Naval Architecture & Project Engineering
Design, analysis, and production support for vessels and structures.
Yachts & Passenger · Workboats · Composites · Marine Infrastructure
Naval Architecture
Hull design, hydrostatics, stability, and structural development.
- Hull and structural design
- Concept and feasibility studies
- Stability analysis and documentation
- Class and flag compliance
Design & Analysis
3D modeling, structural analysis, and detailed design.
- CAD modeling and master models
- Composite and metal structures
- Calculations and analysis
- Systems integration
Production Support
Technical drawing and documentation for active builds.
- Production drawings and packs
- Yard coordination and technical
- Design revisions and updates
- As-built documentation support
Workflow
We support active design and build programs with responsive engineering and clear deliverables. Discuss your project with our team →
1) Baseline
Client goals, constraints, and delivery objectives.
From concept or any entry point, we define or confirm the baseline:
- Targets
- Constraints
- Delivery plan
2) Develop
Iterate and test against the baseline.
Develop a viable solution that fits the baseline:
- Model
- Analyze
- Iterate
3) Deliver
Build-ready outputs.
We package the work in the formats required:
- Calculations + analysis
- CAD models + source files
- Drawings + release package
4) Support
We stay engaged through delivery:
- Troubleshooting as required
- Comments + change tracking
- Yard / builder Q&A
- As-built and documentation control
- Tests, trials, and certification
ABS High Speed Craft
- Composite, aluminum, and steel structures
- Structural modifications and refits
- Plan submittals + review comment response
- Testing / approval support
USCG Subchapter T: Small Passenger Vessels
46 CFR Subchapter T — naval architecture and plan support for inspected passenger vessels: arrangements, structure (FRP / aluminum / steel), stability, and plan submission through approval. Builder support and fabrication details as needed.
Expedition Yacht Concept Design
Early-stage concept development for expedition yachts and long-range cruising vessels (new builds or major refits). Mission definition, operating profile, and GA / concept layout development. From design through build and delivery.
Production Yacht Optimization (existing lines)
Composite structural design and optimization for production yachts—laminate schedules, structural upgrades, and build detailing aimed at reliable, efficient production.
- Laminate schedule development
- Weight + stiffness optimization
- Structural upgrades and refits
- Production troubleshooting
Maxi & High-Performance Yachts
Structural design and optimization for carbon racing yachts, including upgrades, structural repairs, and integration of modern racing systems.
- Carbon structural upgrades and reinforcement
- Water ballast and performance systems integration
- Deck layout and hardware upgrades
- Bowsprit design and balance optimization
Racer-Cruiser Sailing Yachts
Concept development and production-level detailing for racer-cruiser sailing yachts. Comfortable working within builder and designer teams to develop layouts, systems integration, and structural solutions from concept through production.
- Deck and interior layout development
- Systems coordination with design teams
- Structural design and detailing
- Production drawings and builder support
Dock & Boarding Ramp Design
Structural design and fabrication detailing for private docks, marina structures, and vessel access systems. Experience supporting marine contractors and project teams from concept through fabrication drawings.
- Dock structures and gangway systems
- Aluminum dock framing and fabrication details
- Variable-angle boarding ramp concepts
- Fabrication drawing packages and shop support
Vessel Stability & Weight
Stability analysis and weight control for sailing yachts, passenger vessels, and custom craft. Support for design development, refits, and regulatory submissions.
- Intact stability analysis
- Weight estimates and tracking
- Inclining test planning and support
- Stability documentation and submissions
Analysis & Simulation
We collaborate with specialist teams to support vessel design and development through analysis and simulation. This includes CFD studies, performance modeling, and advanced simulation used across high-performance sailing, commercial vessels, and emerging technologies.
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
- Foiling and high-speed craft analysis
- Propulsion and wake flow simulation
- Integrated design optimization
- Simulator, VPP, polars
Advanced Composite Structures
We collaborate with specialist teams on advanced composite structures for high-performance yachts and demanding marine applications. This includes structural analysis, laminate development, and detailed engineering support through fabrication and class approval.
- Composite structural analysis (FEA)
- Laminate schedules and structural detailing
- Carbon fiber racing and high-performance craft
- Class rule compliance (ISO, ABS, Lloyd’s, DNV)
- Build support and fabrication integration
Metalwork Fabrication Support
Engineering support for aluminum and steel fabrication, bridging design and the shop floor. We prepare build-ready drawings and digital production files to support efficient fabrication and assembly.
