The Boating Forum - Poll: Best Modern Naval Architect...

Who do You think is the best modern-day naval architect? Ray Hunt, Jim Wynne or someone else? Why?

Also, where can I find information on Jim Wynne's original designs? I mean primary designs, not hulls that are made from old molds, such as Albemarle.

My vote is for Bill Crealock.

There is a good write up on Donald Blount in the March05 issue of Marlin.

Seems like he should be included in the list.

Jack Hargrave would seem to be an appropriate choice. He designed most of the Hatteras hulls.

don't know too much about architects but i think the midnight express centre consoles is one of the sexiest fishing boats i,ve seen?

You've got to include Lou Codega! :thumbsup:

Hargrave

Ray Hunt= 1960's Bertram fame, 1990's Grady Sea V2 fame, 2000's Hunt boats, etc.

Lou Codeda= Regulator and Cabo I think (I have read that Cabo would not allow him to do what he wanted with one of thier hulls about four years ago - 35' I think, boat still not great in headsea).

Bob Dougherty/ Hunt?= Whaler early designs, still in use today more or less I think

I am not sure of what else was designed by these guys, but this is a start.

Tom Fexas- McKilsen, Grand Banks etc. etc.

what about steve french from applied concepts.

Charles Jannace. Blackfin.

Well I would have to go with myself lol, because well in my own eyes, I am the man. But no seriously, Doug Zurn.

Will

Well I would have to go with myself lol, because well in my own eyes, I am the man. But no seriously, Doug Zurn.

Will

Bob Daugherty should be considered. Boston Whaler (1980's), Edgewater (1990's), and now Everglades.

Lou CodegaPhil Bolger, -or I hope it writes in this way-*(the first designer for Striker Yachts.....)ben

Beuhler

John J.McMullen and Associates - The brains behind the Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier design. With four 260,000 HP Turbines powered by two nuclear reactors she can handle a 12 ft head sea like its nothing and doesn't roll much on the drift either. WOT is rumored at 40+ knots for this 90,000 Ton Chick Magnet... and being nuke powered her emissions are almost as low as E-tec. The gunwhales and freeboard are a little high for fishing, but I have heard of dolphin being caught off the fantail... I mean cockpit. ;)

fillet1 - 3/8/2005 7:56 PM

Charles Jannace. Blackfin.

He gets my vote....Don't forget the NorthCoast...he designed those also. Great guy to boot. :thumbsup:

Yep Jannace is a great guy. He currently designs/builds Liberty Yachts. They are awesome.

I have emailed him and spoken to him about the various blackfin models when my friend was looking to move up to a bigger blackfin. He was very informative and talked to me honestly at length even told me which blackfin models run better then the others.

Lou Codega

Carolina Classic, Cabo, Buddy Davis 32, Regulator

My choice would be between Wylie Nagler, Tim Winters, Will Copeland and Randy Ramsey.

Another vote for Lou. He can put a bottom on anything

Great thread and a lot of great responses. +1 here on Ray Hunt and Hargrave who each set the standards for all manner of fiberglass boats. Tom Fexas for stretching the envelope and being brash about making his case. I'll throw in the firm of Sparkman and Stevens into the NA Hall of Fame. Very Honorable mentions to a few others not mentioned yet: William Garden (really HOF worthy), Bruce Roberts, Dave Gerr, Jack Sarin.

I'll throw out Michael Peters - all current Cabo's (32, 36, 38, 2nd gen 40, 44 & 52), Viking's, Chris-Craft's, Scout's, and Hinckley's, plus most of the new Tiara's, SeaRay's, Contender's, Intrepid's and Edgewater's.

Steve French and Ullberg.

My choice would be between Wylie Nagler, Tim Winters, Will Copeland and Randy Ramsey.

That might be one of the oldest thread resurrections ever. 8 years old since the previous post. :o

That might be one of the oldest thread resurrections ever. 8 years old since the previous post. :o

My choice would be between Wylie Nagler, Tim Winters, Will Copeland and Randy Ramsey.

And not one of those guys are Naval Architects.

And not one of those guys are Naval Architects.

Howso ?
Please share with us your opinion on why they aren't naval architects.

Naval Architect is a title here...

Here is a pretty good list of schools.

Pick one and go!!!

http://www.boatdesign.net/web/schools.htm

Fexas

Naval Architect is a title here...

Here is a pretty good list of schools.

