Could the FARO Vantage Laser Tracker be yachting’s next big thing?
When it comes to precision, few industries are as demanding as marine engineering. While technologies like the FARO Vantage Laser Tracker have revolutionized sectors such as aerospace and automotive, the yachting world seems to be lagging behind. This high-precision 3D measurement tool has the potential to transform every stage of a yacht’s lifecycle.
Streamlined yacht construction
Building a yacht is like assembling a puzzle. The Vantage Laser Tracker excels at hull alignment, closing the door on any guesswork. With the ability to measure massive distances with pinpoint accuracy, it ensures hull sections are perfectly positioned. Even small misalignments in construction can lead to costly hydrodynamic inefficiencies down the line.
A yacht’s interior is as complex as its exterior, with prefabricated bulkheads, decks and mounts needing to fit seamlessly. The FARO Vantage Laser Tracker eliminates risks of delays and expensive fixes.
Yacht repairs and retrofits
If you’re modernizing an older vessel or repairing collision damage, challenges arise when original design documents are nowhere to be found. Its ability to provide precise 3D data gives engineers the chance to recreate components that fit old structures.
The Vantage Laser Tracker also comes into play for damage assessments, measuring structural deformations down to the micron. This makes planning repairs far more straightforward and effective.
For older or uniquely styled yachts, sourcing replacement parts can feel like chasing unicorns. But the Vantage’s precise measurements take the trial-and-error out of custom work, ensuring new parts slot into place.
Keeping propulsion systems in sync
Propulsion systems are the beating heart of any yacht. Misaligned shafts or bearings can compromise efficiency, cause excessive wear and lead to frustrating vibrations. By engineering propulsion systems to exact specifications, builders can deliver smoother performance, quieter operation and reduced maintenance needs.
Quality control
Meeting the rigorous standards of classification societies is not optional in yachting. Quality checks must be meticulous, and this is where the Vantage Laser Tracker could be invaluable. With as-built inspections, it ensures that every part matches the design perfectly. Equally important is accountability. This tool creates a digital record for compliance and traceability.
Onboarding installations
During the final stages of outfitting, every bolt, beam and fixture must be in the precise location it’s intended for. Whether it’s radar installations, high-end entertainment systems or bespoke furniture, onboard measurements must account for tight spaces and complex geometries. This laser tracker’s ability to provide real-time measurements in awkward or confined spaces ensures that onboard systems integrate seamlessly. This attention to detail can elevate a vessel to the next level.
Why hasn’t it taken off in yachting?
Many shipyards rely on older methods that, while dependable, can’t match the accuracy or efficiency of modern 3D measurement tools. There’s also a misconception that high-precision tools are overkill for yachts, given the smaller scale compared to other industries.
But times are changing. Yacht owners demand perfection, and the industry is increasingly expected to deliver it. From creating digital twins for lifecycle management to improving build accuracy and accelerating maintenance, this tool offers a way forward for an industry where precision and aesthetics are both critical. For shipyards and engineers willing to explore new possibilities, the FARO Vantage Laser Tracker could become the next must-have tool in their arsenal.