A hatch that doesn’t open all the way. A lift system that blocks service access. A sliding door that interferes with cable trays. These issues don’t stem from bad luck, they come from treating mechanical systems as add-ons, instead of designing them as integral parts of the yacht.
In yacht building, there is no plug-and-play. Every system must be engineered to fit, function, and last, within tight spaces, aesthetic limits, and technical constraints.
How We Connect Basic and Mechanical Engineering
HOFF brings together basic and mechanical engineering into a single, coordinated workflow. This integrated approach leads to more robust models, fewer clashes, and better build outcomes. Instead of handing over designs between disciplines, we engineer the mechanical systems within the context of the vessel’s architecture.
That means fewer handovers, less noise between teams, and more control over what’s actually being built. If you’re working at a smaller or mid-sized yard, this means you get detailed, production-ready mechanical systems, designed with your build process in mind. You don’t have to resolve design issues on the floor or rely on vague handovers. For larger yards, this approach supports better alignment with your supplier network, ensuring design intent carries through to production without costly reinterpretation.
How We Deliver Systems That Work
We design mechanical systems that do more than just look good on screen. We calculate how they move, how they carry load, how they’re installed, and how they’ll be serviced over time. Our mechanical systems are fully developed in Autodesk Inventor, a single, central 3D model that’s fully parametric and directly linked to drawings, tolerances, material specifications, and bills of materials.
This model is the foundation for production. Suppliers can use it directly for CNC operations like milling, turning, and cutting. No extra conversions, no interpretation errors. That saves time, cuts risk, and helps projects move forward without unnecessary friction.
HOFF: a Robust Team of Experts
HOFF combines a solid track record in basic engineering with deep expertise in mechanical systems. We know how to ask the right questions, understand system behavior in context, and deliver designs that perform under real conditions. We’re an engineering partner focused on clarity, reliability and results.
Our role goes beyond capacity. We contribute execution expertise, without taking over ownership. That includes:
- Multidisciplinary design reviews
- Early-stage design input focused on feasibility
- Network-based expertise from real-world implementation
- Production-aware detailing of moving systems
Less Risk, More Flow
By integrating mechanical engineering early in the process, we help reduce failure costs, avoid rework, and accelerate execution. That means fewer surprises during outfitting, fewer discussions between suppliers and departments, and more confidence in the final result.
Let’s set course
Already working with HOFF and considering earlier involvement? Or looking for support with the mechanical design of a future project?
Let’s talk. Contact Lars Hofman of Marcel Kruithof via 085 060 4633
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