Pick one and go!!!

http://www.boatdesign.net/web/schools.htm

I'm studying to get into a Naval Architect school (still need to graduate though) but till now I've been hoping to get into the Webb institute.
Exspensive as hell but still a dream.

And not one of those guys are Naval Architects.

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

craig loomes lomocean yacht design nz.

but till now I've been hoping to get into the Webb institute. Exspensive as hell but still a dream.

HUH;? Webb is a great school, but it is 100% free for each student in the yearly class of 24 students. Hope you are working hard, because Webb's average SAT is 2,350 and most every student graduated #1 in their HS class.

I thought Webb has been closed for some time, or at least the one that used to be in Glen Cove. Has it reopened? L132 you still on the job?

Ray Hunt, for new thoughts on hull shapes. No one comes close to him for innovation that works.

There is a good write up on Donald Blount in the March05 issue of Marlin.

Seems like he should be included in the list.

+1 Donald L. Blount & Associates (they did the 34c Silverton),.

HUH;? Webb is a great school, but it is 100% free for each student in the yearly class of 24 students. Hope you are working hard, because Webb's average SAT is 2,350 and most every student graduated #1 in their HS class.

It isn't free for international students.

And not one of those guys are Naval Architects.

And Will is just the money behind Tim.

Webb is still located in Glen Cove and has about 80 students currently. Unfortunelty, it is not free to international students. US students do recieve a full tuition scholorship. It is an excellent school. http://www.webb-institute.edu/.

Webb is still located in Glen Cove and has about 80 students currently. Unfortunelty, it is not free to international students. US students do recieve a full tuition scholorship. It is an excellent school. http://www.webb-institute.edu/.

Yup, too bad for me but where theres a will, theres always a way.

Anyways I've found out the truth about those builders I mentioned above and that they really havent done any real drawings or builds, but what about Wylie.
Why isn't he a Naval Architect ?

HUH;? Webb is a great school, but it is 100% free for each student in the yearly class of 24 students. Hope you are working hard, because Webb's average SAT is 2,350 and most every student graduated #1 in their HS class.

What is an SAT and a HS class ?

SAT is standardized test U.S. High School (HS) students intending on college take. Its one of the acceptance criteria at most colleges.

SAT is standardized test U.S. High School (HS) students intending on college take. Its one of the acceptance criteria at most colleges.

So even though I'm an international student, I'll still need to take the SAT ?

So even though I'm an international student, I'll still need to take the SAT ?

You would, but I am pretty sure the Webb program is only open to US citizens.
Because of its unique curriculum, being 100% free, having only 80-90 students (20-24 per class year), 100% placement rate at graduation, it is tougher to get into than MIT or Harvard, although US News ranks it as #2 behind MIT for engineering.

Noah .........

You would, but I am pretty sure the Webb program is only open to US citizens.
Because of its unique curriculum, being 100% free, having only 80-90 students (20-24 per class year), 100% placement rate at graduation, it is tougher to get into than MIT or Harvard, although US News ranks it as #2 behind MIT for engineering.

Excually I've been on the website plenty of times and they do talk about international students being able to go there.
Only real difference will be that they'll have to pay but they've also talked about a scholorship that is avaidable for international students.

If that really isn't possible than I should better try getting a greencard fast.

Webb IS open to international students. Call admissions with amy questions, they will help you with any questions.

Webb IS open to international students. Call admissions with amy questions, they will help you with any questions.

Good to hear, now all I gotta do is SAT's, B average on all subjects for the next to years and get a VISA with lots and lots of money.

Eric Sponberg. More sail than power but brilliant at both.

Can somebody tell me why Don Aranow is not on this list?

Good to hear, now all I gotta do is SAT's, B average on all subjects for the next to years and get a VISA with lots and lots of money.

As an international student there may be a way to work around the SAT requirement but buddy, a B average is not gonna cut it. If you take the most advanced math and science classes that your school offers and get As in all of them you MIGHT have a shot if a couple of your other courses aren't As, but all As would be a much better bet.

You don't need a VISA, that's a credit card. You will need a visa though, and the "lots and lots of money" will almost certainly come in handy and would be required if you don't get a scholarship. The US Naval Academy, the US Coast Guard Academy or one of the Maritime Academies would be better bets for you but again a B average is not going to work, particularly for the military academies.If you're serious about it, and it sounds like you're perhaps a sophomore now (guessing), you have no business farting around on the internet, go study.

