Performance by Design: Hydrodynamics for High-Speed Vessels

The new book “Performance by Design: Hydrodynamics for High-Speed Vessels” will be introduced on October 30 at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Donald L. Blount, founder of Donald L. Blount and Associates, announced. A limited number of books will be available at Booth 685 for purchase and signed by the author. The hardback book may be preordered prior to the boat show through online book sellers.

“My intent has been to share the technical information, decision criteria, rules of thumb and experiences which have helped me in making choices for developing marine craft intended to operate beyond displacement speeds,” Blount said.

Although the primary audience for this book is undergraduate university students studying naval architecture and marine engineering, the content will certainly be of interest to most designers working with high-speed craft, Blount added.

The 342-page volume is comprised of ten chapters and several appendices. According to Blount, “Chapter One is a reprise of my article “Original Speed,” (Professional BoatBuilder, June/July 2008) followed by nine chapters of my views of science, a few things I don't understand, definitions of things on which no two naval architects will agree, design criteria which have been my friend, and guidance on design procedures embracing technology.”

The book also includes numerous graphs, charts, tables, and formulas to clarify the material in the text. “I encourage you to personalize it with your own notes to make the even more valuable as a reference source and I’ve included ample space for adding comments,” Blount said.