Custom Boat Covers Made Faster and More Accurate with 3D Scanning
Challenge: Transforming traditional sailmaking techniques into a modern, digitized, easier to carry out process that allows for greater design freedom and more efficient data processing.
Solution: Artec Leo, Artec Studio, Rhino 3D
Result: A streamlined workflow that only requires two site visits: one for measuring and another for installation. 3D scanning gives designers the full picture, so they can avoid costly errors. Going from scan to model takes mere hours in a completely digital environment.
Why Artec 3D?: Artec Leo is incredibly easy to pick up and start using, it’s also target-free – which is vital, as it would otherwise be impractical to scan up-to-40-foot boats. Artec Studio workflows automate scan data processing, while delivering faster, more repeatable results.
Designing custom boat covers has always been a balancing act between precision, time, and fit. Boats feature complex curves, varying deck layouts, and countless model variations—making traditional measuring methods slow and prone to error. This case study shows how 3D scanning technology transforms that process, enabling faster workflows and consistently accurate results.
By using Artec 3D scanning solutions, a marine upholstery manufacturer was able to capture highly detailed digital models of boats and use them to design perfectly fitted custom covers—without repeated physical measurements or trial-and-error adjustments.
The Challenge: Complex Geometry and Manual Measurements
Boat covers must fit tightly and accurately to perform correctly and look professional. However, measuring a boat by hand is time-consuming and often requires multiple visits. Curved surfaces, railings, windshields, and consoles make it difficult to capture every detail accurately using traditional tools.
For manufacturers producing covers at scale—or offering premium custom solutions—manual measurements can quickly become a bottleneck, slowing production and increasing the risk of costly remakes.
The 3D Scanning Solution
To streamline the process, the team introduced handheld 3D scanning into their workflow. Using an Artec scanner, they were able to quickly capture the full geometry of each boat, including:
- Deck contours and hull geometry
- Windshields, rails, and seating areas
- Hard-to-measure curves and transitions
The scanning process required no surface preparation and could be completed directly at the dock, minimizing disruption and eliminating the need for repeat visits.
From Scan to Design in Artec Studio
Once captured, scan data was processed in Artec Studio, where it was cleaned, aligned, and converted into an accurate 3D mesh. These digital models were then used as a reference for designing custom boat covers in CAD software.
With a precise digital twin of each boat, designers could confidently create patterns that matched the boat’s exact geometry—without relying on assumptions or approximations.
The Results
By integrating 3D scanning into their production workflow, the manufacturer achieved:
- Perfect-fit custom boat covers with minimal rework
- Faster turnaround times from measurement to production
- Reduced labor and travel costs
- Digital records of boat models that can be reused for future orders
Having a digital archive of scanned boats also allowed the team to quickly produce replacement covers or design variations without needing the boat onsite again.
Why This Matters for Marine Manufacturers
For marine upholstery shops, boat builders, and custom fabricators, 3D scanning offers a smarter way to work. Accurate digital capture eliminates guesswork, speeds up design, and improves consistency—especially when working with high-end or custom vessels.
At Rapid Scan 3D, we help marine and manufacturing professionals adopt 3D scanning workflows that reduce errors, save time, and improve product quality.
If you’re interested in using 3D scanning to streamline custom fabrication or reverse engineering projects, our team can help you find the right solution.