Aerodynamic and Hydrodynamic Performance
design for Powerboats

Performance Boat design and setup secrets for Recreational tunnels, Offshore Cats, Racing tunnels, Fishing/Utility hulls, Vee and Vee-Pad Hulls, Bass Boats
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Tunnel Boat Design Software   Tunnel Boat/Vee Boat Design Program - UPDATES
    About TBDP | Features | How it Works | Design Inputs | Perf Outputs | Screens | Reports | VBDP | Testimonials | Our Methods | Reviews | Updates | Videos | Order

 

 

Updates History      Order Update    Order Full TBDP/VBDP


 

new.gif (29x14 -- 9694 bytes)
Aug 15, 2024

Ver 8.11.3

  • ADDED NEW standard design template in QuickDesign, 'Flat Bottom Skiff' now 20 designs total available

  • IMPROVED formatting for '%Power' axis in Performance Graphs (Power)

  • IMPROVED 'What Changed' info for 'FinalVelocity', 'VelocityInc'

  • FIXED Report Wizard message for 'Low Aero Lift'

  • UPDATED analysis of Lower Unit/Drive; with new research, including new calcs for 'MotorDrag', 'Torpedo Drag', 'Drive/Torpedo Angle', 'Resolved Thrust', 'Torpedo Lift', 'Torpedo induced drag'

  • ADDED in Report Wizard, new msg when specified 'Strake Width' too small; new msg for '% Sponson/% Vee Surface Lift'; new msg to advise when ‘AutoFixBlowover' invoked (WAngle) to preclude 'blowover'

  • ADDED field labels change if Drive Type 'Jet', 'Direct', 'Surface'

  • ADDED 'Final Velocity' information to printed listing of Input values

  • FIXED error printing Design Input listing (vertical line)

  • ADDED in Report wizard, new information reported for Porpoising Analysis

  • ADDED feature option to auto-adjust engine spacing when changing number of motors

  • Fixed save file when PodDeadrise = zero (0 degrees)

  • CHANGED in Report wizard info reported for Power levels (Economy Analysis) changed to %PowerRequired

  • REVISED live warning msg for zero WAngle result

  • UPDATED 'estimate' calc for 'AngleTorpedo’ when drive type is 'direct drive'

  • UPDATED to Save Headwind/Tailwind simulation in user design dBase

  • UPDATED 'Direct Drive', default dimensions, field captions, design picture

TBDP©/VBDP© UPGRADE AVAILABLE
Latest
Available to current TBDP©/VBDP© USERS. Get the latest Version of TBDP/VBDP. Now more features than ever!

If you already own TBDP©/VBDP© (Ver 8.x or above) and you want to obtain the LATEST SOFTWARE VERSION UPGRADE, you can order on-line. Upgrade includes software only. 

ORDER Upgrade (only) HERE
($139)

Windows 7, 8, 10, XP

   
 


April 1, 2024

Ver 8.11.0

TBDP/VBDP Version 8.11 NOW RELEASED!

  • NEW Performance Analysis feature determines local Lift Strake lift/drag contributions based on each determined local 'wetted strake’ conditions.

  • UPDATED Motors Wizard dB to all 2024 OEM engines, including new Honda 350hp V8, Mercury Racing 'R Series' 500R/400R/250R/60R), Mercury Racing APEX Series (360/200/60), Mercury Verado 600hp/500hp V12, Verado 350hp/400hp V10; Yamaha XTO Offshore 450hp V8, OXE diesel outboards, Caudwell 300hp diesel, Cox 300hp diesel, Tohatsu, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Yanmar, new jet drive outboards, more (now 4242+ OEM engine specs in dB)

  • NEW feature applies 'estimate' values to Groups of inputs (eg: steps, cockpit, centerpod/pad, strakes, power eff’y factors, motor dimensions, trim tabs)

  • NEW 'Whats Changed' Wizard feature on Performance Graphs shows design ‘changes’ for each of 2-3 compared designs

  • ADDED 2 NEW cockpit design option ‘Wheelhouse’ & 'Bowrider' w/design info (now 16 cockpit style selections)

  • ADDED 2 NEW standard design template 'RC Vee sterndrive' & 'Bowrider Vee sterndrive' (now 19 designs in QuickDesign dB)

  • ADDED 4 NEW LwrUnit/Drive selections, 'RC Sterndrive', 'Mercury R-Drive-Sport', 'Ilmor-OneDrive’, 'Mercury OB SSM IV' (now 62 options in dB + manual user input)

  • Revised 'Estimate' calcs for Podheight, Podwidth, Motorlength, LwrUnitLength, motor weight; Also revised for 'Strakewidth' now specific to tunnel or vee hulls. Added 'Estimate' button calcs for Trim Tab dimensions.

  • NEW Performance Output data and Graphs showing ‘% Sponson/Vee Lift’ of total Hydrodynamic Lift.

  • Revised Propeller recommendations in Performance reporting to better reflect small prop sizes (eg RC boats)

  • NEW Wizard Report msg advises performance of each lift strake through velocity range.

  • Revised Wizard Report message for 'Low aero lift' w/Vee Hulls, more explicit

  • Fixed display of user design 'changes’ to always display field highlights

  • Fixed auto dimensioning when changing Vee-Pad selection.

