Mechanical

Kerf vs Bentley Maxsurf

Integrated naval architecture hull design and stability platform — versus an open-core CAD with hydrostatics, seakeeping, and resistance prediction.

11/11in Kerf today

10/11in Bentley Maxsurf (included)

0behind a paid tier

2026-05-24last reviewed

Grouped by discipline (D1–D14), same as Kerf's own capability list. Click a section to expand it.

D1 Geometry & core CAD 1 of 2 matched

Capability	Kerf	Bentley Maxsurf
DXF / IGES / 3DM file exchange	yes `packages/kerf-imports/src/`	yes source ↗
LLM / chat-native editing	yes `src/components/ChatPanel.jsx`	no source ↗

D5 Aero / marine / space 9 of 9 matched

Capability	Kerf	Bentley Maxsurf
Hull form modelling (NURBS)	yes `packages/kerf-cad-core/src/kerf_cad_core/surfacing.py`	yes source ↗
Hydrostatics (intact)	yes `packages/kerf-marine/src/kerf_marine/hydrostatics.py`	yes source ↗
Intact and damage stability (IMO)	yes `packages/kerf-marine/src/kerf_marine/stability.py`	yes source ↗
Resistance prediction	yes `packages/kerf-marine/src/kerf_marine/holtrop_mennen.py`	yes source ↗
Seakeeping / motions	yes `packages/kerf-marine/src/kerf_marine/seakeeping.py`	yes source ↗
Structural analysis (scantlings) — ISO 12215-5	yes `packages/kerf-marine/src/kerf_marine/scantlings.py`	yes source ↗
Structural analysis (scantlings) — Lloyd's / DNV / BV / ABS rules	yes `packages/kerf-marine/src/kerf_marine/scantling_check.py`	yes source ↗
Sailing VPP	yes `packages/kerf-marine/src/kerf_marine/vpp.py`	yes source ↗
Section / body-plan curves	yes `packages/kerf-marine/src/kerf_marine/sections.py`	yes source ↗

yes shipped
partial works with limits
paid tier present, but behind an add-on or meter
no not available

Corrections welcome. These rows are read off published documentation on the date shown and go stale as products ship. If a row is wrong, open an issue — the source file is public/compare/maxsurf.md and every claim in it carries a link.