Full Service Naval Architecture Consultancy
Engineering:
Brilliant Boats provides a full range of engineering services.
Detailed 3D construction modeling is the first step in a process that provides precise information for detailed engineering of the structure. All primary structural components of the vessel are subjected to virtual loads in FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and optimized for the job they have to do. The results are lighter, stronger structures that are more efficient to build and run.
We specialize in producing “Net Part” construction packages for builders that give them templates for every piece of a vessel. The resulting accuracy, speed and simplicity of assembly means that complex one-off structures can be produced by yards with little or no yacht experience. Our customers are free to shop worldwide for labor and still be guaranteed outstanding results.
The same philosophy is applied to the design, engineering, sourcing and incorporation of all of the vessel’s onboard systems. We can produce schematics only if the builder has engineering capabilities, or a fully engineered, fully detailed 3D installation package.
Structural Engineering
Brilliant Boats has designed and built vessels in carbon fiber and Nomex, steel, aluminium, wood and FRP. We design for efficient construction in a variety of materials, depending on individual vessel requirements, budgets, and our build partner’s experience and skills.
Depending on the application we will design to Classification Society Rules, or from first principles, and then optimize in FEA. Finite element analysis offers us precise information on the loading and responses of the vessel as a whole. We can see the actual flow of the stresses through the structure and design accordingly. Practically, this allows us to add or remove material in our construction models until we have the most efficient structure possible. The customer can specify how he wants to optimize the construction and sometimes this is driven by material prices, availability or stock, but in most yachts this is typically about saving weight and materials.
Creative structural solutions have allowed us to make some real advances in the design of our own yachts, and helped resolve design and production conflicts for many of our industrial clients.
Production Engineering
A traditional construction package consists of 2D drawings which the shipyard uses to “stick build” the vessel. This means that they must work out themselves how to build what is shown in the drawings, loft panels, use cardboard to develop curved surfaces, and a million other production information related tasks. This is shipbuilding as an art. It’s complicated and expensive because you need very experienced people to achieve good results.
A Brilliant Boats Net-Part construction package is a quantum leap ahead. The deliverables are zero-tolerance cutting paths for each part of the vessel and all required assembly information. The builder works with individual, pre-cut, numbered parts that are put together following a predetermined path.
The resulting millimeter perfect precision in construction produces excellent visible results. More significant are possibilities for practical outsourcing of complicated sub-assemblies like the interior to dedicated specialists, who can confidently proceed in parallel.
Vessel construction and fit-out using this methodology is reduced to an assembly exercise, allowing customers the freedom to shop worldwide for labor, equipment, and quality, and bring the components to their chosen build site for installation.
Systems Engineering
The requirements of each project vary greatly in the area of systems engineering. Most builders have some on-site engineering resources. Brilliant Boats mission is only to supply what’s missing.
Typically we produce at least a set of schematics for each system, in cooperation with the hardware supplier(s), and then the builder or supplier will continue with the detailed installation drawings based on their habitual working methods and sources. If they also have a history of dealing with local Classification Society surveyors this is an efficient way to work.
We often do get involved where pipe runs are very tight, or in areas like the engine room, where 3D modeling can make all the difference to the practicality and appearance of a complicated installation.
We will supply complete specifications and installation drawings for all systems, engineered from first principles, including calculations of all pipe and fitting losses.
Hydrodynamics
Every Brilliant Boats hull is designed specifically for each vessel. The design of a “sweet” hull requires the combination of an artist’s eye, a hydrodynamicist’s brain, and an engineer’s hands. The artist’s eye to make it “look” right, the brain to make it “sit” right, and the caculations to make sure it “goes” right.
Hull shapes are developed from the outset in 3D, and evolve with the vessel. The virtual hull is evaluated in a variety of conditions in the computers and optimized for its target weight and speed. With the vessel’s design finalized, a scale model of the hull is produced and tested in a towing tank at a variety of speeds, displacements and sea states. Any final tweaks to further optimize can be made to the virtual hull model before a final hull design is issued for construction.
Resistance and propulsion data compiled from towing tank results allow precise tuning of the mechanical package to ensure the very best performance and range.
We also design custom hydrodynamic devices such as bespoke stabilizer systems, trim tabs, and lifting foils for industrial and private customers.