  • Updated Wizard Tutorial feature

  • Fixed refresh of MotorDescription summary after save

  • Revised Performance Graph ‘Power’ to show ‘%PowerRequired’ instead of ‘%PowerMax’ (for Optimize=Economy)

  • Revised 10 Wizard screens to allow user to move windows

  • Revised Wizard Report msg for ‘What’s Changed’ shows data changes for each ‘Design Compare’ case.

  • Revised Wizard Report msg to improve comments for  LwrUnit/Drive drag vs engine height s

  • Updated on-line HELP file

   
 


Feb 1, 2024

Ver 8.10.7

  • ADDED new feature to export aerofoil dimensions CSV file (user request)
  • NEW Design File 'Sort' to view 'tunnel hulls' or 'vee hulls' designs (user request)
  • Added OEM weights for 'OutdriveWeight' selections
  • Revised user message for Windows DPI scaling and UHD screen resolution
  • Revised Wizard Report notes, 'HeadWind' / 'TailWind' feature.
  • Added check for default location of 'aero dimensions' dB w/auto recovery
  • Added check for print Report to prevent orphaning lines
  • Fixed Performance Graphs for 'Power' and Wizard Report, corrected values when metric units
   
 


October15, 2023

Ver 8.10.6

  • NEW Aero Lift coefficient calculations based on new 2023 research re: influence of AR, T/C
  • UPDATED 'Motors Wizard' dB; including new 'Honda 350hp V8', now 3695+ OEM engine specs in dB
  • UPDATED Lower unit/drive design details dB, including 'Merc R-Drive' lower unit/drive design, now 58 drive specs in dB
  • ADDED new cockpit option 'Canopy-Offshore', now 15 cockpit template options
  • Modified estimate button calc for 'MotorHeightCowl' (exposed engine cowling/fairing)
  • Modified estimate button calc for 'VeeAeroThickness'
  • Changed input variable behaviour for 'SponsonLength2'/'VeeLength2' based on active values
  • Changed auto trigger for 'more decimals' setting (all user settings still available for all designs)
  • Changed Propeller recommendation reporting in Performance reports to better reflect small prop sizes (eg RC boats)
  • Improved error correction for user input fields if null values entered
  • Updated on-line HELP file
   
 


June15, 2023

Ver 8.10.5

  • Added 'Mercury SM HD544' Lower unit/drive design details, now total 57 drive specs in dB.
  • Added Performance Report Wizard msg for 'steps deadrise' if non-optimal
  • Changed calculations for 'optimum step height/step angle' recommendation
  • NEW Advanced analysis for Steps influenced by local variable deadrise in  step regions for more accurate local step loading.
  • Updated viewed Performance Graphs for DCowlMotor, Steps, CLW conditions.
  • Revised 'Maximum Practical Velocity' msg in Performance Report Wizard to enhance recommendations for all conditions.
  • Updated on-line HELP file
   
 


Mar
1, 2023

Ver 8.10.4

  • UPDATED 'Motors Wizard' db to include new Mercury Verado V10 5.7L 350hp, 400hp; Yamaha 450 V8 5.6L outboards, OXE diesel outboards (150hp-300hp), now 3693+ OEM engine specs included.
  • Updated file date format in BoatDesign manager to allow sorting recently saved files by 'seconds' too.
  • Added NEW Performance Output data and Graphs for Vee-Pad optimizing, showing % Pad/Pod Lift of total Lift.
  • Added Performance Report Wizard msg to show all drag contributors to 'Cockpit Drag'.
  • Added NEW standard design 'Fishing Vee with Cuddy Cabin', now 17 quick design templates
  • Fixed Performance Graph captions for 'PowerRequired' to show corrected PMin values.
  • Enhanced Cockpit drag calculations for Center Console/Cuddy Cabin configurations, changed input fields
  • Added Performance Report Wizard msg for Center Console/Cuddy Cabin cockpit configurations
  • Added Performance Report Wizard msg to note if significant 'cockpit cavity drag'
  • Updated Performance Report Wizard msg with advanced description of 'Vee-Pad Lift %' through operating velocity range, including recommendations for pod deadrise, pod height, pod width.
  • Fixed a few input selection dropdown boxes to prevent accidental user manual keystroke input
  • Reorganized Performance output data screens listing and color-coding.
  • Updated on-line HELP file
   
 


Aug 1, 2022

Ver 8.10.2

  • UPDATED new 'Motors Wizard' database to 2022 engines, now with 3685+ OEM specifications

  • Updated Wizard Tutorial screen images to latest versions

  • Added new msg to Report Wizard to provide detailed explanation of Economy Analysis results

  • Added new help button for 'LwrUnitLength'

  • Added new menu option for 'How Fast does my boat go?'

  • Added on Input screen, display label '100% Power' when Optimize=Angle analysis is selected; 'Min % Power' range when Optimize=Economy is selected.

  • Updated printing msg for 'Print to PDF' OR 'Microsoft XPS Document' options

  • Updated Report Wizard title msg to clarify Velocity Analysis for 'Test Velocity' or 'Max Velocity'

  • Revised Report Wizard 'Trim Angle' msg to note when 'Max Trim Required' is NOT at Max Velocity in range.

  • Fixed msg info in Report Wizard for 'Wetted Surface', when fully wetted throughout entire velocity range

  • Fixed msg in Report Wizard for 'Step Loading' (reported incorrect max velocity)

  • Changed msg in Report Wizard for 'HUMP Transition' to prevent misleading 'WAngle' msg during low velocity conditions.

