Trade Secrets - Doug and Rosie Hinge, Boat Designers (Naval Architect and Marine Engineer)
Why did you become boat designers?
DH – Despite coming from a family who were not very nautical, I have always loved the idea of boats and I joined the “Ocean Youth Club (now Trust)” to see if I had sea legs. After meeting Rosie on board one of the Club’s ketches, I realised I wanted a sustainable career with qualifications that involved boats. I am now a Chartered Engineer and Naval Architect.
RH – I come from a family who sail and grew up very familiar with boats. I studied Mechanical Engineering and now specialise in Marine Engineering.
What type of boats do you design?
Powered craft, especially fast and manoeuvrable for commercial and military use, up to about 20 metres in length. Above 50 knots becomes interesting!
How much training is involved and what qualifications do you need to become a boat builder?
Essentially you will need a degree in engineering. Then, in order to become Chartered you’ll need experience and preferably a Masters’ degree. Time at sea also makes a much better designer.
How long have you been boat designers?
We have both been involved in boat design for over 30 years. We set up the company Douglas Hinge & Associates in 1993 and DHA Marine Design Ltd in 2006.
Where do you work?
RH -Initially we worked from home as we had a young family, but we now have an office in Tavistock overlooking the Tavy. We travel all over the world to meet clients and some of the best days are when we test our boats on the water.
Who else works with you?
It’s just the two of us in the office, but we spend a lot of time meeting clients, boat builders and sales people.
What is involved in being a boat designer and how does your day usually unfold?
There are two main aspects to being a boat designer. Firstly sitting in the office puzzling a design problem, following a brief, drawing up proposals, considering lines (hull and superstructure shape), structure, machinery, ergonomics, drawing on CAD, making 3D models etc. The second part is visiting boat yards, making presentations to support sales teams and then testing the boats at sea. Each design is unique to its purpose and copyrighted, so no two boat designs are the same, although many boats are often built to the same design.
What would you say to someone thinking of this as a career?
Go for it! If you are technically minded and love the water then it’s a great creative career.
What is the best thing about your job?
DH – Driving the finished boat on the water. I get a great deal of satisfaction from knowing we have created a good design.
RH – I love seeing the boat and recognising it from the initial design. Seeing for real, what has been crafted from a theoretical design, is a magical moment.