As an international student there may be a way to work around the SAT requirement but buddy, a B average is not gonna cut it. If you take the most advanced math and science classes that your school offers and get As in all of them you MIGHT have a shot if a couple of your other courses aren't As, but all As would be a much better bet.

You don't need a VISA, that's a credit card. You will need a visa though, and the "lots and lots of money" will almost certainly come in handy and would be required if you don't get a scholarship. The US Naval Academy, the US Coast Guard Academy or one of the Maritime Academies would be better bets for you but again a B average is not going to work, particularly for the military academies.If you're serious about it, and it sounds like you're perhaps a sophomore now (guessing), you have no business farting around on the internet, go study.

I took it I had to score atleast 85% or a B average for my subjects because on the site they said that thats the minimum requirement.
Schools at Curacao don't have science and the Math that we get is the most advanced on the island for people trying to get there undergrad diploma.

I've also read that when you get your degree at Webb that your not required to inlist in the navy or military for a few years.
I don't know what a sophomore is but I do know that I'm in my second year and that I still have 2 years minimum to go before graduating.

And finnaly, you sir are more than right.
I should stop eating beans and start studying.
I have to step up and bring my ultimate in the subjects I'm getting.

I would rather wave to my island and go study at Webb or another college instead of waving to the Webb etc.. and stay on my little island.
The island will always be here waiting but my chances going to Webb won't.

Definitely don't throw all your eggs in one basket with Webb; there are plenty of other great schools out there that give you the same or better education and you still get an actual college experience. I had a 98% GPA in high school, number 30 in my class (out of 650), average SAT scores, and Webb turned me down without a second thought. The University of New Orleans is a great school, not that expensive, and offers one of the best NA curriculums in the country.

And in an effort to not derail this new old thread...my vote goes to Ullberg and Blount

William Francis Gibbs. The whole crowd name on here so far couldn't carry his pencils.

But for something less than 500'

Sparkman and Stephens

All the previous naval architects or plain ole hull designers are well know names in "go fast planing hulls" the pound the fillings out of your teeth and give ya early knee issues !:)

I'll vote Spencer Lincoln as the best down east naval architect around. Duffy, Webbers Cove and a slew of other single engine built down soft riding keel designs.

Take ya out and back in any weather or seas and you won't need a knee replacement when ya get back to the dock. ;)

All the previous naval architects or plain ole hull designers are well know names in "go fast planing hulls" the pound the fillings out of your teeth and give ya early knee issues !:)

I'll vote Spencer Lincoln as the best down east naval architect around. Duffy, Webbers Cove and a slew of other single engine built down soft riding keel designs.

Take ya out and back in any weather or seas and you won't need a knee replacement when ya get back to the dock. ;)

Amen Sir.

Thanks for including me. I'm honored.

Webb Institute of Naval Architecture is something that I know about. I did my undergrad work there, and my son is in the junior class. It is open and going strong. Admissions are competitive, though not so much as you might think, as they give very high points to kids that are truly interesting in going into the marine business.

Admission is open to everyone. All students pay room and board; tuition for US citizens is covered by the generosity of our founder, New York shipbuilder William Webb and current alumni. There are helpful and friendly people in the admissions office who will be happy to answer your questions. No need to get second hand information here.

It is, in many ways, an amazing place with an equally amazing history. Its well worth everyone's time to learn a little about the school.

Lou Codega

Thanks alot sir.
Now back to another question.
Why isn't Wylie Nagler in THT's opinion a Naval Architect ?

Ray Hunt's Hiliner 222 hands down best riding 21 ever!

Ray Hunt and Lou Codega.

Arthur Defever:

http://imagenes.cosasdebarcos.com/barcosOcasion/9/0/1/6/pocta-defever-44-74888030101052575769655248574557g.jpg

Tell you what, you take your "deep V" to the bahamas, I will take mine and never spill a drink. See ya tomorrow...

http://imagenes.cosasdebarcos.com/barcosOcasion/9/4/1/4/pocta-defever-44-74965030101052576548486848664565g.jpg

Soo why isn't Wylie Nagler a Naval Architect ?

Charles Jannace. Blackfin.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Where is Evan K. Marshall on that list, seems he has a hand in most of today's super yachts.

Soo why isn't Wylie Nagler a Naval Architect ?

Probably because he has a Business Degree.

http://www.soundingsonline.com/news/coastwise/287869

"Q: Do you hire naval architects or other outside help, or do you design everything in-house?

