I downloaded Sketchup which is available free from Google. Has anyone worked with this yet? I found this morning that I could actually produce something that actually looked like something. I have tried using other programs to design yachts with no success, but I think that this may be a tool that us novices can actually use. Appreciate any input.
It looked good to me but I don't thinki I'm ready to show it to the world. Maybe when I am more comfortable with the program.
Coenharbor, It's nice to see you taking enough interest in YF to create an avatar, but we have some guidelines regarding the same... http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/13096-post6.html Thanks!
Interesting find talkingstone. I was able to download and install it on my Win2000 box. Just playing with the tutorial at this point. But the user interface is outstanding. This may be promising indeed. Kelly
Went thru the tutorial exercises, which construct a simple building (exterior only). That was great fun, big thumbs up from me. However, looking up Help on constructing curved surfaces was not so happy. For complex surfaces (example hull bow) you would need their Sandbox extension, no? And the Sandbox tools are only available on their Version 5, not the freebie. Version 5 is $495. http://www.sketchup.com/cgi-bin/store That still leaves the option of working in 2D (forgetting complex surfaces). Or does it? I missed any easy way to force Sketchup into 2D mode. Seems to be strictly a 3D creature. How are you handling these issues Talkingstone? Kelly
A long learning curve. Kelly, I am a novice when it comes to this type of program. I envy those members who are producing a wide range of drawings of yachts. I have downloaded a sample of Corel and some other programs but to date have found that this program may help me get a grasp on yacht design or design in general. I have played with the program for about three hours now and like you have produced a building which impressed me, LOL! Maybe by the end of the summer I will produce something that looks like a yacht and not a upside down lighthouse.
Of the "easy" 3D programs I've tried, Sketchup truly IS the easiest. Just not clear that it is suitable for drawing yachts. Kelly
