Structural Reinforcement for a 37-Foot Center Console Refit
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Naval architecture and structural calculations tailored for a high-performance upgrade
When a renowned yacht refit company in Fort Lauderdale decided to repower a 37-foot Midnight Express Center Console boat, they knew it wasn’t just about swapping engines. Upgrading to more powerful propulsion inevitably requires a thorough reassessment of the hull’s structural integrity. That’s where I came in as a naval architect.
The client’s need was clear: to rely on specialized technical support to ensure that the new loads introduced by the upgraded engines would be properly absorbed by the hull, without compromising safety or performance on the water.
My role was to design a structural reinforcement plan that strengthened the existing framework while avoiding unnecessary interventions, and upholding the highest safety standards. I modeled the entire system using Rhinoceros 7, performed simulations with FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software, and validated the results with custom Excel-based calculations.
The final design featured a series of strategically placed reinforcements to transfer loads from the engine mounts to structurally sound areas of the hull. The structure was conceived not only to resist the added stress but to seamlessly integrate with the vessel’s layout and functionality.
Thanks to this work, the refit team was able to move forward with confidence, knowing the structure was ready for its new performance demands. The rendered images below show the final engineering design prior to construction:
This kind of project demonstrates how naval architecture plays a key role not only in new designs but also in providing precise, efficient solutions to enhance the lifespan and capabilities of existing vessels.
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