  • Updated 'Estimate' calcs for 'Aerofoil type', 'SponsonLength/VeeWetLength', and 'Wing Chord'.

  • Updated ToolTip for 'StrakeLocation'

  • Fixed '% Power' graph (Optimize=Economy) scale min/max values

   
 


Mar 1, 2022

Ver 8.10.0

TBDP/VBDP Version 8.10 NOW RELEASED!

  • BIG NEW FEATURE Economy Performance Analysis Optimize Option='Economy'; Optimizes for Lowest 'Power' and Lowest 'Trim Angle' at each velocity through range. (user request) [see video ]

  • Added 2 NEW standard designs 'Skater 24 Outboard' & 'Vee Hull Utility Bay', now 16 Std Designs to choose (user request)

  • Revised validation check for 'Step Lengths', minimum step angle

  • Refined calc's for est'd 'Step' dimensions, est'd Engine Spacing (for multi-engine), est'd centerpod/pad dimensions, est'd Strakes dimensions in 'QuickDesign Wizard'

  • Added Performance Graphs for 'Optimize=Economy' mode

  • Revised Performance Graphs to show 'Max Power' baseline (Optimize 'Economy' & 'Power' modes)

  • Improved Performance Graph (Power) to show '% Power' used (Optimize 'Economy' & 'Power' modes)

  • Added NEW Report Wizard performance message for 'Accuracy' setting; for high 'Wetted Surfaces'; for 'Short Step' Length(s)

  • Changed 'Auto 1-2-3' event sequence to prevent defaulted re-set of user-setting 'MinSponsonWetLength'/'MinVeeWetLength' (user request)

  • Added NEW input variable 'PMinEconomy' for user-set minimum Power setting (used with 'Optimize=Economy')

  • Revised calculation for 'Static YCG' location

  • Added 'Hull Type' notations to 'Standard Designs' in 'QuickDesign Wizard'

  • Changed CalcPerform 'progress bar' and animation clip to show improved status

  • Revised CalcPerform error message recommendations when no solution available.

  • Updated 'Wizard Tutorial'

  • Added user input validation to 'QuickDesign' Wizard

  • Revised dB version (V8.10.0); previous dB versions will auto update all older design files

   
 


Nov 15, 2021

Ver 8.9.9

  • Added NEW 'Direct Drive' (inboard engne) drive option

  • Expanded Report Wizard messages for 'Step Design' re: 'Optimum Step Height'

  • Added 'estimate' buttons for 'LWetSponsonMinimum'; 'Transmisison Effy'; 'Propeller Slip'; 'Hull Effy'

  • Added NEW Report Wizard messages for 'Above-Chine Sprayrails', 'Below-Chine Sprayrails', 'Pod Sprayrails', Cockpit Selection vs Aero Lift

  • Added design pictures for 'Variable Deadrise Fore'

  • Updated Input Wizard forms design

  • Added NEW Report Wizard messages for 'Wetted Surface' when vee/sponson surfaces become 'unwetted'; and when veepad/centerpod becomes 'unwetted'

  • Added Windows 11 detection

  • Improved error handling for 'Microsoft Print to PDF' processing

  • Fixed displayed metric units for Deadrise Wizard

  • Improved Report Wizard performance message for Tunnel Hull with Center Pod

  • Fixed some label resizing after metric/imperial units changed

  • Fixed auto calc of CenterPod/VeePad angle and height; added data validation

  • Added design picture for VeePad angle dimensions

  • Updated HELP file/manual

   
 


June 1, 2021

Ver 8.9.8

  • Revised user data Validation messaging methods for high DPI, faster screen refresh

  • Automatically UPDATES all older dBase design file records.

  • NEW input feature to auto set calculate 'MAX VELOCITY' or 'TEST VELOCITY'

  • NEW design file 'Sort' to view only 'non-standard' designs

  • NEW standard design 'RIB Vee',now 15 std designs to choose in Design Wizard

  • User input validation for all hull 'deadrise' inputs

  • UPDATED Motor Wizard to all NEW 2021 motors, now 3430+ OEM engine specifications, including NEW Mercury 600hp V12 Verado, Mercury Racing 360 APX Racing outboards, more

  • NEW Performance Output data Results and Graphs for Steps Load Distribution for each step surface

  • NEW feature for user input width for 'Center Console'; expanded aerodynamic calculations for 'Center Console' cockpit drag

  • Improved 'estimate' calc for 'WidthRearFairing' when multiple engines

  • Corrected calc for 'estimate' for 'motor weight' if Metric

  • Added NEW 'estimate' button for 'CowlHeightFront', 'PodDeadrise', 'Vee Pad Width'

  • Added auto close of TBDP/VBDP previous instance running

  • Fixed bug with prgm shutdown left bits in memory, corrected

   
 


Jan 15, 2021

Ver 8.9.3

  • NEW performance Optimization (Power) Option in 'Accel Model' to automatically maximize acceleration

  • Reformatted Wizard forms visual and DPI aware

  • Modified Titlebar colors to reflect user defaults (Win10 version update)

  • Fixed bug in label position on input screen#4 (misplaced during previous update)

  • Fixed bug in Step Design descriptions reported in Wizard Performance Report

   
 


Nov 1, 2020

Ver 8.9

TBDP/VBDP Version 8.9 NOW RELEASED! 