Brilliant Boats offers a complete design service. Many Clients have us design their vessels from the bottom up, or the inside out, if you prefer. There are clear advantages to having all aspects of the vessel being designed in parallel, under one roof. We approach a new project from many directions at once. We surround it and attack in alternating waves of interior, mechanical, styling, performance, structure, systems, and budget criteria. We continue until we have a concept that stands firm against everything on the wish list in the Client’s brief.
Having said all that, we rarely end up doing everything ourselves. We usually work in close cooperation with the Builder and suppliers of significant sub-assemblies. They are often the best placed to efficiently deal with the details of the systems within their scope of supply. Often a Client will have a favorite interior designer, or a relationship with other professionals that contribute to the project. In this case we supply only what’s missing and ensure that the individual pieces integrate seamlessly on site. Because our client base includes not just Owners of vessels, but other industry and industrial professionals, we are often called upon as an external resource to tackle individual design and/or engineering projects.
At Brilliant Boats, we approach each project in five distinct phases. Ideally, each phase should be completed before moving on to the next. The most efficient construction results are produced when all build partners follow a clear, common path towards completion.
Phase One: The Preliminary Study
This is the gestation period of the vessel. We work closely together with the Client, and add muscle and skin to the bare bones of requirements – accommodation, general dimensions, performance, range, and the look and feel of the boat are all developed. Typical output includes 2D Profile and Arrangement drawings, and a basic vessel specification document.
Phase Two: The Bid Package
Here, the 2D proposal is developed into a 3D computer model. Preliminary structural, resistance and propulsion, weight and trim calculations are performed, as well as 3D interior and exterior modeling. Builders are approached, and offers for various phases of the construction secured. A realistic budget for the build can now be confirmed and build partners chosen.
Phase Three: Detailed Design and Engineering
Every aspect of the vessel is studied in depth. Resistance and propulsion requirements and seakeeping are confirmed through tank testing. The structure is refined and developed in FEA, interior design, machinery installation, and systems integration are finalized. All required construction data are shipped to the relevant contractors and Class. In short, every detail that is required to build the vessel from start to finish is produced for, or in partnership with the build partners.
Phase Four: Construction
With the vessel in construction, an ongoing cycle of inspection, approval and horse-trading goes on with the Builder, Class, and Statutory Authority. We continue to provide supplementary drawings, details, and technical support throughout the build. In addition, most projects require a monthly meeting on site to discuss progress, brainstorm problems and make decisions in preparation for the next month’s production.
Phase Five: Delivery
The completed vessel is dock-tested to verify that all systems are operational and to specification. When all systems are signed off, sea trials will be performed to verify speed and seakeeping characteristics and the vessel’s handling envelope. Formal acceptance of the vessel usually requires certification of the vessel by Flag, Class and MCA, as well as acceptance of the vessel by us as Naval Architects, the Project Manager and of course, the Owner.
Brilliant Boats industrial design roots mean that the interior is never considered in isolation. You could say this is where we come from. Our years designing furniture and interiors, both corporate and private were not wasted.
The Superyacht experience is about a lot more than style. It’s also about intelligent flow and space planning, lines of sight, light, presentation and attention to detail after detail after detail. The complicated whole needs to be reduced to simple impressions, luxurious in their “rightness” and unspoiled by the practical necessities of running a ship.
We arrange the public spaces first. This gives us the basic geometry around which the rest is wrapped. Or more accurately threaded through, over, around, and between, as well as wrapped. The interior design of a modern yacht is as much about what you don’t see as what you do. Plumbing, electrical, fire suppression systems, HVAC, AV and sound systems, communications, security and alarm systems are all incorporated seamlessly because we give them a home from the beginning.
A typical interior package would include a set of detailed arrangement drawings, elevations (4) and a reflected ceiling plan for each space in the vessel, a detailed material specification as well as general cabinet and moulding details.
Cabinet Shop Drawings to Complete Interiors
Brilliant Boats can provide you with a set of shop drawings for the construction of a particular item of furniture, through to the entire interior based on the machinery and resources available to you on site.
In cooperation with previous build partners we can now offer a complete interior service; A team of dedicated yacht interior professionals in design, manufacturing and installation and Interior Project Management. We have successfully completed projects together up to 60m.
We can continue with material sourcing, and as much additional construction detail as is required by your contractor.