Rainy days are good for catching-up on paperwork, mundane
chores and playing with computers. After exporting some
Pro/DESKTOP solid models to 3D-rendering file formats, I utilized a
program called SpinFire Professional,
to double-check the integrity of several variations. This is NOT
rendering software, by any means, but it is fun to see more realistic
pictures of the model. At right is a simple perspective bow view
which looks much nicer than the usual isometric depictions.
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| An old (c. November 2003) two-tone model with the mast looks
like this. Those annoying dotted lines
are bulkheads "bleeding-through" the hull's skin. The upper
windows are just recesses instead of through-holes because this was the
modified design file I used, with the ShopBot, to create 1/20 scale
styrofoam hull models. |
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A semi-transparent view of the above is more interesting,
but lacks the interior details of more recent designs.
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The most current Pro/D model was used to export this
iteration. Those annoying bleed-through lines are still around,
unfortunately.
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Cutting through the starboard hull's centerline reveals some
hidden details. Compartments for the integral fuel tanks are
visible beneath my bathroom floor and aft of the stairway, under the
desk. The front of my lab bench (sliced in half) is visible
at the stern. That spacious area under by bedroom floor is for
bottle storage :)
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Many of the interior details are visible in this opaque
view. Note the under-floor fuel tanks, refrigerators, ice maker.
settee and water tanks. These geometrically precise solid-objects
were essential during the design phase.
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I designed the aft deck motor wells to accommodate massive
outboard motors. A pair of 225 HP Suzuki four-stroke V6 engines
are crammed into this version. Smaller engines (more sensible and
economical) will enjoy better accessibility for routine service.
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This bow view illustrates their exposed frontal area when
lowered. Transom mounted rudders provide steerage, both under
sail and power, so these propulsion-only engines are fixed in their
center position. This permits placement closer to each hull for
better leverage in close-quarter maneuvers
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When tilted-up, the engines' lower units occupy space under
each aft stairway. The motorboxes (not shown) are slightly taller
than the engine tops for clearance when raised. Plenty of space
remains on the aft deck for storage etc.
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Looking forward from the aft deck, the settee (red
leather, of course) dominates the raised pilothouse floorspace.
Details of the helm's instrument panel are not shown in this rendition.
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Looking aft, through the helm's outer windshield, provides
an example of the excellent visibility obtained by elevating the
pilothouse floor. Engines and motorboxes are not shown but the
bar's icemaker and refrigerator are installed just aft of the starboard
stairway. Galley cabinet cut-outs, for cooking appliances and the
trash compactor, are seen to port of the doorway.
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Another view of the bar area, seen through the portside
pilothouse window.
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Ascending the starboard stairway, this view of the galley is
what first greets me every morning. The espresso machine and
grinder occupy the port-aft corner ... my first destination
daily! The galley refrigerator, shown in blue, is just aft of the
port stairway. A porthole, opposite these steps, provides light
and cross-ventilation. Barely visible, through the drawer cut-out above
the 'fridge, is another porthole located in the laundry room.
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Virtual walk-throughs are possible but not very user
friendly. This is a view looking aft from the guest stateroom's
forward closet. The bed cut-out is just visible at left with the
dresser opposite. Through the doorway, the bathroom counter is
seen forward of the stall shower.
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This construction photo provides a similar view without the
stateroom dresser visible.
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This is a view from the guest bed looking aft, through the
doorway, toward the head compartment. That barely visible
porthole is the one seen earlier - opposite the port stairway.
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A similar view of the head compartment is provided in this
construction photo.
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Enough amateur attempts. A graphics artist friend of
mine, David, is a guru at 3D rendering. I exported a solid model
of SEDATION 4 in
stereo-lithography (*.STL) file format. Before I could make
another latte, he sent back this image for feedback. Wow!
Click the thumbnail for a really pretty picture.
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The railings' design was in-progress, so I sent him an STL
file of it along with the mast. Here's what he bounced
back. The vessel still looked naked however. The mast needs
a boom and the decks seem empty. A prototype of the custom bollards
(cleats) was exported next.
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Now she's looking like a proper yacht! Shadowing,
ray-tracing and texture mapping can make photo-realistic graphics
eerily lifelike. SEDATION 4
just seems to be floating in space.
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How about a nice tropical beach under a full moon?
This was actually David's FIRST rendering (notice the early model
features) and at a very low resolution. Such skill is
humbling to behold :)
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Little details, like the "chrome" look of the nickel-plated
bollards, sure make a difference.
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Here's another view of the same 3D model. Notice the
reflections in the glass windows.
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