This article looks at some of the hull modelling software currently available and provides some suggestions for features that prospective purchasers should look for when selecting this type of software package for their design office or shipyard. There is a very wide range of software available and it is well worth spending some time examining the demonstration versions of the software, user documentation and sample files to get a feel for the programs before deciding which one to purchase.
Here the focus is on hull modelling software, though most of the packages offer additional capabilities such as hydrostatics, resistance analysis, etc. Obviously these other features are very important, but it is beyond the scope of this article to investigate them in any great detail. It should be noted that only software running under Microsoft Windows has been examined since this is the platform that the majority of ship designers are currently using.
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