In the shipbuilding industry, it is relatively common knowledge that CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/ Computer Aided Manufacturing) systems can generate accurate and consistent drawings. These drawings can then be used for production support lofting, parts generation, reference material and so forth. However, one of the most significant advantages of utilizing a CAD/CAM system is not so commonly known: the development of a design database. While conventional computer systems generate, store and analyze numerical or textual databases or both, CAD/CAM systems generate, store and analyze data bases of graphics. This paper illustrates methods which optimize use of a graphic data base, focusing on the application of CAD/CAM analytical capabilities to mass properties analyses (as practiced in naval ship design). These methods are results of combining CAD/CAM technology with existing systems and knowledge to achieve cost-effective, technically superior, more accurate methods of performing engineering tasks. Accordingly, methodology, actual productivity comparisons and other related applications are presented.