- 3D model to 2D fabrication drawings
- Structural detailing for aluminum and steel structures
- CNC cut files and plate nesting support
- Weld details, assemblies, and production layouts
- Builder coordination and shop-floor troubleshooting
3D CAD Modeling & Drawing Support
Remote CAD support to refine and develop client 3D models into build-ready drawings and production files. We work directly from rough models or concept geometry to prepare clear layouts, fabrication drawings, and CNC-ready outputs.
- 3D model refinement and development
- 3D model to 2D fabrication drawings
- Layouts, assemblies, and production drawings
- CNC cut files and flat pattern generation
- Fast turnaround remote CAD support
Custom Davit Design
Custom davit systems for tenders, life rafts, submersibles, and onboard equipment. Design support includes structural development, 3D modeling, and fabrication-ready detailing for metal or composite construction.
- Custom davits for tenders, toys, and equipment
- Structural design for lifting loads and deck integration
- 3D modeling and installation layout development
- Fabrication drawings for aluminum, steel, or composites
- Builder coordination and installation support
Inclining Experiments & Stability Certification
Support for vessel inclining experiments required for certification and approval. We prepare the test plan, oversee the inclining experiment, and develop the stability documentation required for regulatory submission.
- Inclining experiment test planning and preparation
- On-site supervision of inclining experiments
- Weight verification and lightship determination
- Stability calculations and documentation
- Submissions for certification and approval
Vessel Hurricane / Collision / Grounding Repair Support
Repair specification development and repair process coordination for vessels damaged by hurricane, collision, or grounding. We support yards and owners with repair detailing, CAD drawings, fabrication guidance, and technical coordination through completion.
- Repair specifications and repair process development
- CAD drawings and repair fabrication detailing
- Workshop coordination with repair yards
- On-site technical support during repairs
- Repair approval / certification support where applicable
Vessel Refits
Concept development and technical support for vessel refit projects including layout changes, structural updates, and system upgrades. We work with owners, designers, and yards to plan and implement practical refit solutions.
- Structural and layout modifications during refits
- Integration of new systems and equipment
- Refit drawings and fabrication detailing
- Technical coordination with yards and contractors
- Support through refit planning and execution
Megayacht Refits
Arrangement development and upgrades, aesthetic revisions, and integration of new equipment and guest features. We work with owners, designers, and shipyards to develop practical modifications and coordinate approvals where required.
- New tenders, toys, and lifting systems
- Pools, hot tubs, gyms, and guest feature additions
- Awning systems and exterior deck structures
- Class coordination and approval process
Background
Shortack is a fully remote team of naval architects, engineers, project specialists, and draftspeople. We’re a U.S.-registered LLC.
Founded in 2022 to support design firms and shipyards operating at capacity, we started as added bandwidth, then grew into direct client support. Early programs included leading multihull designers and production yacht builders.
In Europe, we support maxi racing seasonal upgrade programs (deck layouts, bowsprits, structural upgrades, water ballast, and deck hardware). Selected projects include My Song (YouTube), Pelotari Project (YouTube), Cippa Lippa X (YouTube), and other teams competing in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (YouTube) series. Beyond the race programs, we also support large yacht refits and repairs, advanced composite yards, custom davit design and integration, and concept development projects.
In North America, we support boatbuilders with structural optimization for production pleasure yachts, and provide structural design and compliance support for electric passenger vessels under 46 CFR Subchapter T. We also support industrial marine projects on the West Coast, including work related to U.S. Navy infrastructure, port terminals, infrastructure projects, metal fabrication, aluminum manufacturing, and marine production programs in Canada.
That way of working was also shaped by mentorship, especially from our friend and colleague Albert “Bucky” Horsmon (PE, 1954–2026). His experience and guidance continue to influence our approach, grounded in practical judgment and respect for the ocean. We apply that same mindset across everything we do.
We continue to work across these sectors, and we take on new programs as they arise, with our team on both sides of the Atlantic.
Fee Structure
Our fee structure was designed from the start for low overhead and flexible support within existing project frameworks. We’ve kept that approach as we’ve grown: consistent, practical, and effective on our own or as part of your team.
Engagement
- Bandwidth for busy teams
- Remote-first, low overhead
- Hourly / fixed / task-based options
- Direct access to senior staff
- No handoff layers
-
Team + collaborator oriented
Delivery
- Clear deliverables + revision control
- Defined baseline, then iterate fast
- Works with your tools + standards
- Practical, build-aware decisions
- Five time zones of coverage
- Comfortable from concept to shop floor