 |
|---|
Project management
Yacht building is a very complex process with numerous trades that build on each other and have to be coordinated. In addition, there are a good two dozen suppliers for individual parts and equipment. Countless packages quickly accumulate and you are surprised at how much has to be built into a boat like this before it goes into the water. This requires professional project management - regardless of whether it is a new build or an extensive refit. We explain our proven construction process here.
Planning
Every project begins with detailed planning. In preliminary discussions with the owner, we define the requirements for the yacht, clarify special requests and also set a maximum budget.
The next step is to create the construction plans. We work with well-known designers to do this. The result is detailed construction drawings that the hull yard could use to carry out all the aluminum work. We create a detailed 3D model of your yacht so that you get the most perfect visual impression possible.
Planning
Every project begins with detailed planning. In preliminary discussions with the owner, we define the requirements for the yacht, clarify special requests and also set a maximum budget.
The next step is to create the construction plans. We work with well-known designers to do this. The result is detailed construction drawings that the hull yard could use to carry out all the aluminum work. We create a detailed 3D model of your yacht so that you get the most perfect visual impression possible.
Interior Design
The interior of a yacht is also designed in detail in the 3D model. In the meeting with our interior designers we define the style of the yacht. Would you prefer a classic design with lots of wood or clear modern lines? We have described the design process in detail on a separate page.
Optionally, there is also the possibility of creating a VR application from the 3D model of the yacht . With VR glasses, you can then walk through the new yacht and get a completely different impression of the spatial conditions in the boat. Adjustments are often necessary afterwards. We recommend this option because it is money well spent. Subsequent changes during the construction phase are much more expensive.
Tender
The first phase of the project is now complete, as all plans for building the yacht are available. In the next tender, we will obtain binding offers in order to define the cost framework. If we exceed the budget limits here, further adjustments to the planning may be necessary.
It should be mentioned here that the shipyards are currently very busy, so you have to expect a certain waiting time before you get a "construction slot". If a specific date is set for starting the blue water cruise (e.g. as part of a sabbatical), planning should begin at least 2 years in advance .
Construction management
The construction phase begins with the binding acceptance of an offer and real aluminum is created from digital plans. 3-6 months must be taken into account for the hull yard , after which your boat goes to the finishing yard . Depending on the complexity, this can take another 12-15 months. We have documented the entire construction process in detail on our blog. Follow the links above to the relevant articles.
During this phase, you will schedule regular meetings with the project manager at the shipyard approximately every 3 months. In addition, the current status will be documented in an online photo album and you will receive regular reports so that you are always informed about the progress of the work.
Sea Trials
After the yacht is launched for the first time, the mast is put up and the sailmaker comes on board to take measurements directly on the boat. Then it takes another 4 weeks until the sails are delivered.
Until then, various tests will be carried out. The electronic systems will be calibrated and the hybrid drive will be tested (if it is a Viator Explorer 42 DS that we are building for you).
As soon as the sails are on board, test runs under sail will be undertaken. The boat is now ready for acceptance.
Acceptance Test
Acceptance is an important milestone, as the boat now becomes your property and responsibility. During acceptance, all systems are tested and their functionality documented. The joint acceptance protocol is signed by the project manager and the owner and is part of the contract documents.
If a separate CE acceptance was necessary (e.g. due to structural deviations from the standard plans), this will now also be carried out.
After acceptance, the warranty period for your yacht begins. Congratulations, you are now the owner of a new yacht.
2 years warranty management
No yacht comes out of a shipyard perfect and error-free; they are far too complex for that. Only by using all the systems in operation will you discover faulty components and reveal weak points. That is why we recommend not embarking on a long journey in the first season, but rather staying easily accessible.
Should a fault occur, we will take care of every warranty case for a period of 2 years after acceptance and handle the communication with the guarantors.
The guarantor is always the manufacturer, supplier or service provider who also sets the guarantee conditions. But you have us as your only contact. You will receive an "all-round worry-free package" for the first two years of your long-distance journey.
This service is included in the price, whether fixed price or variable price.
Fixed price or variable price?
We offer different methods for calculating prices, as yacht projects can also be very different.
Fixed price
We agree a fixed price based on the tender or price list (for our standard models such as the Viator Explorer 42 DS), for which we hand over the yacht ready to sail. Payment is made according to a payment plan. The payments correspond approximately to the progress of construction.
20% deposit on signing the project
30% at the start of the construction phase
30% at the start of interior work
15% at the start of the test phase
5% on acceptance
Due to the corona crisis and the war in Ukraine with their extreme price fluctuations for materials and equipment, the problems with the supply chains and increased production costs, a fixed price is currently difficult to calculate. As an alternative, we offer a variable price.
Variable price
We manage the project according to the phases defined here as project manager, but you remain the client. Orders are placed directly by you and you also pay the suppliers. However, you benefit from our favourable purchase prices as a shipyard, which we pass on to you. The amount saved in this way is usually much higher than our fee as project manager. The final price may vary depending on the number of hours worked by the suppliers.
Another invaluable advantage in times of crisis is that the usual down payment of 20-30% of the yacht price is not required. Payment is only made when the order is placed, which protects your liquidity and significantly reduces the risk of cancellation.
This option is generally more favourable, as the suppliers do not have to factor in any surcharges for unexpected additional work. You are also the owner of the yacht at all times, but have to allow for additional time during the construction phase. And, of course, there is still a cost risk if the expenditure turns out to be higher than expected.
Our fee is 10% of the project volume. Example: for a construction price of 500,000 euros, the fee is 50,000 euros plus VAT (if applicable) and travelling expenses.
Daily rate
For smaller projects lasting a few days, we charge according to daily rates (see below). Travelling expenses are charged according to receipts. Travelling time is working time.
This information is intended to give you an overview, but is certainly not universally valid, as projects can be very different. A refit project may be organised very differently. You are welcome to contact us with your project requirements. Simply send us an email.
* The price in Germany is subject to German VAT of currently 19% (gross price). Other regulations may apply in other countries.
Always plus travel costs and possible additional expenses after consultation.