  • NEW fully automated design dB updating routine for all new dB version releases

  • Added NEW expanded Performance Report narratives

  • Updated Performance Results screen presentation

  • Added updated aerodynamic lift & drag analysis for centerpod cases

  • Added specs for Mercury Racing 360 APX F1 Racing outboard to 2020 Motor Wizard dB

  • Added NEW Performance data and Graphs for 'XCGDiff', compares 'XCFDynam' vs 'XCGStat' resolved force locations, add'l measure of Dynamic Stability

  • Added Refined Report Wizard messages for Steps design

  • Added Enhanced Porpoising report message, determines when centerpod/pad design contributes to porpoising onset

  • Added NEW feature routine to view PDF Sample Reports from TBDP/VBDP menu

  • Fixed reporting error in SWet for full-wet condition

  • Fixed reporting error in LWetFore for lower velocities

  • Added Enhanced TrimTabs warning messages and Report Wizard narrative

  • Added report reminder if user turns off 'Active Input Validation'

  • Added to QuickConvert Wizard, 'Imp Gal to Litres to US Gal'

  • Revised prgm 'Check Update' routine for higher software revision version labels

  • Revised install check and user options for Regional Codes compatibility

  • Added install check for Windows DPI setting and Virtualization

  • Updated default screen font settings for familiarity to all Windows OS versions

  • Fixed bug causing error with UHD/4K monitors; (Windows 32k limit)

  • Revised installation checks for screen resolution and DPI settings, added user option 'Dont-show-me-this-again' for screen, DPI, printer settings

  • NEW HELP file/manual 


 


June 1, 2020

Ver 8.8.5

  • NEW UPDATED Motor Wizard dB, including 2020 engine specs, now 3200+ OEM engines

  • NEW Design Feature for 'Delta'/triangular shaped vee-pad or tunnel center-pod option;

  • NEW Design Feature for specifying spray rails on tunnel center-pod or Vee-Pad and performance results of spray drag.

  • Modified xCPPod/xCPPad analysis for Dynamic Stability.

  • Improved 'What's Changed' messages for Power/Propulsive efficiency details

  • Upgraded CheckUpdates reader

  • Added Help buttons for SponsonLength and LWetSponsonMinimum

  • Fixed 'ExportToCVS' to ensure both numbers and text values

  • Improved Performance Results screen presentation management, cleanliness

  • Fixed bug in data input validation check

  • Added Estimate button for WINGCHORD dimension

  • Added detail to Report Wizard header info

  • Improved Report Wizard narrative for 'Maximum Practical Velocity' message


 


Jan 1, 2020

Ver 8.8.3


 

Sept 1, 2019

Ver 8.8.2

  • NEW Enhanced Porpoise Analysis, new complex analysis accounts for affect of multiple stepped hulls, centerpod, vee-pad, on critical porpoising limit calcs.

  • NEW Help 'Search' feature (work-around for existing MS bug).

  • Added 'Mercury 50hp', 'Yamaha 50hp', 'Evinrude 50hp' Lower Unit design details, now total drive specs in built-in dB.

  • Modified tab key movement to be compatible with latest Win10 OS.

  • Fixed validation message for 'LWetMinimum' (units).

  • Changed update of displayed 'Max Velocity' on input screen, when units are converted.

  • Added explanation to Input 'Data Validation' messages re: action options.

  • Added auto-selection of Active Data Input Validation after design compile from 'Quick Design Wizard' to ensure all data is checked.

  • Added test and error msg for 'Optimize = Velocity' option when user-specified WAngle is too small to generate valid balanced performance results, including optional auto-reset of WAngle.

  • Fixed units conversion in DMotor calculation when metric units used

  • New HELP files and manjual


 


July 1, 2019

Ver 8.8.0

TBDP/VBDP Version 8.8 NOW RELEASED! 

MAJOR UPDATE

  • Completely new Performance Output screens, now 4 full pages of performance output, over 600 data points, improved readability, better grouping

  • New updated Motor Wizard engine database, now includes + OEM specs, including extreme 2019 Mercury Racing 450R V8, Mercury Racing's 400ROS, 300R & 250R, Mercury Verado 4.6L V8 engine line, Evinrude G2 300 V6, Yamaha XF425 V8, Seven Marine's mega 627 V8, Suzuki DF350A, and ALL the new 2019 OEM outboard and sterndrive engines.

  • Added new enhanced 'Step Performance Analysis' and new Performance data showing 'Wetted Length' of each effective Step surface, including ‘unwetted’ stages.

  • Added new Performance output data for 'Effective Planning Surface Width' (bWidth) for sponsons, vee, centerpod, veepad.

  • Added new 'Lower Unit Interference' drag analysis for multiengine installations; shown in to Wizard Performance Reports.

  • Added new Performance output results and graph for 'Distance Travelled' ['Acceleration Analysis']

  • Added new analysis for centered locations (CofPressure) for all Lift forces acting, including Sponson/Vee, CenterPod/VeePad, Trimtabs; shown in Wizard Performance Reports

  • Added new Lower Unit analysis and info re: Torpedo Resolved Lift and Induced Drag when engine incremental trim angle is specified

  • Added new output data graphs in Performance Graphics presentation screens (now 57 graphs available)

  • Added 'Merc M6 drive', 'Evinrude 2/3cyl', 'Seven Marine GT', 'Merc Verado L6', 'Volvo SX', 'Volvo IPS', 'Volvo DPS', 'Mercruiser Bravo 3X' lower unit design details, now total 59 drive specs in built-in dB.

