Yacht and boat configurator

Yachts and boats belong to the premium segment and are almost always custom-built. Buyers of such products value the ability to create their own personalized configuration—choosing the design, equipment, and fittings. This is why 3D configurators are increasingly playing a role in sales, allowing customers to build their own version of the vessel and immediately see what their future yacht or boat will look like.

AVADA MEDIA develops 2D and 3D boat and yacht configurators, helping companies present their products in a user-friendly and modern format. This tool makes model selection clear for clients and simultaneously simplifies order processing.

What is a 2D/3D yacht and boat configurator?

A yacht and boat configurator is an interactive tool that allows users to assemble the desired vessel configuration directly on the website or in the app: select the design and equipment, and immediately see the result. These solutions can work in 2D or 3D format.

The 3D configurator uses a 3D model of the vessel, which can be rotated and modified in real time – for example, to select the hull color, trim materials, or equipment.
The 2D configurator is based on diagrams and illustrations and is suitable for quickly setting parameters.

As a result, the client can easily assemble the desired configuration, and the company receives accurate data for placing an order.

Key features of the 2D/3D ship configurator

The configurator's functionality depends on the project's objectives, vessel type, and the company's business processes. When developing a solution, various tools for model configuration, equipment selection, and order placement can be implemented. Most of these features are available in both 2D and 3D configurators, differing only in the visualization format.

Interactive visualization of the vessel

The 3D configurator allows you to work with a detailed 3D model of a boat or yacht. Users can rotate the model 360°, change the camera angle, zoom in on individual elements, and view the structure from all sides. Materials, textures, and lighting can also be displayed to make the model appear as realistic as possible.

In a 2D configurator, visualization is typically based on pre-defined views, illustrations, or diagrams. This format allows for quick switching between parameters and convenient work with a large number of settings.

Customizing the external design

The configurator offers tools for customizing the vessel's appearance. Users can choose the hull and deck color, customize glass elements, trim, and exterior decorative elements.

In the 3D version, all changes can be immediately displayed on the model, while in the 2D interface, they can be seen in visualizations or diagrams. This helps the client evaluate the appearance of the future vessel in advance.

Equipment configuration

The system may include a section for configuring equipment and technical parameters. The configurator allows for selection of engines, fuel systems, navigation systems, control systems, multimedia, safety systems, and deck equipment.

If necessary, you can implement a component compatibility check to ensure that the selected parameters are correctly combined with each other.

Interior customization

For yachts, the interior space is an important part of the configuration. The system allows for customization of cabin layouts, furniture selection, finishing materials, lighting, appliances, and decorative elements.

In the 3D configurator, the interior can be displayed within the model, and in the 2D version – through room plans or separate visualizations.

Configuration cost calculation

The configurator features automatic price recalculation when parameters are changed. Each selected option can affect the final price, so users can immediately see how their budget changes when choosing different equipment or finishes.

Placing an order

Once setup is complete, the system can generate a configuration for the selected model. This configuration may include selected options, a list of equipment, a final price, and a commercial offer.

If necessary, configuration data can be transferred to CRM, ERP, or other internal company systems for further processing of the order.

Additional technologies in yacht and boat configurators

When developing 2D and 3D configurators, additional technologies can be integrated to make the vessel selection process more visual and convenient for the client. Such tools are especially useful in projects where it's important to clearly demonstrate the model, its equipment, and space.

VR and virtual showrooms

The 3D configurator can support virtual reality (VR). This allows users to literally step inside the vessel model and view it in full scale.

For example, in virtual space you can:

• walk along the deck;
• inspect the cabins;
• evaluate the arrangement of furniture and equipment;
• get a feel for the size and layout of the rooms.

Such solutions are often used at exhibitions, presentations, and showrooms, where it is important to demonstrate the future yacht or boat as clearly as possible.

AR visualization

Augmented reality (AR) technology allows a model of a vessel to be brought into real space via a smartphone or tablet. Users can see what the boat will look like in a chosen location and better appreciate its scale and design.

AI assistants

The configurator also features AI-powered tools. These help users navigate the vast number of parameters and options more quickly.

For example, an AI assistant can:

• suggest suitable configuration options;
• analyze selected parameters;
• recommend additional equipment;
• warn about incompatibility of individual components;
• create realistic renders of the selected configuration.

These features simplify the vessel setup process and help customers quickly select the optimal configuration.

Benefits of such a configurator for business

The configurator helps yacht and boat manufacturers solve several key problems:

• A visual demonstration of the vessel allows you to show the client the model's appearance and various design and equipment options.
• Convenient configuration options – customers can select equipment, design, and vessel parameters in a single interface.
• Accelerate the sales process – configurations are generated faster, which reduces the time it takes to discuss an order.
• Reduced errors when creating orders – the system takes into account the compatibility of parameters and equipment.
• Automation of order processing – configuration data is transferred to the company’s internal systems (CRM, ERP).