A: Everything is in-house. We have our own plug shop. Our design skills come from real-world experience. You can take a kid and send him to the Webb Institute [in New York] or another school, but if he doesn’t have any real-world experience or practical experience on the water, then he could design the coolest thing and it may not perform well. The aesthetic lines of a boat — that’s just the person’s eye. Whether your boat is pretty or not is just how you style it. But knowing about getting the [center of gravity] right and balancing the boat when it’s in the air coming off of a wave at speed is a different story. You have to know what you’re doing."

Probably because he has a Business Degree.

http://www.soundingsonline.com/news/coastwise/287869

"Q: Do you hire naval architects or other outside help, or do you design everything in-house?

A: Everything is in-house. We have our own plug shop. Our design skills come from real-world experience. You can take a kid and send him to the Webb Institute [in New York] or another school, but if he doesn’t have any real-world experience or practical experience on the water, then he could design the coolest thing and it may not perform well. The aesthetic lines of a boat — that’s just the person’s eye. Whether your boat is pretty or not is just how you style it. But knowing about getting the [center of gravity] right and balancing the boat when it’s in the air coming off of a wave at speed is a different story. You have to know what you’re doing."

I've read that article before and I do agree that you need experience to know how to build your boat.
I still don't get though why having a business degree keeps you from being a Naval Architect.

how about dave napier, he designed all of the bertrams from the 1970's to the 90's his list includes the bertram- 33, 36, 37, 38 MKIII, 42, 46, 50, 54, 60 and the 72 . also the mirage 40 and 61 and probably many other designs for other builders

And not one of those guys are Naval Architects.

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

Bill is a Naval Artifact...does that count?

I still don't get though why having a business degree keeps you from being a Naval Architect.

Same way a business degree or NAVAL ARCHITECT degree keeps you from practicing medicine or law.

Get it? It is a degree...not just a title you can give to yourself.

Same way a business degree or NAVAL ARCHITECT degree keeps you from practicing medicine or law.

Get it? It is a degree...not just a title you can give to yourself.

Oh.

Arthur Defever:

http://imagenes.cosasdebarcos.com/barcosOcasion/9/0/1/6/pocta-defever-44-74888030101052575769655248574557g.jpg

Tell you what, you take your "deep V" to the bahamas, I will take mine and never spill a drink. See ya tomorrow...

http://imagenes.cosasdebarcos.com/barcosOcasion/9/4/1/4/pocta-defever-44-74965030101052576548486848664565g.jpg

Good entry bow, but lets see your stern deadrise:roll

Bet you want to go in a head sea only:rofl:

Good entry bow, but lets see your stern deadrise:roll

Bet you want to go in a head sea only:rofl:

Actually , the dead rise goes to the stern. May flatten a bit, but its pretty sharp. From what I understand, they are one of the best rough water boats around. Only wish I could afford one.

Actually , the dead rise goes to the stern. May flatten a bit, but its pretty sharp. From what I understand, they are one of the best rough water boats around. Only wish I could afford one.

No sir, Flat with a keel

Same as any downeast boat

John J.McMullen and Associates - The brains behind the Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier design. With four 260,000 HP Turbines powered by two nuclear reactors she can handle a 12 ft head sea like its nothing and doesn't roll much on the drift either. WOT is rumored at 40+ knots for this 90,000 Ton Chick Magnet... and being nuke powered her emissions are almost as low as E-tec. The gunwhales and freeboard are a little high for fishing, but I have heard of dolphin being caught off the fantail... I mean cockpit. ;)

Now that's Engineering. I've done plenty on conventional propulsion, ie 1200#, 600# and DE, but was smart enough to stay clear of surface/subsurface nuke. Way too much documentation and oversight..as it should be.

Lowpoint to big deck naval architecture was the clown who brain stormed the addition of bladders down port and stbd sides below the waterline to increase buoyancy. Think it made a pendulum out of a perfectly good carrier.

Hands Down - Steve French of Applied Technology Unleashed. Over 80 boats designed that are on the water today - not to mention all of Spencer's fame sourced from his designs.

I cannot believe that no one had yet mentioned Dick Cole.

http://www.ultimate.com/omc-boats/cole.html

Hands Down - Steve French of Applied Technology Unleashed. Over 80 boats designed that are on the water today - not to mention all of Spencer's fame sourced from his designs.

Not a NA... Paul Spencer is responsible for directing all of Spencer's hull designs.

US schools aren't what they used to be thanks to lots of resons....maybe union teachers. So B's in Curaçao may be better than A's in the US. Tests scores will give a better apples to apples comparison usually.