Innovative solutions enabling modular product architecture in boatbuilding

Abstract

Boatbuilding industry is always in search for innovative technologies. This is especially true for pleasure vessel production, for which the high request from customers and the significant economic value of products call for more rapid construction methodologies able not to affect the elevate quality standard of manufactures. In this framework, boat-outfitting procedures can be shortened and simplified by exploiting modular design concepts. With reference to a 65-foot sailing yacht, the authors focused on proposing a modular product architecture approach for outfitting based on a frame in which both systems and flooring are integrated with each other. The use of advanced 3D modelling tools allowed obtaining a precise representation of the system/structure interfaces and the correct mounting sequence for each defined modulus. The proposed methodology was validated by comparing production times between the traditional approach and the modular one, with the latter turning out to be significantly lowered.