstand flooding.
View Video - 2.9MG
Developing a 3-D visual of the hull with weight and structural details
A 3-D hull model not only lets you to see how the yacht is structured, but also provides data on weight and the focal point for gravity. If later we make changes in any part of this structural hull form, the center of gravity must be recalculated and adjusted.
In addition, the 3-D model offers a good overview of the kind and quantity of materials needed to construct the hull and its reinforcing structures. The estimates also give a good indication of the amount of filler, primer and paint needed as finishing coats.
Calculating stability and hydrodynamics
We calculate the stability of a yacht under a variety of operating conditions, not only when the vessel is moored or at anchor. We assess how the yacht will perform in a storm, in severe waves causing rolling, or in various damaged conditions.
Classification societies like ABS, Det Norske Veritas or Germanischer Lloyd issue rules and regulations for ships' safety. Several nations also publish their own norms for ships' safety. Usually, while we develop the properties of a yacht, we work with representatives of the appropriate classification societies or national maritime offices to make sure the yacht meets the standards. Only then do we finalize the hull lines.
Calculating the load line and tonnage
We follow the International Convention on Load Lines rules, which contain detailed regulations on the vertical distance between the top of the hull and the waterline — usually called the freeboard — for all seagoing vessels. Other rules cover such items as where the freeboard mark and hull openings should be located, and the size of freeing port areas.
Similarly, we adhere to the rules and regulations established by the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships. The Convention lays down the requirements for measuring both gross and net tonnage. We also comply with any classification society or national requirements germane to the project.
Assessing safety
Fire is one of the great dangers aboard ship, not only because vessels carry huge quantities of fuel, but because fire can spread rapidly in the yacht's confined spaces. At this point in the design process, we evaluate all aspects of safety aboard, including inherent fire protection measures like automatic fire extinguishing equipment, safety gear, watertight bulkheads and compartments, and escape routes.
Designing special custom features
Will your yacht carry a helicopter? Have a garage for an automobile or other ground transportation? How and where will your tenders be housed? The GCMNA team assesses these questions and designs the answers. Other features that are fine-tuned at this stage are the engine room and its auxiliary equipment, air handling systems and other custom features.
Spacing the decks
When designing the total height of your yacht, we carefully analyze the space required for each level. Leaving comfortable headroom (at times we've boosted headroom for exceptionally tall clients) should not interfere with the space required by ducting and raceways in the soles or deckheads. The height of each deck also influences the dimension of the bulwarks as well as the size and positioning of windows.
Reducing noise
Nothing is less pleasant than being unable to converse when the engines are running. Few things are more irritating than a persistent rattle in the pipes. That is why the GCMNA crew carefully analyzes all places where noise and vibration can occur or be propagated all around your yacht. Through our experience, we have learned where most acoustic problems occur; we isolate and insulate these locations.
