Thursday, September 30th Seminars
8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Session 501
The Elements of Boat Strength Scantling System
The Elements of Boat Strength has been a common resource for yacht designers now for a decade. This session is your opportunity to listen to the book’s author, Dave Gerr, as he reviews The Elements of Boat Strength scantling method and explains how he developed it. Taking in vessels made of fiberglass, wood and wood/composite, aluminum, and steel, we’ll discuss the latest updates and cover adjustments to: floor scantlings; engine-mount bolts; cored bulkheads; spacing of deck beams on single-sawn-frame hulls; and speed factors. We’ll explain the scantling number (Sn), and we’ll examine how the book’s scantling rule and the scantling number were derived. We’ll compare real-world results to those from an assortment of familiar scantling methods, including designing from first principles. Finally, we’ll evaluate the meaning of hull loads and consider how much we really know about the forces a boat endures in service.
Speaker: Dave Gerr (Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology)
Session 502
Stepped Hulls
Classic stepped planing-hull design has often involved rules of thumb, guesswork, and experimentation in order to answer the most rudimentary design questions, including: resistance, running trim angle, and the effect of step height and geometry. Here, we’ll reveal some groundbreaking work that will allow you to design, analyze, and optimize a specific stepped planing-hull application. This will be a very technical session aimed at designers, naval architects, and engineers who are interested in learning about a new analytic closed-form solution to the design of stepped-hull craft. The algorithm we present allows for direct calculation of the effects on resistance of various design parameters, including: displacement, longitudinal center of gravity location, step size, step platform shape, number of steps, and after-body shape. With this new algorithm, designers can calculate total resistance, running-trim angle, and wake profile. The algorithm also provides a relatively simple means for calculating the whole craft steady-state equilibrium speed/power/trim solution. Join us for a demonstration of this algorithm to fully understand how non-linear, time-dependent computational fluid dynamics methods can analyze and optimize a stepped hull’s hydrodynamic performance. Session materials will include a copy of the algorithm, which will be presented Savitsky-style for you to implement into a spreadsheet.
Speakers: Robert Kaidy (Ocean5 Inc.); Gregory Platzer (Platzer Marine Propulsion Inc.)
Session 503
Adhesively Bonded Structures
Bonding composite assemblies with adhesives can save time and money, and can also modify the structural characteristics of the assembly. Accordingly, this type of work requires an understanding of the loads on the bond line. Here, we’ll discuss how to make your adhesive joints as strong as possible through proper surface preparation, curing, and bondline thickness effects for specific types of adhesives. We’ll also explain how to interpret the data supplied by adhesive manufacturers. Throughout the seminar, we’ll focus on the practical application of different types of bonded joints within a composite-to-composite structure, as well as composite-to-metal applications; and, we’ll describe how adhesive bonding may influence the overall structural concept, including assembly methods, damage tolerance, and failure modes.
Speakers: Mark Bishop (Farr Yacht Design); Steve Burke (Burke Design LLC); Jeff Wright (Gougeon Brothers Inc.)
Session 504
Fail-Safe Infusion: Risk Management and Damage Control
One of the frequently voiced concerns about infusion is the risk of losing a whole part when “something goes wrong.” While a complete part failure is definitely not impossible, it is certainly very unusual. Think of the thousands of wind blades that are infused each year, and the worldwide acceptance of infusion technology in the boatbuilding industry: Isn’t it obvious that the chances of failing are the exception rather than the rule? And in those cases where there is a failure, the postmortem will reveal a faulty procedure, or lack of care in the preparation phase, or cutting corners, or “creativity” in the design or process (usually by someone trying to reinvent the wheel). In this session, we’ll tackle, step by step, what it takes to have the proper procedures in place; how to have process control instead of black-magic wizards on the shop floor; and how to establish a well-documented standard operating procedure that will be your first line of defense against infusion failure. In a lot of shops, risk management for infusion still means the dreaded “change,” but in those shops that already adhere to strict process rules, there’ll be few issues with the second part of our seminar: damage control. We’ll review how to prepare for and handle problems such as leaks during an infusion session, how you can reduce damage to a part, and even how you can deal with a power outage in the course of a large shoot.
