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1) Why do I
need anything more when I already have a software program (Techman,
Idea Vio, etc.)?
These ship management
computer programs are sold empty of data. Nontechnical data such as
inventories can be entered by anyone, but the operation and maintenance
descriptions need to be compiled by an engineer and benefit greatly
from the addition of diagrams, 3D illustrations, and enhanced photos.
3dYM products are incorporated into the ship's computer program
or stand on their own as a complete package. The Manual consists primarily
of newly created material as opposed to duplicated data.
2) Can't my
engineer enter all the necessary data into my management program?
In reality your
engineer is too busy and probably lacks the experience to draw professional,
technical illustrations. Producing a comprehensive manual is a full
time job and requires additional skills.
3) Doesn't
the builder already supply all the documentation?
Few yards supply
other than original equipment manuals and awkward blueprints. The best
yards include limited operational and maintenance instructions written
by land personnel. My product covers whole systems, is concise
but thorough, user friendly, and written by a captain-engineer with
37 years ongoing sea experience aboard a multitude of vessels. To quote
one engineer, "Hilarium's YachtManual has all the things that would
take you years to find out right there at your finger tips. All the
hidden plumbing, wire runs, junction boxes, ducting, just everything
you need to know right there in a easy to understand format. I don't
know how you put a value on something like this, I just know it was
the singularly most important manual I had on the boat, period."
4) What do
you mean by "whole systems"?
A system consists
of purchased equipment, e.g., air handlers, compressors and pumps (with
their original manuals), plus all the surrounding components needed
for the air conditioning to work (plumbing, wiring, ducting, valves,
etc.). 3dYM describes the system as a whole, how to operate,
service, and trouble shoot it, and where to find each part.
Note: 3dYM
does not see the need to duplicate existing manuals supplied by original
equipment manufacturers or those occasionally provided by subcontractors.
5) Why should
I need more documentation when my crew knows the boat so well?
For the inevitable
times when the crew is away or changes. Comprehensive documentation
and maintenance records are invaluable to new crew and owners and enhance
the resale value of the vessel. It would be folly to purchase a second
hand airplane or Ferrari without service records or user manual, the
same applies to boats. Your crew's knowledge will, however, improve
the manual.
6) How long
does it take to produce a manual?
Once the data
has been gathered, placards or maintenance logbooks can be supplied
in about a week. Regarding complete operational manuals for large vessels,
how long is a piece of string? Total time depends on the scope and depth
of the manual and, if relevant, progress of the yard and amount of changes
that occur. For newbuilds and refits, a preliminary version can usually
be supplied for the vessel's departure with the final copy delivered
a few months later (depending on vessel's complexity).
7) What do
you mean by "gathering the data"?
The data that
goes into the manual has to be collected from drawings and information
supplied by the yard, subcontractors, and crew, verified by my own measurements
and inspections (I usually spend days or weeks crawling around bilges).
Accessibility of systems, cooperation of yard, and accuracy of "as
built" drawings greatly affect the time this takes.
8) My boat
is in commission, can you still make a manual?
Yes, provided
I have full access to all parts of the vessel and any existing drawings.
Likely there will be hidden areas that cannot be covered as accurately
as while the boat was being built or refitted.
9) How much
does it cost?
3dYM
charges for time and materials (plus travel and accommodation at cost),
and strives to work efficiently. No two projects are alike and total
time spent will depend on the above mentioned factors. If necessary
a top limit can be set.
10) How do
we proceed?
First it is
important to define the scope and detail of the manual by filling out
an itemized work- order. This questionnaire specifies systems to be
included and sets a schedule. Contact
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