In the last two weeks I’ve been “building” my Setka in Fusion 360. This approach is different from what other builders have done so far. Apart from the fact that I like seeing the design come to life in 3D, it also gives me the opportunity to identify possible problem areas early and to think through the different building steps in advance. We have some freedom in how the cockpit and interior are laid out, and this is something I can already explore in the software before actually building the boat.
In my professional work I deal a lot with BIM, where this approach is used to build a digital twin of a building. Different specialists work in the same model, and potential clashes are solved before they occur on site, where ad-hoc solutions can become expensive or cause unwanted delays.
What this process also allows me to do is to “design” the boat according to the line drawings rather than directly from the frames, which I assume are derived from those same line drawings.
This will probably go unnoticed when my boat and another Setka are side by side, but it is a different approach that may bring Sienna a little closer to the intended design
Another aspect of this approach is that I am planning to use my CNC router to build the frames, as accurately as a CNC can manage.
In that sense, the lofting part of the build has already been done in Fusion. There is a boat builder on YouTube who uses a similar process, and I want to give it a try as well.
Here is a link to his playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZYnOqfpgGtp-2Iz-EKe1qbWvtRK3W2_9&si=Ll7IuzIMO8AR_zrB
What Was Done
- A lot of modelling work in Fusion 360
- Preparing the temporary workshop to assemble the CNC
Materials and Tools
A very powerful software tool called Fusion 360. No materials yet.
I am planning to use Douglas fir for the frames and stringers, and okoume marine plywood for the skins. I would be happy to hear your thoughts on this choice.
I have seen many builders use pine for framing, and the type of plywood is not always clearly specified. Using marine plywood is not strictly required, as long as it is waterproof and has a density of at least 480 kg/m³.
What’s Next
The CNC will be assembled first, and I will need some time to learn it and dial it in before I can start cutting parts for the frames.
The plan is to have the frames cut and glued together before spring this year. Once the frames move onto the strongback, my “workshop” will be outside, under shelter, but without temperature control.
The hope is to use the warmer part of the year for planking and lamination.
Comments are open for registered users, and I’m very interested in hearing your thoughts on materials and build approach.