  • Added 10 more performance narrative subjects to Wizard Performance Report 'POWER' summary

  • Added 'Propeller Sizing' summary to Wizard Performance Reports

  • Added user feature to turn OFF Trimtabs (auto-retraction) at specified speed.

  • Added feature switch to allow user to turn off Trimtab warning messages

  • Added 'auto-estimate' button for 'motor/engine weight' if user manually enters HP (not reqd when using 'Motor Wizard' OEM specs; 'auto-estimate' button for set velocity for 'auto-retraction' of Trimtabs; 'auto-estimate' button for 'Multi-engine spacing'.

  • Enhanced descriptions given in Wizard Performance Reports for Lower Unit Drag, including spray drag and multi-engine interference drag.

  • Improved 'Quick Design Wizard' with more detailed auto-modifications for user designs based on standard designs

  • Fixed drive selection dimension assignments in 'Quick Design Wizard' for lower unit selection

  • Fixed drive unit dimensions set from dB if user-design in Metric Units.

  • Added new menu option to 'Save data' for 'Compare Designs' to main Perf Data screen (feature also still available from Performance Graphs screen). 

  • Revised Validation (active input and file save validations) routines for improved data checking.

  • Added color highlight to selected performance output screen results data

  • New dbase 'tbdpdat5.mdb' format with more Performance Output variables

  • Updated TBDP/VBDP data conversion program, automatically converts older data formats to new Ver8.8 db format

  • Added Help Tutorial for 'How to Compare Performance of Design Modification' in online Help documents/manual

  • Updated and expanded Help Wizard Tutorial with new sample screens and descriptions


 

Apr 20, 2019

Ver 8.7.7

  • Revised Acceleration Analysis, more accurate integration algorithm, better results for acce'n/elapsed time

  • Updated 'What Changed' feature to provide more info, for any Optimize method

  • Fixed input fields in 'Accel Model' wizard to highlight each field when changed by user.

  • Updated illustrations for tunnel jet drive, vee jet drive

  • Added User-defined input trim angle (TWAngle) values in printed Input data report

  • updated Help documents


 

Dec 1, 2018

Ver 8.7.5

  • Revised hydrodynamic planning 'bWidth' calculation for complex deadrise, improves CLW accuracy

  • Added new Wizard Report for 'Lifting surfaces performance', including monitor of 'bWidth' wrt 'chine width'

  • Updated algorithms for Aero Drag (aero profile drag, cockpit drag, cowlings drag)

  • Added 'Design Compare' feature for Optimize = "Power" option, (including Time, Acceleration); compare design results for up to 3 different/modified designs

  • Added Estimate/Help buttons for PowerEffy; inboard, outboard, jet drives, engine height

  • Added notification in Wizard Reports for 'below planing velocity'

  • Updated 'create desktop link' function (Win10)

  • Updated design input for 'LwrUnitHeight' dimension for different hull styles, vee/pad/sponson/pod

  • Expanded text output for 'MotorDescription' in export to CVS file (and fixed truncation)

  • Expanded Wizard Report notes for 'LwrUnitHeight' relative to effective running surfaces

  • Updated Help documents with new features

 

Sept 1, 2018

Ver 8.7.4

  • Added Estimate buttons for Wing Thickness, Vee AeroThickness, Tunnel Height/Vee Deck Height

  • Added user "What's Changed" notification feature so user can see when engine selections have been changed

  • Updated software install to accommodate recent changes in Win10 (build 1803)

  • Fixed validation check for LwrUnitHeight (metric correction)

 

June 1, 2018

Ver 8.7.3

  • added 'SevenMarine' lower unit design details to dB

  • added auto checking routine to prevent duplicate file name saving

  • enhanced HTML Help on-line document

 

Mar 1, 2018

Ver 8.7.2

  • NEW feature for user export of input/output data to CVS file format.

  • NEW Optimum Trim Angle analysis

  • Updated user screen/print font selection routines

  • Fixed bug in text-reporting total Weight/units conversion in Wizard Report

  • Updated Performance Graph formatting

  • Expanded Performance Report


 

Nov 15, 2017

Ver 8.7

TBDP/VBDP Version 8.7 NOW RELEASED! 

"MAJOR UPDATE"

  • NEW analysis for STEPS, with more user step design definition, more accurate performance prediction of functional wetted areas, force locations, Dynamic CG locations

  • added Estimate/Help features for Step Height, Forward Step

  • NEW dB format [tbdpdat4.mdb], updated TBDP_Convert program for all previous dB's

  • Fixed bug in Acceleration Wizard (input) display

  • Enhanced Report messaging for Step performance including design recommendations, step performance, wetted/non-wetted

  • NEW sort feature for 'Standard Designs'

  • NEW feature compares THREE designs in Performance Graphs

  • Ehanced Reporting for 'Compare designs'

  • Now user can account for tunnel hull 'aerofoil' location offset

  • Enhanced HELP module


 

Sept 1, 2017
Ver 8.6.10

  • enhanced Porpoise Regime reporting

  • added Optimum Trim Angle reporting

  • added step angle display on Input screen for multiple step inputs

  • added Estimate/Help buttons for multiple Step inputs

  • expanded step design reporting and recommendations, including optimum Step height reporting

