Design Services

Here at Dazcat we pride ourselves on only designing boats that perform, often beyond their owners’ expectations. We aim for high average speeds relative to all conditions.

We always design features into the boat that will improve its stiffness, lighten the structure and enhance performance. Our full structural analysis procedure during the primary design phase informs this process.

Plumb bows to increase the boat’s waterline length to beam hull ratio are a standard feature to maximise boat speed. The headroom needed is incorporated within a reverse sheer deck line and hull surfaces are designed to form three-dimensional, elliptical curves for increased stiffness and reduced weight. In our larger boats, chines increase hull stiffness by dividing the hull sides into two panels. This reduces weight, expands accommodation and avoids the un-aesthetic slab-sided look.

Volume and performance are a good evaluation of a boat’s cost. By increasing volume you increase surface area, which pushes up the cost of the boat by increasing the materials and time needed to build; the trade-off is more internal living space and hence greater value. The interior volume of most cruising Dazcats is maximised for comfortable cruising. A high freeboard gives plenty of headroom all round, increases bridgedeck clearance, prevents bridgedeck slamming and creates a much drier working platform.

Performance is partly determined by the power-to-weight ratio of a boat. Extra power can be generated by increasing either the sail area or the lift coefficient by using different rig formats. There are many combinations of rig, ranging in performance and cost, but increasing rig or sail capacity has its limits, and depends on the individual client’s ability to be responsible with the increased power.

Part of the discussion process is to establish clients’ levels of ability and experience in order to recommend the right boat to fit both helm and crew, in order to ensure safe sailing. We can also offer training with qualified skippers where needed; our boats are great fun but they are not toys and need to be sailed with good seamanship. When they are, they really fly!

Another option for improving performance can be reducing overall boat weight by simplifying the design. One can do this and not compromise the internal volumes; remember length is a good thing but filling it all up with accommodation may not be. Bridge decks offer fantastic space and are especially useful in our chilly UK waters, but they also add to cost, weight and windage. A longer boat without a bridgedeck could be similar in cost to a shorter one with a bridgedeck.

There are several considerations that need to be factored into every element of any design: what level of performance you want; the type of sailing; and how much money you want to spend. Once you have made these decisions you are ready to talk to us and we can make a start on realising your dreams.

We are always happy to talk through any modifications you may want to make on our established designs. It is always great fun being involved in helping design and build a dream boat, and it will be our pleasure to help make your dreams come true.