HydroComp was formed as a corporation in 1984 by Jill Aaron [Managing Director] and Donald MacPherson [Technical Director]. This partnership continues to direct HydroComp’s evolution and growth to this day, resulting in a dynamic consultancy known worldwide for its software and services.

Responding to the growth in desktop computing during the mid-1980s, HydroComp introduced the first version of the NavCad® software in 1987. NavCad is still HydroComp’s flagship product, with users in all corners of the world from design to construction to academia. In addition to NavCad, HydroComp’s software products grew to include PropExpert®, PropCad®, PropElements®,  SwiftCraft®, and SwiftTrial® – programs for propeller sizing & analysis, propeller CAD, resistance and powering, and sea-trial & analysis.

Consulting services have always been an important part of HydroComp’s business offerings. Using the same commercial software sold to industry (along with specialized codes when necessary), HydroComp provides a broad range of technical services to companies large and small. Combined with a progressive internal R&D program, these on-going technical services help keep HydroComp staff at the cutting edge of contemporary knowledge and expertise.

HydroComp developed a significant international presence early in its history. We now serve software customers and consulting clients in 60 countries. Most of the world’s major propulsion equipment manufacturers and research institutions count themselves among HydroComp’s clients. Supporting this worldwide effort over the last 25 years have been a number of representatives. We want to particularly thank retiring representative Design Systems & Technologies of Antibes, France, who were associated with HydroComp from 1992 to 2010.

HydroComp is justifiably proud of 30 years of enthusiasm by its staff, its dedication to its original mission, and the loyalty of more than 700 companies directly influenced by HydroComp software and services.

Jill Aaron and Don MacPherson are the driving force behind HydroComp’s success in the maritime and software industries.

Jill Aaron, Managing Director, Owner

Jill Aaron is HydroComp, Inc.’s Managing Director, with responsibility for the company’s day-to-day operations, global MARKETING and corporate customer communications. She co-founded HydroComp in 1984 along with Donald MacPherson.

As Managing Director, Jill is responsible for the coordination and forward direction of customer sales, training and business strategies. Jill has been instrumental in shaping HydroComp from a small naval architectural firm to a global leader in hydrodynamics. She also served as Executive Director of the International Marine Software Associates (IMSA).

Jill holds a Bachelor of Science degree form Boston University’s School of Management along with a minor in Marketing and Spanish. She also studied at the Universidad de Valencia, Spain.

Jill has served on the Board of Directors of the local humane society, head coach of the youth indoor field hockey program, and volunteers for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Along with spending time with her family and dog she enjoys hiking and snowshoeing in New Hampshire.

Donald MacPherson, Technical Director, Owner

Donald MacPherson is an internationally-recognized specialist in applied hydrodynamics with particular emphasis on the design of propulsors, and the numerical forecasting of vessel and propulsor performance. He received his degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from The Webb Institute of Naval Architecture.

After various positions in industry, he co-founded HydroComp, Inc. to provide products and services in the field of applied hydrodynamics, most notably for the prediction of vessel and propulsor performance. He is responsible for all technical services, and the design and support of software products. In addition to his commercial duties as VP Technical Director of HydroComp, he is also an Instructor of Naval Architecture at the University of New Hampshire.

Donald is a member of numerous professional societies including IMarEST, ASNE, NMPA and notably SNAME, where he is a member the H8 “Propellers” panel and is former Chair of the New England Section.

Donald enjoys playing, officiating and coaching field hockey in his free time. He also plays the bagpipes.

The maritime and software industries are constantly changing. To stay current on the latest technologies, HydroComp is a member of a number of technical and professional organizations. These organizations include:

• Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME)
• National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)
• Institute of Marine Engineers (IMarEST)
• American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE)
• National Marine Propeller Association (NMPA)
• New Hampshire High Technology Council
• New Hampshire International Trade Association
• New Hampshire Aerospace and Defense Consortium (NHADEC)
• Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA)

HydroComp tools are regularly used throughout an entire ship’s life – from predicting top speed during concept design to optimizing fuel economy of a ship already built, and multiple roles in between. The HydroComp tools are flexible to accomplish these tasks and others for nearly any vessel. HydroComp products have been used to aid in the design of high speed power boats a few meters long to ocean going vessels several hundred meters long.