  • fixed printing error (steplength1) in previous versions


 

July 1, 2017
Ver 8.6.9

  • added reporting for LwrUnitHeight specified above waterline

  • added input screen notation for 'gallons/litres of fuel' conversion from fuel weight (lbs/Kg)

  • enhanced reporting for identification of 'Maximum Limiting Velocity' and 'Maximum Practical Velocity'

  • fixed 'overflow' error caused if improper user VariableDeadrise inputs

  • added departure analysis for Dynamic Stability, and influence on Max Practical Velocity 


 

Apr 1, 2017
Ver 8.6.8

  • Honda lower unit specs added

  • added reporting of Lifting Strakes performance

  • enhanced Dynamic Stability reporting

  • improved reporting for 'Maximum Limiting Velocity'

  • added JET drive options

  • Fuel volume conversion for Fuel Weight input

  • enhanced Step design recommendations

  • enhanced Hump Transition reporting

  • passenger appendage aero drag added

  • enhanced auto Report wizard info/detail

  • new graphics on input screens


 

Dec 1, 2016

Ver 8.6.5

  • NEW standard design option for "Vee hull without Pad"

  • NEW - Upgraded entire TBDP HELP system to MS HTMLHelp-now compatible with Win7/8/10 Help systems; full context-sensitive Help, one-click help buttons on every screen, content Help Search features.

  • Variable deadrise, Notched Vee-Pad/Center-Pod features


 

Sept 1, 2016

Ver 8.6.3

  • NEW added "WScreen w/RearCowl" option for cockpit design

  • added engine/motor cowl height, width now automatically calculated

  • UPDATED Motor Wizard; added Selva outboard and Cummins, Catepillar, MTU, Yanmar inboard engine specs

  • revised lower unit drag calculation to include Leg drag if applicable

  • Improved Report Wizard message for Porpoise susceptibility prediction

  • Corrected error when using design Compare feature

  • corrected issue when saving design file

  • corrected fault in display of Sponson Drag % Report Wizard


 

Apr 1, 2016
Ver 8.6

  • NEW screen layouts, NEW input variables, more performance analysis, output data/graphics, more reporting

  • NEW 2016 Motor Wizard update, now with over 2250+ OEM engine choices, including new Evinrude G2, new Mercury Racing 400R, new Ilmore V8's, Jetdrive Outboards, Yamaha 350hp V8 Outboard, Evinrude V6 E-Tec's, New Mercury 350hp Sci Verado and Optimax ProXS engines and SevenMarine 557 outboard.

  • NEW input variables and NEW 5 screen input format

  • Animated 3D Chart display for Lift/Drag component contributions through Velocity range 

  • NEW feature allows variable deadrise of sponsons or vee surfaces.

  • NEW feature automatically optimizes trim angles for elapsed TIME and ACCELERATION analysis

  • NEW feature to show extra decimal accuracy (useful for small hull designers and RC users)

  • NEW automated analysis of 'Hump- Zone' transition velocity and 'Force Moment' dynamic stability, explains both in custom Performance Analysis Report.

  • NEW input variables 'Air Temperature','Air Humidity' and 'Water Temperature' to allow user to account for environment variations

  • NEW input variable 'Angle Torpedo', for when lower unit has relative trim angle (regardless of WAngle)

  • NEW input variable 'Width Rear Fairing' to allow for unique aft fairing sizing

  • Enhanced analysis adjusts lift/drag and coefficients for changes in air temperature, altitude, humidity, water temperature and water type (fresh/sea)

  • NEW Performance Output data info; 'DCowl Motor' shows drag contribution of outboard engine cowling and 'Force Moment' information for dynamic stability analysis

  • Printed reports to file or printer queue now show user unique file names

  • Reduced Input module loading time and improved screen flash presentation with reduced flicker

  • NEW database format adds more input variables, output info, reduced file maintenance

  • Updated TBDP_Convert routine (Ver 2.1) automatically converts all design file data from all previous dB versions to new TBDP/VBDP V8.6 dB

  • Improved auto screen resizing for all screen types/size/resolutions and printing.

  • Corrected error when selecting "Two Steps" for very small hulls

  • Fixed Win7 UAC error that sometimes caused file save issue.

  • Updated HELP files


Oct 1, 2015
Ver 8.5

  • Enhanced Lift/Drag components display with animation

  • NEW "Estimate" buttons can auto-input estmated input values if user does not have info

  • NEW "WhatChanged" feature on Design Input screens that lists input fields 'changed' during session

  • NEW new input variables for Motor Cowling sizing, Outdrive Weight, CockpitLength

  • Revised aero drag for cockpit and cowling, increased accuracy of aero drag for outboard engine cowling

  • NEW standard design options for 'Bass Boat with center console'

  • NEW cockpit/cowling options "None with RearCowl" and "Center Console"

  • NEW Wizard messages for auto design reports

  • Improved data input validation checks

  • Revised upper limit wetted surface values shown on output screen and Results graphs


 

June 20, 2015
Ver 8.4

  • Added msg for vee-pad support lift, Corrected Lift Strake message error, Updated Porpoise calc

  • Revised aero drag for Cuddy Cabin option, New Cockpit W/windscreen option

  • Corrected DAero/CDAero algorthim

  • NEW Lower/Drive Unit drag analysis, includes Torpedo drag, skeg drag, leg drag, induced drag and spray drags.