What businesses use yacht and boat configurators?

Yacht and boat configurators are used by manufacturers, shipyards, custom builders, dealers and distributors, as well as showrooms and sales departments. They help clearly display the vessel model, customize the configuration, and quickly configure the order. This simplifies consultations with clients, speeds up the approval of parameters, and reduces the number of errors when placing orders.

Stages of yacht and boat configurator development

Developing a 2D or 3D configurator involves several key stages: interface design, visualization creation, server logic development, and data management system development.

1. Requirements analysis

At the first stage, the configurator structure is determined: the vessel model range, the list of parameters and options, the logic of equipment compatibility, and the requirements for integration with other systems.

2. Interface design

The user interface structure is developed: menu, model setup scenario, and user interaction with 2D or 3D visualization.

3. Preparing visualization

Optimized 3D vessel models are created for the 3D configurator. These can be developed from scratch by our 3D constructor (for example, in Blender or Spline ), selected from existing libraries and customized for the project, or provided by the client. The models must accurately convey the vessel's design and be optimized for fast loading and stable operation in the browser. Therefore, visualization preparation is one of the most labor-intensive stages of development and significantly impacts the project cost.

For the 2D configurator, diagrams, illustrations, or sets of model angles are prepared.

4. Development of backend and configuration logic

At this stage, the server part of the system is implemented: the logic of parameters, dependencies between options, calculation of the cost of configuration and integration with CRM, ERP or other systems.

5. Development of the administrative panel

An admin panel is being created through which the company can manage vessel models, configuration parameters, equipment, and prices.

The frontend, backend, and admin panel are usually developed in parallel, which speeds up the process and ensures the correct operation of all system components.

6. Testing and launch

After development, performance, configuration logic, and interface testing are conducted, after which the configurator is integrated into the website or the company's internal systems.

Yacht and boat configurator development technologies

Developing a 2D and 3D configurator requires a combination of technologies for visualization, configuration logic, and data management.

Frontend: interface and visualization

The frontend is responsible for the user interface of the configurator and interaction with the vessel model.

To develop the interface and page logic, the AVADA MEDIA team uses modern JavaScript frameworks:

• React
• Vue.js
• Next.js
• Three.js – for working with 3D graphics
• WebGL – for rendering 3D models in the browser

In the 3D configurator, these technologies allow you to display a three-dimensional model of a boat or yacht, control the camera, change materials, and display parameter changes in real time.

The 2D configurator uses lighter visualizations: diagrams, illustrations, or pre-prepared model views.

Backend: configuration logic and data processing

The backend is responsible for processing configuration parameters, storing data, and integrating with other company systems.

For the server part the following can be used:

• Node.js
• Python (Django)
• PHP (Laravel)

At this level the following is implemented:

• Parameter compatibility logic;
• configuration cost calculation;
• management of models and options;
• data transfer to CRM, ERP and other systems.

Administrative panel

To manage the configurator, an administrative interface can be implemented, through which the company will be able to:

• add new ship models;
• change configuration parameters;
• manage options and equipment;
• update prices;
• control the structure of configurations.

The admin panel is usually developed using the same technologies as the frontend system and is integrated with the backend part of the configurator.

Cost and timeframe for developing a yacht and boat configurator

The cost and timeframe for configurator development depend on the project's complexity, the level of visualization, and the number of parameters required to implement the system. 2D and 3D configurators can vary significantly in scope, so the final estimate is usually determined after analyzing the project's requirements.

The price and development time are most often influenced by several factors:

• Configurator type – 2D or 3D solution.
• The number of vessel models to be added to the system (it is important to consider whether 3D models need to be created, CAD files modified, or ready-made ones used, and what technologies will be used for this).
• Number of parameters and options (equipment, design, interior, technical specifications).
• The level of detail of the visualization – simple diagrams, illustrations or detailed 3D models.
• The need for integration with CRM, ERP or other corporate systems.
• Additional functions, such as cost calculation, commercial proposal generation, or configuration management.

Below are estimated development times and costs depending on the type of solution.

The exact timeframe and cost of development are determined after analyzing the project, the list of parameters, and the requirements for the configurator's functionality.

Why companies choose AVADA MEDIA

Experience in developing complex configurators
We create systems for products with a large number of parameters and technical dependencies.

Balance between visualization and logic
The AVADA MEDIA team designs configurators to clearly display the model and accurately manage configuration parameters.

High performance
We optimize 2D and 3D configurators for fast and stable operation in the browser on different devices.

Integration with business systems
Our solutions can be linked to CRM, ERP, and other corporate services.

Development tailored to business needs
We design each configurator for a specific product model, parameter structure, and company processes.

Would you like to discuss configurator development?

AVADA MEDIA develops solutions tailored to the needs of manufacturers and dealers, combining user-friendly visualization, flexible parameter configuration, and integration with corporate systems. If you're considering implementing a configurator, contact us to discuss your project objectives and potential solution architecture.