CUSTOM DESIGN SERVICE

Sometimes, however, there just isn't a design which meets a potential builders particular needs, and large scale changes are generally unwise for stock plans, especially with multihulls. In this case a custom design is the only viable alternative. For this reason Mike Waller Yacht Design offers a custom design service for our clients.

What kind of custom boats do we design?

Our custom design service will design monohull or multihull vessels, either power or sail, and in any style. We specialise, however, in family and cruising oriented boats rather than racing vessels (although our boats are known to be excellent performers regardless.)  We design for plywood, timber strip composite, steel and aluminium. We will also design for foam / balsa / fiberglass composite construction, however we do not design for high tech. materials such as Kevlar and carbon fibre, as the higher cost of design for these materials is not in keeping with our low cost boating philosophy.

What is the process?

If you are considering a custom design the first step is to send us an email outlining your general requirements. This would typically include the type of boat, the size, the general style, number of berths / crew, and the intended use of the vessel and locality it will be used in.

If we believe the vessel is viable and we are able to take the design on, we will then give you a quote on the design cost, and advise what time frame would be required to complete the design (sometimes it is not always possible to commence immediately, or to work exclusively on a design due to other work commitments.)  If these are acceptable to you, we would then proceed further.

What would the design cost .

Obviously the cost will vary depending on the boat, but the following should be noted.

• We will always provide a quote if we are able to design the boat, and that quote will remain good for 3 months.
• A custom design will always cost more than a stock plan, because it is being designed specifically for you and the cost will be based on the amount of time needed to design the boat. Depending on the boat, this can typically be anything from 4 to 12 weeks. We try to keep our quotes low by reserving the right to use the design (or parts thereof) again, if it is suitable (although this rarely happens).
• We believe our quotes are generally lower or at least very compareable with quotes from other quality designers.

Our general arrangement is that 10% the design fee is payable at the time we reach a mutual agreement to design a vessel and commence a preliminary design exercise. When the final form of the vessel is agreed upon and we are ready to commence the actual design, a further 40% of the fee is payable. The balance of 50% of the fee is payable when we advise the client that the design is completed and ready to deliver. Full payment is required before delivery of the completed plans.

We are prepared to consider other payment schedules on request.

Because of the progress payment regime our prefered method of payment is via our secure PayPal facilty. When a payment is due we will request PayPal to send a payment request for the exact amount to your email address. By clicking on the link in the email, you are taken directly to a secure site at PayPal to make the payment in complete safety. (See our PayPal info page for more details of how PayPal accepts payments.) Paypal will provide you with a receipt and advise us immediately that the payment has been made. This method is very quick and secure, and provides the least delay to the design process.

We also accept payments via other means (see our conditions) but generally these will result in a small time delay. We do not accept credit cards direct to this office.

Contact us.

If you feel that you need a custom design, please consider us as your designer of choice. Why not drop us an email outlining your requirements, to see what we can do for you!

mike.waller@wallerdesign.com.au
 

BELOW ARE SOME GRAPHICS OF A FEW CUSTOM DESIGNS WE HAVE DONE FOR CLINTS IN THE PAST.  As strictly one of design projects for individual clients, these designs are not for sale as stock plans, however if you like the look of any of them we can certainly design something similar, or in differant materials.
 
 

	This 46 ft sports fishing catamaran was designed for fishing charters in Indonesia. It is constructed of timber / glass composite hulls and bridge deck, with the remainder of the superstructure in plywwod to keep costs down. The berth layout features mainly single berths reflecting the intended purpose of the vessel, however was designed to be easily converted to three double cabins and one twin cabin if need be.
	This 65 ft monohull was designed for a Canadian client, and features an unstayed cat ketch rig, bilge keels, and plywood rounded chine construction. She is intended as a fast, comfortable and easy to sail maxi cruiser. Accomodation features two double berth cabins, one forward and one aft, with three / four single berths in the saloon and a seperate cabin. The boat has a huge galley, plus aft and center cockpits.
	This 70 ft sailing catamaran was designed for a Brazilian client with the intended use of chartering. She features timber / glass composite hulls and cabin roofs, with the remaining structure in plywood for lower cost. The accomodation was based around four double cabins and five twin cabins (18 berths in all), but with special attention to accesses, allowing double and twin cabins to be utilised as cabins for families of four to six.