Speaker: Andre Cocquyt (GRPguru.com)
Session 505
Surveying Rigging
Sailing-vessel rigging has evolved from organic fibers to iron, steel, stainless steel, titanium, and most recently, high-modulus synthetic-fiber cables. As a surveyor, you may now encounter any or all of these materials in the rigging of commercial and recreational sailboats, both mono- and multihull. In this presentation, we’ll bring you up to date on the design, construction, management, and inspection of spar and rigging systems, offering insights from both a marine surveyor and a U.S. Coast Guard inspector. Going well beyond a basic overview, we’ll consider the applications of high-modulus rigging systems in commercial passenger vessels, and talk about inspecting monohull raceboat rigging systems. After looking at rigging in classic vessels and in replicas, we’ll explain how to survey a hull platform and rigging anchoring package. We’ll also describe ongoing USCG initiatives in response to casualties involving loss of life specific to the inspected passenger-sailboat fleets in Hawaii, California, Florida, and the Caribbean. Finally, we’ll review the results of dynamic rigging-system load testing on commercial multihulls.
Speakers: Marc Cruder (USCG HQ Traveling Inspection Staff); John Koon (Tradewinds Marine Services Inc.)
Session 506
Welding Aluminum
Carl has the description, but doesn’t want to release it yet. It’s pretty short, probably less than 100 works. Carl has the description, but doesn’t want to release it yet. It’s pretty short, probably less than 100 works. Carl has the description, but doesn’t want to release it yet. It’s pretty short, probably less than 100 works. Carl has the description, but doesn’t want to release it yet. It’s pretty short, probably less than 100 works. Carl has the description, but doesn’t want to release it yet. It’s pretty short, probably less than 100 works.
Speaker: To be Announced
[ABYC] Session 507
Battery Management and Charging
The design of a marine DC system has the potential to create a better system—lighter weight, improved performance—than many of the systems currently in operation. In this presentation, we’ll show you how to start with a basic single-bank system design, and then expand that system to meet the vessel’s projected needs. We’ll review different battery types—among them: AGM, gel, flooded, and LiPo4—and we’ll explain charging algorithms as well as proper care and storage of those batteries. We’ll help you become more familiar with the range of battery-charging options now available for individual batteries or combinations. Finally, we’ll outline and clarify the important but often misinterpreted rules for cable sizing and fuse protection as listed in the ABYC standard E-11 AC & DC Electrical Systems on Boats.
Speaker: Mark Grasser (Sterling-Power-USA)
[ABYC] Session 508
Advanced Corrosion Analysis and Metallurgy: A Case Study
Recently, when a $1.6 million motoryacht partially sank, the owner’s insurance claim was refused due to alleged lack of maintenance. In this case study, we’ll explain why it took two metallurgy labs—and some extremely careful analysis—to produce a report with answers that the insurer would accept. The culprit? Corrosion. Increasingly, everyone who’s involved in analyzing corrosion-related damage on modern boats is discovering new problems directly related to faulty application of metal alloys. Often, these failures are not the fault of the designer or the specification for the metal, but rather they’re due to flaws in the metal alloys themselves. Attend this session to improve your understanding of corrosion analysis.
Speaker: Ed Sherman (American Boat & Yacht Council)
[ABBRA] Session 509
Developing Customer Confidence
Whether you’re a boatyard manager, a subcontractor, or service writer, the first step toward guaranteeing customer satisfaction is effective communication. Here, you’ll learn how to manage your customers’ expectations from the first phone call or e-mail all the way through to resolution of the job you’re performing on their behalf. Our emphasis will cover both communication protocol and communication skills. You’ll discover how to build customer confidence by establishing a policy of explaining procedures in the yard; and by relying on standard, understandable definitions for essential terms such as estimates, quotes, T&M, cost-plus, list, and cost. We’ll also give you some guidelines for avoiding disputes about the bill, including how not to “under-promise” or “over-deliver” on any work order.
Speaker: Steve D’Antonio (Steve D’Antonio Marine Consulting)
[NMMA] Session 511
Global Environmental Legislation for the Marine Industry
Environmental legislation impacts almost all aspects of the marine industry, particularly manufacturing, and operations such as boatyards and marinas. On a global scale, many countries are integrating “sustainable processes” into their maritime policies and into environmental legislation and regulations. For example, current global legislative trends include boat engine exhaust emissions, paints and their application, treatment of waste, and wastewater management. The International Maritime Organization is developing a convention that affects the CO2 emissions of marine engines, and has already written one on ship recycling. Directed at commercial shipping, these two conventions will doubtless influence recreational craft as well, in due course. Attend this session to learn more about how the worldwide development of environmental legislation relates to recreational boat building and the superyacht industry.
