3D design enables ‘perfect fit’ ferry build
The hull of ‘The Silver Swan’ took advantage of highly accurate plates designed in 3D.
An innovative use of software means customers can now simply say to designers and builders Ace Marine ‘we’d like our boat wider’ without the design taking weeks of rehashing.
One of the first to make use of this particular ability was ferry operator Clydelink Ltd. The company has recently taken delivery of the latest vessel to grace the ancient crossing on the Clyde between Renfrew and Yoker.
Winners of a tender to run the ferry service, Clydelink put two smaller vessels on the route while they invited boat builders to submit proposals for a new purpose built catamaran style vessel.
Ace Marine fought stiff competition to secure the job of design and supply of the new vessel, delivering the completed hull in under eight weeks, ready for the fitting of engines and seats by the owner. The plate cutting was done by Dutch company, Snijtechniek Brabant BV and the fabrication was undertaken on Ace Marine’s behalf by Unst Inshore Services, the same company which builds Fluggaboats in Shetland.
The new vessel, The Silver Swan, is a robust all aluminium construction. The forward ramp gives able bodied and wheelchair users easy access to the comfortable sheltered interior for the duration of the short crossing. The specially designed plastic covered keels ensure quiet and efficient operation on the slipway, and the unusual bow shape means that even at the lowest of tides (which can expose the end of the slip) the vessel will still be able to continue operating.
The twin 70HP outboard motors give the vessel good speed through the water for longer journeys. Wide side doors are fitted, with future plans to serve pontoon access locations further up and down river in mind. The vessel is fully fitted out with all the latest safety equipment and certified by the MCA for inland waterways category C operation, with category D a further option. Unusual window designs allow passengers and crew a good view and make the boat notable enough to be easily recognised on the Clyde.
This hull was fully designed in Solidworks, and all parts derived after creating a ‘virtual’ build of the vessel in the computer. Designing in 3D had several advantages, as explained by Ace Marine’s David Gray. Firstly, every part fitted perfectly straight from the profilers. Secondly, during the design phase when a slight revision in geometry was called for, the underlying shape was changed inside the programme. This change automatically rippled throughout the parts of the model and onto the construction drawings, saving many hours of work as well as ensuring accuracy.
Thirdly, as he said, ‘Excellent renderings and drawings allowed us to communicate effectively with the client. We were even able to submit eDrawings which allowed our client to spin a lightweight version of the boat around on their own computer and examine the final design before a plate was cut.’
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