Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo S Series

The philosophy behind the design of a Sailfish

by Sailfish Boats 25 Nov 2021 19:25 UTC
Sailfish design philosophy © Sailfish Boats

Sailfish customers appreciate and expect clean, intuitive design. Sailfish Design Manager Jeff Daum aspires to dignified simplicity when designing a boat - it is his credo and guides his hand in drawing the lines of a Sailfish.

The core of marine design is based in simple form, and that's the beauty of a Sailfish. "In my opinion, a simple, clean design is the best design. It is good design. If you have to embellish it to get attention... that's all it is - embellishing," he says.

There is a "utilitarian" design ethos in the center-console segment under 24 feet. "One of the things about Sailfish that really sticks out to me is its beauty and inherently simple, fluid and natural, nautical feel," Jeff adds. Design integrity plays a key role in how Sailfish boats are laid out and put together. "Although Sailfish's sheer line may not be the main focus, it is distinctive. This simplicity in classic, natural design distinguishes Sailfish boats from the outside in."

With Sailfish, function is equally important as form. "You don't see hardware slapped on the outside of the boat. Most of the through-hull parts are thought about, and visually integrated. We lean toward a classic look that gives customers the confidence to say 'Hey, I understand this thing from top to bottom.'

"The Sailfish hull has a very elegant sweep to it, and I like to look at that sheer line as product DNA," Jeff adds. "It has been strong with this brand since the inception. This subtle sweep is a distinctive, classic marine design element, and has evolved to make Sailfish stand out on the water."

"A simple, clean design is the best design. It is good design. If you have to embellish it to get attention...that's all it is - embellishing."

A lot of Jeff's design inspiration is based on customer feedback. "Some captains like to sit down, others like to stand. There are visibility lines that depend on the design of the sheer line again. If you take your sheer line too high, and the nose of the boat rides up when you're getting up to full throttle before you hit plane, then you can't see; those things need heavy consideration in helm design."

Jeff draws on aesthetic inspiration, too. "I like to look at future transportation design, including automobiles, motorcycles....any vehicles that reflect either a coming trend or a future technology. I like to take cues from the trends these transportation brands are setting with surfacing techniques. For example, years ago BMW had something called 'flame surfacing' (the use of body contours to create concave and convex lines). It was a term they used to explain how they derived the lines on exterior surfaces, and it became a heavy influence on me."

"I tend to look to the future and think, 'How can this be applied to marine?' I will draw on that influence to make a fluid design so that our boats look very natural and congruous in their surroundings."

Simple, natural, refined - these are the qualities of Dignified Simplicity. As Sailfish rolls out new models there will be some aesthetic updates that will add definition around Sailfish core design for the coming decade. "We will incorporate some new features and design language that customers will see, reflective of a design evolution, not a design revolution," Jeff says. "Because we're going to build on these elements of Dignified Simplicity. It is what our customers and fans have come to cherish."

* Don Norman, The Design of Everyday Things

Related Articles

Sailfish techniques for catching mahi mahi
They are found world-wide in temperate offshore waters Dolphin fish, commonly referred to using their Hawaiian name "mahi mahi" to avoid confusion with dolphin mammals ("Flipper"), ranks as one of the most popular fish in the ocean. Posted on 26 Mar
Effective bottom fishing anchoring strategies
Expert fisherman John Brownlee offers his tips Anchoring precisely over wrecks, reefs, and natural bottom structures can make or break your bottom fishing success. Posted on 26 Feb
Mastering Dead-Bait Trolling
Essential tips and techniques The common ballyhoo ranks as the most popular dead bait option for offshore captains for good reason: Almost everything that swims offshore will eat them, they are usually easy to find at your local tackle store and inexpensive to buy. What's not to like? Posted on 29 Jan
The Sailfish VDS Variable Degree Stepped Hull
This unique design features three distinct running surfaces Our exclusive VDS Hull Design proves that three hulls are always better than one, delivering a soft, safe ride every time. Posted on 22 Nov 2024
Mercury Active Trim - New for 2025 Sailfish models
Latest episode from the factory 'proving ground' in Cairo, GA In our latest episode from the factory 'proving ground' in Cairo, GA, we highlight a feature for the Sailfish 2025 model lineup: Mercury's Active Trim technology Posted on 25 Sep 2024
Tips for running a Sailfish hull
Sailfish factory experts give advice on the proper way to handle a Sailfish hull Have you ever heard anyone describe Sailfish as a "wet boat"? "There are nuances in our unique hull design that will affect your riding style. Posted on 1 Aug 2024
The new Sailfish 232 center console
The 232CC is designed to enhance every aspect of your on-water boating experience Step aboard the 232 Center Console and discover a world of upscale amenities and comfort at your fingertips. Posted on 27 Jun 2024
Introducing the all-new 232 Center Console
Enjoy the latest launch from our factory. Fun-sized and mighty Step aboard the 232 Center Console and discover a world of upscale amenities and comfort at your fingertips. Posted on 29 May 2024
Dual Console vs. Center Console
Which type are you? Which type are you? Explore the advantages of both dual console and center console layouts to determine which suits you best. Posted on 25 Apr 2024
Sailfish all season
Sailfish maintenance: from the factory Denny Warren of Sailfish boats gives guidance and advice (you didn't know to ask!) on maintaining your boat all season. Posted on 24 Apr 2024
Palm Beach Motor YachtsMaritimo M600