Speaker: Albert Willemsen (International Council of Marine Industry Associations)
[IBEX] Session 512
For the Service Writer
This session is all about making money, growing your business, and keeping customers loyal. We’ll focus on improving service-writer revenue, especially how customer engagement-and-satisfaction relate to that income stream. To lay the groundwork, we’ll describe the sales/profit opportunities presented by key maintenance items; the elements of a proactive maintenance selling system; and the benefits of that system to the customer, the dealership, and the service writer. We’ll also show you how to construct a consistent cost-effective maintenance menu of essential items, and we’ll close by sharing a service-selling tool that will effectively enhance your service-department revenue.
Speaker: Rich Guthrie (Five Star Solutions LLC)
2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. [Note time change]
Session 601
Sea Trial Procedures
In this seminar, we’ll discuss basic sea-trials procedures in black and white, with attendees working from speaker-provided data sheets for practice. We’ll introduce proven methods that have been designed to guide you in collecting the solid, comprehensive data that any naval architect will appreciate. Handouts for our session will include written procedures and data forms that you can follow in testing your boats; then, when you do contact your naval architect, you’ll have a complete trial data package to send along, detailing the specific information required for engineering analysis.
Speakers: Jeffrey Bowles (Donald L. Blount and Associates); Don MacPherson (HydroComp Inc.)
Session 602
Designing With Production in Mind
What is the correct response when builders express concern about the complexity of designs and ask that they become more production-friendly? Here, we’ll look at this situation and talk about how to effectively combine design work with required manufacturing techniques, in custom and production settings alike. By recognizing what a given set of production demands are, you’ll have an opportunity to tailor your designs to be more manufacturing friendly, while lowering build costs and moving toward increased profitability. We’ll discuss why working in a manufacturing environment helps a designer develop production thinking, thus gaining a better understanding of how a boat will be assembled. Join us for an inside perspective on the ways designers and builders throughout all disciplines can effectively work together by creating a “team mentality” while taking into account the objectives of both design and build.
Speakers: Dan Mielke (OneDesign Ltd.)
Session 603
Beyond Elements of Boat Strength
Do raceboats—whether powered by engines or sails or wings—have a finite lifespan? Are they capable of destroying themselves when brand new if they are operated incorrectly? Can they be instrumented so their operators can monitor their state of health? Should the skipper and crew ignore a rigging overload or engine alarm if the finish line is just ahead? Given the complexity of inspecting advanced composites, how should aging racecraft be inspected to satisfy both their operators and their underwriters? Should old raceboats be sold into the secondary market, perhaps to unqualified owner-operators? Join us to discuss the concerns behind these questions.
Speakers: Richard Downs-Honey (SP-High Modulus); Bruce Pfund (Bruce Pfund/Special Projects LLC)
Session 604
Plumbing for Infusion and 28 Other Tricks
In the 50+ seminars he has presented about his favorite topic—vacuum infusion processing—our speaker, Andre Cocquyt, has repeatedly stated, “Infusion is simple,” and offered one law of physics: Darcy’s Law; four rules, like the ingredients of a simple cake; and 51 tricks. Then why are only 28 tricks mentioned in this seminar title? Join us to find out. We know you’ll enjoy the session as you learn about the key ingredients to consistently successful infusion, while you also discover how to avoid risks and pitfalls. We recommend that you bring along a pen and paper for taking notes during this presentation by a boatbuilder who has dedicated the last 12 years full time to the cause of infusion. If you plan on cutting corners, though, our session is not for you. The theme here is “vacuum is non-negotiable”—and that is definitely one of the 28 tricks.
Speaker: Andre Cocquyt (GRPguru.com)
Session 605
Wooden Boat Restoration
What makes a restoration project a success…or a failure? Here, we’ll start with the basics of wooden boat restoration, and talk about how to avoid failure—whether you’re working on a modest-sized sailboat or a large motoryacht. After a brief discussion of insurance standards and requirements—and the importance of working with the owner to establish a restoration plan—we’ll move on to the actual mechanics of the project: restoring and maintaining hull shape; reframing options; and planking strategies. Because different situations call for different types of decks, we’ll take a detailed look at deck types: traditional laid teak, Dynel over plywood, canvas overlaid, and teak overlays. Finally, we’ll examine the importance of good ventilation in staving off hull rot, and we’ll present a proven retrofit ventilation system for the bilges of large motoryachts.
Speakers: Jim Moores (Moores Marine of the Palm Beaches); Brion Rieff (Brion Rieff Boat Builder)
Session 606
Production Aluminum
This topic is still in development. Check back later for details. This topic is still in development. Check back later for details. This topic is still in development. Check back later for details. This topic is still in development. Check back later for details. This topic is still in development. Check back later for details. This topic is still in development. Check back later for details. This topic is still in development. Check back later for details. This topic is still in development. Check back later for details. This topic is still in development. Check back later for details. This topic is still in development. Check back later for details.