  • Added mini-help buttons for each input frame

  • Added LowerUnit specs for Ilmor Indy stern drive

  • Enhanced Performance Wizard info for XCGDynamic, SprayFac, AeroDrag

  • User requested scaling, units and decimal floating

  • Improved Win7 installation cleanliness


 

Feb 1, 2015
Ver 8.3

TBDP/VBDP Version 8.3 NOW RELEASED!  (Feb 1, 2015)

"MAJOR UPDATE"

  • Enhanced calc for CGDynamic (dynamic stability) for cases of Vee hull with Pad and Tunnel Hull with Center Pod, more accurate for all design configurations and operating conditions.

  • Added 2015 Motor Wizard update, now with over 1750 OEM engine choices, including new Evinrude G2, new Ilmore V8's, Jetdrive Outboards, Yamaha 350hp V8 Outboard, Evinrude V6 E-Tec's, New Mercury 350hp Sci Verado And Optimax ProXS engines.

  • Major rewrite of hydrodynamic lift and drag routines, improving accuracy for all types of operating conditions for all design configurations of tunnel hull, tunnel w/Center Pod, Vee hull and Vee Pad hulls.

  • Added new Whisker Spray analysis, enhanced drag calculations associated with Whisker Spray, also added new performance report variables showing all whisker drag components with individual drag coefficients.

  • Now includes AR analysis of Spray Rails and Lifting Strakes, based on Jim Russell's engineering design paper and published article.

  • Added capability of Below-Chine Spray Rails (deflectors) for Whisker Spray reduction

  • Enhanced application of Above-Chine spray rails and effects on Sheer (friction) Spray Drag

  • Advanced Cockpit/Cowling/Fairing drag now includes complex Cavity Drag analysis.  Multiple cockpit/cowling design configurations to select from, including Open, Covered, Race Canopy, even a Cuddy Cabin

  • Enhanced Performance Wizard Summary Report, with more key data reporting and more design/setup recommendations (specifically written for the performance results presented for your design)

  • Enhanced Quick Design Wizard to automatically input additional typical design dimensions from list of any (11) standard hull designs provided.

  • Added more new Input variables (now 100+ design/setup inputs) for even more enhanced Design and Analysis options

  • Additional Performance Analysis Output measures, now with over 490 output data points, and now including Whisker Spray Drags (for sponsons, Center Pod, Vee, veepad); Lift/Drag Ratios (for sponsons, center pod, Vee and Veepad), separate Wetted Area data (SWet) for sponsons, center pod, Vee and Veepad; separate drag coefficients for CDWSponson, CDWVee, CDWPod, CDWPad, Trim Tabs lift/drag/coefficient/Aspect Ratio; along with all the other performance measures that TBDP/VBDP has presented in previous versions.

  • Added another new built-in standard design option for "Vee Hull Sterndrive" (now 11 typical designs provided); Just select one of the standard designs, use the Quick Design Wizard to modify key parameters to fit your design, and TBDP©/VBDP© does the rest to set all the design variables for your new design/setup.

  • Added new LowerUnit specs for V8 outboards, RC and IMCO drives

  • Refined decimal floating for smaller hull sizes (such as RC boat designs)

  • Corrected units in some Wizards to reflect Imperial/Metric capability

  • Corrected max values presented for XPorpoise Analysis chart for improved readability.

...PLUS...includes all the other new Version 8.0 features...


 

Sept 1, 2014

Ver 8.2

  • Many new graphics/charts added/updated.

  • New Lift & Drag distribution chart, with dynamic velocity range view.

  • Fixed the display of cockpit/cowling drag coef's.

  • Improved algorithms for cockpit/cowling drag calc's.

  • Added new lower unit design selections.

  • Expanded the Report Summary Wizard notes.

  • Added a new file export feature.


 

May 15, 2014

Ver 8.1

  • Revised aerodynamic drag algorithms

  • enhanced Vee hull lift/drag calc's

  • auto version update checking

  • enhanced Vee hull aerodynamics setups


 

March 1 2014

Version 8.0 

TBDP©/VBDP© Version 8.0 NOW RELEASED!

MAJOR UPDATE

BIG NEW FEATURES...YOU ASKED FOR IT...NOW WE'VE GOT IT!

  • NEW VBDP - incorporation of the NEW Vee Boat Design Program full-featured software for Vee hull and Vee-Pad hull performance analysis

  • NEW Auto Convert program to translate older TBDP© design data files to the new TBDP©/VBDP© data format

  • Win7 compatible coding and file management

  • More Input variables (90+), more performance data output information, for more design control and even more performance reporting information

  • NEW Auto 1-2-3 Performance Analysis" Wizard - automatically steps you through the 3 steps of performance analysis, to calculate Maximum Velocity, (Trim angle analysis) and Power (Acceleration/Elapsed Time analysis)

  • Porpoise Analysis - unique AR XPorpoise feature that automatically shows hull's susceptibility to porpoising assessed throughout the full operating velocity range.

  • NEW Performance Analysis Wizard (Report Writer)

  • NEW 2013 Motor Wizard with over 1350 OEM engine choices in a selection database, making input of your engine data to TBDP©/VBDP© as simple as picking your motor from a list.

