The most fundamental decision faced by boat buyers is a witch’s brew of physics and psychology. Buyers need to begin by asking two questions: What kind of cruiser am I going to be and what hull design best reflects that lifestyle?
Lou Codega, one of the most versatile naval architects practicing today, comes to Newport on Saturday, Sept. 17, to explain how different hull shapes behave differently under way and why this matters so much. In the decision-tree of boat buying, choosing a hull shape should be first.
Walk the docks long enough and you will find unhappy individuals who made this initial decision based on emotion not a clear-eyed assessment. Codega will share at least one case study on the painful consequences of a wrongheaded approach.
Ultimately his goal is to share a methodology for boat buying that removes emotion from the equation. “The geek term for it would be some kind of ‘systems analysis’ for picking a boat,” he says. “You don’t even think of a particular boat at the outset…
“The other thing i want to stress is different horses for different courses. Don’t buy a boat now for what what you think may be doing five years from now, buy one for what you know you will be doing today.”
Cruiserport University is part of the Newport International Boat Show, Codega and other experts, including Nigel Calder, will present their seminars at the funky Newport Blues Cafe, directly across Thames Street from the show.
Codega has degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Webb Institute of Naval Architecture and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and is a registered professional Engineer. His 35 years of experience, almost all in power boat boat design, has included stints with the Coast Guard, the Navy’s small craft design group, and Donald L. Blount and Associates.
Since 1990, Codega has practiced independently, designing production and semi-custom vessels. His designs have been built by many of the most highly regarded builders in the country. Boats in his portfolio range from 16 to 155 feet in length and include work for Regulator Marine, Silver Ships, Seemann Composites and Carolina Classic.
Though he has designed full-displacement trawlers, Codega is also a recognized expert in high performance craft with experience in high speed hydrodynamics, light weight composite and aluminum structures, and high-performance engines and propulsors.
The best value at the registration site is to purchase a VIP pass for $375, which entitles the purchaser to attend eight seminar, including Codega’s (but excluding Nigel Calder’s diesel and systems seminars). It would cost $480 to attend those seminars al a carte.