Speakers: Hal Whitacre (Whitacre Yacht Design); Additional Speaker To Be Announced
[ABYC] Session 607
Paralleling Multiple AC-Power Sources
Developed for the commercial and military shipping industries, automated technologies for the paralleling of onboard AC power sources have been in operation for many years. Governed by rules established by classification societies such as the American Bureau of Shipping and Lloyd’s Register, these technologies were later utilized in the large-yacht market. Today, paralleling installations are appearing on smaller yachts that typically would employ ABYC’s electrical standards. Presently, though, ABYC does not permit paralleling of any AC-power sources for purposes of seamless transfers and load sharing. In this session, we’ll cover the electrical requirements for properly synchronizing and paralleling multiple AC-power sources, including shore power, generators, and inverters. We’ll discuss the typical equipment and controls required for the safe and reliable operation of automatic paralleling systems. We’ll also cover the specialized requirements of the AC-power sources that are to be operated in parallel. We’ll finish by closely inspecting a fully automated AC switchboard on a typical 100’ (30m) classed motoryacht.
Speakers: John Adey (American Boat & Yacht Council); Ward Eshleman (Ward’s Marine Electric)
[ABYC] Session 608
Post-Construction Assessment for Exporting to Europe
In certain cases, boats and personal watercraft may need to be CE-certified after they have been built. These are not necessarily previously owned craft; they may well be new ones, typically imported by individual owners or dealers. If your sale depends on late certification, do you know what needs to be done for your product to be in compliance? In this seminar, you’ll learn about the essential safety requirements that apply to these craft. We’ll also cover concerns about design, construction, noise, and exhaust emissions, all of which must be detailed during a post-construction assessment before that vessel can be shipped to Europe. In particular, we’ll point out the legal aspects of the PCA, and help you understand your responsibilities as a builder, exporter, or manufacturer’s representative.
Speakers: Denis Bonneau (U2 Marine Service); Ulrich Heinemann (International Marine Certification Institute)
[ABBRA] Session 609
Pressure-Washing Regulations and Problem Solving
What questions do you have about installing a bottom pressure-wash recovery system? Do you want to recycle the wash water? Do you want to treat it and discharge it to a sewer? Or do you want to truck it away as raw product? In this seminar for boatyard owners, managers, and environmental officers, we’ll help you find the answers. We’ll also compare asphalt and concrete pads as well as above- and below-ground storage tanks. In addition, we’ll help you locate appropriate state and local regulations, including how to find out what permits you need. Finally, we’ll share the experiences of the Connecticut Marine Trades Association, and the search efforts of the Brewer Yacht Yards, including specifics about dealing with state agencies and their regulations. Attendees will leave the session with a list of pertinent manufacturers and resources.
Speakers: Doug Domenie (Brewer Dauntless Shipyard); Ted Sailer (Sailer Environmental Inc.)
[NMMA] Session 611
Innovation
For all companies—including boatbuilders and marine manufacturers fighting to win in a competitive marketplace—innovation is a powerful tool. Few people, though, understand how to create something that is truly new, or how to drive their unique concept from idea to product even within their own company. In this session, we’ll reinforce the importance of innovation in your workplace, and we’ll explain which areas of your company can benefit the most as you develop creative processes and new products. We’ll outline a number of proven methods that you can implement to break down barriers to change, and make your company more competitive. The theories behind successful innovation are interesting on their own, but we’ll support them with numerous real-world examples of products that became profitable for companies that followed the methods we’ll discuss here.
Speaker: Ed Sutt (Simpson Strong-Tie)
[IBEX] Session 612
Sales Fundamentals
Intended primarily for new marine sales personnel with up to two years of sales experience, this seminar will also be valuable to anyone who wants to review sales basics. First, we’ll explain the importance and benefits of having a consistent sales process. Next, we’ll identify the six key steps in that process, including meet-and-greet, interview, present, close, deliver, and follow-up. We’ll explain how to adopt a conversational style and active-listening habit to develop rapport with your customers as you determine their boating wants, needs, and price. The next step is to present a boat that offers the features you’ve determined through a use-benefit statement. We’ll discuss how to be effective in moving the customer forward in the sales process, including how to respond to customer objections and concerns. We’ll also help you learn how to prepare your customer to meet the next person in the process, usually finance and insurance (F&I) or a manager. Lastly, we’ll talk about how to follow up with your customers; and we’ll highlight the importance of selling at the dealer-established price.
Speaker: Rich Guthrie (Five Star Solutions LLC)
