Thread: Ocean Explorer in Google Sketchup 3D

Wov

Nice job!

The triangular ply is ment to reinforce the sideply so it is not loose part.

I am impressed with that google sketch up work. I was searching 3d program and that was one option, but if I remember right it was not free to use in business? and commerciol version is not very sheap. Can you made "work drawings" with skect up from you models?

I used Alibre design when drawing these plans and some another 2d cad for some drawings. I had 10 year old computer and it is about its limits with model like this - have to buy new one, but I can allways manage one more year with old one...

I was thinking that modeling sails - could it done with two or three scketchs whitch are lofted to one thin solid or surface ( vertical sail shape, Z axis direction ) and one cutting scketch for sails shape in side view x-y view? - Not sure how the sketch up works?

Perttu

Hi Perttu,

Yes it could be done that way. The way to make it look great might be to get an outline of the shape, with complex curves in each line, and then use the contours plug in. I was more interested in the hull shapes, and they worked out great! Thank you for all your hard work.

Originally Posted by JDH

The biggest advantage in what Scotty is doing is that it provides a great simulation of the building and making process. Cuts down a heap of errors, if you pardon the pun The "rouge" ply triangle is a good example, as it is on page 28 as the man said ! Using SketchUp this way forces you to think pencil, measure, T square and then cut just as you would in the workshop.

JDH

Thanks heaps for your general comments above - I might have to have a closer look - it has been some time. Part of the problem is always finding the time to learn and also covering the cost.

Your final point is the same as what I was thinking. In the past I have agreed that making a model out of cardboard can greatly facilitate the building process.

Sketchup is making a very good substitute for the computer savvy!

Best wishes
MIK

Originally Posted by Perttu

I was thinking that modeling sails - could it done with two or three scketchs whitch are lofted to one thin solid or surface ( vertical sail shape, Z axis direction ) and one cutting scketch for sails shape in side view x-y view? - Not sure how the sketch up works?

Perttu

Hi Perttu,

I found SailCut4 perfect for designing lug sails and great for 3d rotating view. It produces all the panel shapes too.

Main Page - Sailcut

see this thread for output,

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f169/g...-build-126800/

Perttu, I was thinking about a discussion MIK and I had about micro houses and have just realised your Cruising Duck on a trailer is the perfect mini-micro home!!!
Brian

Hi

Sailcut looks like good program for designing sails. I was thinking modelling look like sails to boat with my program or Google skech up. Definetly SailCut is the best program for it?

I found guite hard to learn new computer programs. If the first steps with new program are hard to understand I usually dont have enough intrest to learn it properly. But If I have some very interesting jobs with the program it seems to help with learning proses.

Micro home -
I modify trailer for my boat from old trailer and had idea that it could have another caravan module made from ply - just change the module.





Perttu

Originally Posted by keyhavenpotter

Hi Perttu,

I found SailCut4 perfect for designing lug sails and great for 3d rotating view. It produces all the panel shapes too.

Main Page - Sailcut

see this thread for output,

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f169/g...-build-126800/

Perttu, I was thinking about a discussion MIK and I had about micro houses and have just realised your Cruising Duck on a trailer is the perfect mini-micro home!!!
Brian

Nice to have you back Brian, a number of us were missing you badly! I knew you had computer problems but it is good to have you back even for a visit.

Did you see that Bruce replaced his timber yard with a stiffer alloy one and started having lee helm problems

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f169/b...0/index27.html

I'm completely mystified, but it seems to fit with your comment about having to push the sails further and further back in the scows to get balance.

Follow the link just above and you will drop into the middle of the discussion.

It's something I haven't seen before so Bruce followed the scow rigging - using a vang and moving the sail a bit further back.

There is also a report of a heavy weather race in the more recent pages.

You can see us 'strayluns like our warm water!

MIK

Originally Posted by Boatmik

I'm completely mystified, but it seems to fit with your comment about having to push the sails further and further back in the scows to get balance. MIK

Something got lost in translation MIK. It's further and further forward to get balance. perhaps that's the reason for the confusion. I always had to have my mast tipped as far forward as possible. Some lee helm is a good sign that balance can be found - it's easy just to move the rig back a bit with lug rigs.

most Scow sailors have bad weather helm in stronger winds and think it's normal, but the heavy helm slows the boat a lot. By having a neutral helm the boat is much nicer to sail and quicker.

Perttu, love the "caravan" based on your boat trailor! You and MIK should do a plan. Also MIK, the hot favourite over here right now is Hobie Mirage Drives in small boats. They are expensive but people seem to really like them. More here
ROWING FOR PLEASURE: Camp Cruising on Chesapeake Bay

All the best to everyone, I miss being involved but I just have to try to stay off the water. Much better cycling. Feel much better.
Brian

Mik

Skp is a really great program but learning to use it can take a while (DAMHIK). One reason is that a lot of default settings are for domestic architecture and that can make it hard to use for other projects.
The good news is that Robert Lang of Popular Woodwork Magazine has a really great book that you can buy from his website.
The cool thing is that the book is an enhanced PDF file with lots of embedded video. Bob has done a lot of investigation of Sketchup and worked out how to do a lot of the things that woodworkers want - that may not translate directly to naval architecture, but "reading" Bob's book will answer enough questions to enable you to work the rest out for yourself more quickly!

Originally Posted by keyhavenpotter

Something got lost in translation MIK. It's further and further forward to get balance. perhaps that's the reason for the confusion. I always had to have my mast tipped as far forward as possible. Some lee helm is a good sign that balance can be found - it's easy just to move the rig back a bit with lug rigs.

My wires were crossed. I understood it correctly when you first eplained then I have flipped it around in my head since.

Perttu, love the "caravan" based on your boat trailor! You and MIK should do a plan. Also MIK, the hot favourite over here right now is Hobie Mirage Drives in small boats. They are expensive but people seem to really like them. More here
ROWING FOR PLEASURE: Camp Cruising on Chesapeake Bay

All the best to everyone, I miss being involved but I just have to try to stay off the water. Much better cycling. Feel much better.
Brian

Cycling is almost as much fun as sailing!

They have one similarity - and that is there is always a headwind when you are trying to get somewhere quickly!

MIK

Originally Posted by scottychop

Agreed. GSU is an awesome design tool. Oh, and here is page 28. Check out the little triangle. I think he means to put it directly on the side panel, not leave it floating out there in space. One for each side?

I have always liked the looks of the OC but haven't considered buying the plans because I'm just too old and stiff to ever get into the cabin...and get out again!

But, after viewing these wonderful illustrations, and page 28 above, I'm going to order the plans just to look at!

And, I'm one of those guys that always laughed at people who bought plans for boats they never would build!

Bill Nolen
West Wight Potter Owner's Home Port
SailOklahoma : Sail Oklahoma!

Ah well Bill,

At least these plans won't break the bank!

MIK

Perttu,

this mico home may supply additional ideas. It looks perfect for ply construction.



Roof lifts up, let in light and sleep under the stars, and there is a skylight as well



Shower, and toilet under the floor



Micro Compact Home from Japan - Futuristic PACO House | Modern House Designs

There could be a smaller version of this floating home which has it's own floating dock. Has to be MIK's dream home!



This lovely coastal New Zealand plywood house gives a feel of what the interiors could be like





I am getting way off the subject, sorry guys, MIK could you transfer and create a micro ply house section?

Brian

Nice - I still think to deal with my tent.
or this could be nice in winter

Perttu, would you mind telling me how many sheets of plywood are necessary to build the Ocean Explorer?

Bill Nolen