Page 16: of Marine News Magazine (June 2013)

New work boats are never purchased out of want, but rather need ? imminent need. Such a need prompts buyers to scour the web and perhaps their favorite maritime magazines for information on potential designs that appear to be a good  t. The next step is simply to make contact with a boatbuilder and request a price based upon the similar vessel shown via the website or marketing materials. Go ahead ? ask for the price, but will it truly be meaningful? Perhaps it may offer a benchmark, but in the realm of custom boatbuilding no two boats are rarely ever alike. The design con- versations tend to start off as ?I want one just like it;? then there is a brief pause followed by a lengthy list of exceptions. What may seem like minor differences can actually bear major pricing consequences. Preparing a bid estimate is not an easy proposition. Custom boat builders do not have a catalogue where they can simply look up the desired model and  re back a price quote. Before you pick up the phone or push send on the email inquiry, make sure you have enough information that will help the builder provide you with a realistic estimate. The process  rst has to start with a clear understanding of what kind of boat you are looking for, the nature of the de ned mission, and what operating conditions will the vessel be subject to. Good prices come to those who are willing to play the game of 20 Questions. LET?S GET PHYSICALThe size of boat, propulsion system, and onboard equip- ment in uence approximately one half the cost of the boat. The labor component of course makes up the remainder. These variables have a direct relationship; so, the change of one will impact the others. The end of the design spiral will only come into sight once priorities have been set. Prospective buyers are typically mindful about telling their builder and designer about draft considerations, but do not forget about specifying length, beam, deck height and the all too forgotten air draft. Take an extra moment to think this one through. With a ?bigger is better? mentality, most newbuild inquiries are for larger vessels than the ones in the operator?s existing  eet. If it?s been a while since your last new build, then do your homework with regard to the delivery journey, potential obstructions from bridges, silted channels, and/or restricted waterways. Will your local maintenance yard be able to accommodate a larger boat on their ways or travel lift? What shoreside modi cations will you need to make to your pier to accommodate another boat or a larger one? Gangway limitations, bollard locations, and access to facilities are easy to overlook, but they can have a huge impact on the success of your new vessel before it ever touches the dock. HELP ME HELP YOUTell your builder about your area of operation. Knowing where the boat will  oat offers many key insights for the design. The locale tells the designer what construction regu- lations apply and if the boat will need mitigating systems for extreme climates, structural reinforcement for ice protection and heavy seas, and whether or not the forces of salinity will be present. A proper analysis of the prevalent sea states will impact how the design is adapted for stability and seakeep- ing comfort. Additionally, the length of run and access to fuel and shore power will impact the size of the fuel tanks. Designers will want to calculate just the right amount of fuel storage so that extra fuel isn?t burned just to carry more fuel. Many of the design questions pertain to the propulsion system, the heart of the vessel and where most of the money typically gets spent. Engine sizing can be tricky. The days of digitally dialing-in enough horsepower through software BOATBUILDING COLUMNCracking the Boat Buying Nutshell By Joe Hudspeth, Vice President of Business Development at All American Marine, Inc. June 201316 MNMN June2013 Layout 1-17.indd 16MN June2013 Layout 1-17.indd 165/30/2013 11:06:04 AM5/30/2013 11:06:04 AM