  • Quick Design Wizard - easy to start your design by selecting one of many 'typical' design outlines (with full Input dimensions and setup details) for 'Performance Tunnel hull/Power cat', 'Recreational Tunnel Outboard', 'Offshore Fishing/Utility', 'Racing tunnel', 'RIB tunnel', 'RC tunnel', 'Vee hull' and 'Vee-Pad' designs.

  • Ten NEW Design Wizards - Propeller Wizard; Motor Selection Wizard; Miscellaneous Payload Weight Wizard; Angle Increment Calculator; Quick Design Wizard; WAngle Calc Wizard; Deadrise Wizards; Power Calc Wizard; Velocity Calc Wizard; Expanded Wizard Tutorial and the extraordinary Performance Analysis Wizard (Report writer).

  • Design-versus-Design Comparison Graphic screens - compare the performance results of 2 (or many) design features.

  • Advanced Cockpit/Cowling/Fairing drags - NEW analysis for aerodynamic drag; Cockpit/Cowling/Fairing analysis considers profile, friction and even complex cavity drag.  NEW multiple cockpit/cowling design configurations to select from, including Open, Covered, Race Canopy, even a Cuddy Cabin

  • now calculates hydrodynamic drag of ANY lower unit design; includes standard design specs for 31 OEM drives

  • Trim Tabs & Lifting Strakes

  • Propeller sizing

  • NEW On-Line HELP screens (100+ pages); NEW 80+ page User's manual

  • User Picture Import

  • Auto Bottom Design - for Vee hull design, bottom dimensions are automatically adjusted when a 'pad' is added or removed (helpful for easy pad vs. no-pad comparisons). For tunnel hulls, auto adjustment for center-pod changes.

  • Automatic Static CG on-screen calculation for any hull configuration

  • "Change in Value" (derivative of the performance measure) feature on graphic performance results screens & reports makes it even easier to see break points of performance issues, showing 'how fast is it changing' data.

  • And a long list of other great new features and enhancements, including: Dozens of other new features and design options include:

    • Improved aerodynamic algorithms; even more accuracy, even more hull configurations

    • Improved drag algorithms for more types of cockpit and cowling configurations

    • Symmetrical or asymmetrical sponsons

    • On-screen display of automatically calculated total hull weight and cg

    • Multiple spray rail design selection

    • Aerofoil dimensions view feature

    • Multiple Step selection design frame

    • Minimum wetted sponsons/vee surface length

    • Maximum wetted sponsons/vee surface length

    • CG on-screen auto-calculation

    • Automatic WAngle increase

    • Automatic Blowover check & alert

    • Automated 'head/tail wind' simulation

    • Centerpod WAngle input

    • Accurate Top Speed prediction

    • Acceleration modeling with elapsed time prediction

    • Angle increment calculator

    • Velocity range calculator

    • Motor height calc's

    • 40+ color graphic performance charts.

    • Euro units version with auto conversion between USA & metric for inputs and performance results

    • Multiple engine/drive applications

   
 

Jan 2013

Jun 2012

Jun 2011

Oct 2010

Jun 2010

Jan 2009 

Mar 2008

Version 7.15 (Jan 01, 2013) - general udate

Version 7.14 (June 01, 2012) - general pdate

Version 7.13 (June 01, 2011) - many updates

Version 7.12 (Oct 01, 2010) - general update

Version 7.11 (June 01, 2010) - many updates; VEE Hull Analysis NOW included

Version 7.9.2 -general update, many new features.

NEW!! Motor Wizard database update - Now over 75 engines listed! (includes 2008 engine update).

  Feb, 2007 Version 7.9 - 2007 Motor Wizard database update includes 450 engine specs; WinXP latest updates.  Vee hull analysis enhancements. 
  Jan, 2006 Version 7.85 - WinXP latest updates; 2006 Motor Wizard database update; Euro software additions, vee-hull analysis features added
 

Feb, 2005

Version 7.8 - NEW Motor Wizard Update (2005) includes 350 engine specs; minor analysis upgrades. 

  Jan, 2005 Version 7.7 - Auto 'Head/Tail Wind' simulation; Improved QuickLift Wizard; Auto WAngle increase function for Velocity Optimization.
 

Apr, 2004

Feb, 2004

Jan, 2004

Aug 2003

Version 7.6 - Design-versus-Design Compare Graphic; AutoBlowOver Check

Version 7.5 - More new features than ever before!

Motor Wizard database updated - Now over 260 engines listed!

August, 2003 - Version 7 release - best features upgrade ever!

   
 

Mar 2003

TBDP Ver 6.7 (Win XP)

  July 2001

TBDP Ver 6.3 (Win98)

  Dec 1998

TBDP Ver 6 (Win95)

  July 1993

TBDP Ver 4 (Win 3.1)

  Jan 1991

TBDP Ver 3 (Windows)

  Jan 1987

TBDP Ver 2 (original client release) w/30page manual

  July 1978

TBDP development release (design and consulting only)


jim2.jpg secrets_of_tunnel_boat_desi.gif

about Jim Russell

"Secrets of Tunnel Boat Design - Second Edition"
book
 "Secrets of Propeller Design" book

"TBDP Version 8" Software "VBDP Version 8" Software "PropWorks2" software

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Special pricing updated September 03, 2024
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AeroMarine Research®
67 Highland Crescent, Cambridge, ON, Canada, N1S1M1
Tel: 519-240-7959

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Material from this website may be not copied or used or redistributed, in whole or in part, without specific written consent of Jim Russell or AeroMarine Research®.