3d print rc sailboat

3D Printed RC Sailboat

Introduction: 3D Printed RC Sailboat

Hi I'm Ethan and I spent large amount of time on what I would call a very interesting project.

Step 1: What Made Me Choose a Sailboat.

For about a year now I have been following the progress of the Tally Ho project. The YouTube channel Sampson Boat Co documents the mission to rebuild the 110 year old classic sailing yacht Tally Ho. Ever since I started watching this project I have been intrigued by the detail and design that goes into a sailboat. When I began this project I severely underestimated the difficulty of doing this project on Inventor and overestimated my AutoCAD Inventor skills. Although through the 11 hours I have spent trying to design and fix the endless errors created by those designs I can happily say that I'm proud of what I made and that I have progressed my inventor skills.

Step 2: Understanding the Design

I got the design for this boat from studying other ships rib sketches and designs. I used CAD Inventor to spline the shape of each rib to create the shape of the hull. The 3d model required a large ammount of work to get it to print correctly.

Step 3: 3D Printing

To print the boat I put the files into my slicer and scaled them up to 643% because of how its loaded in. The hull should add up to be about 20 inches or so. make sure to print with the largest flat surface of each part as the base to prevent warping. In you slicer's settings your going to set infill to 0 and the top and bottom layer to the minimum thickness so that you can cut the parts open. Although for the bow and stern only change the settings for the first layer. After that you should have all 6 parts done. You will also want to sand out the hole that the mast will insert into.

Step 4: Assembly

For assembling the parts I used 15 minute Resin. you should attach sets of 2 and think of where you want it to split. I chose to have the split be before the mast as shown by the black tape. The split is where I put in all of the electronics. When sealing up the split part of the boat I used hot glue so I could peel it away and reopen it to access the electronics. I know that's not the best way but I was trying to stay away from designing a hinge door on the deck.

Step 5: Electronics

For the electronics I tore apart an old RC car for the servo and receiver with matching remote. I went to a hobby shop and bought a AA battery pack for the power supply. The Servo was placed into a cut out I made in the deck with a Dremel and the rest was placed inside. Remember that depending on what your using for ballast and where it is in the boat you might have to take into account where the battery pack is placed.

Step 6: Ballast and Rudder

For the ballast I used stainless steel bb gun ammo because of how heavy it is and that is more or less form fitting. you can use other materials for ballast but take into to account how you will secure it in place. The rudder is made out of a cut as sanded paint mixer and the shaft is a shaped piece of solder with a rivet head hammered onto the top end to make sure the servo doesn't disconnect.

Step 7: Mast and Lines

Around the hull are two loops and two rods that are used as tie down points for the lines the attach to the top of the mast. Mast was also assembled using resign. Once you insert the fully assembled mast you should take string or wire and tie each of the four points to the top of the mast. Once the lines are done I cut out the mainsail using a Zip-Lock bag. the joints are made of tape and the beam along the bottom of the sail is another piece of solder.

Step 8: The Printable Files

Attachments.

Revolutionizing RC Sailboats with 3D Printing Technology

• By - Kyle Hilson
• Posted on May 3, 2023 June 2, 2023
• Posted in RC Boats

RC sailboats are a popular hobby enjoyed by many people worldwide. They are miniature models of real sailboats that are powered by wind and controlled remotely. RC sailboats come in different shapes and sizes, and enthusiasts can easily customize their boats by adding decorations or changing the design of their boats. In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of 3D printing technology in the design and construction of RC sailboats. 3D printing technology has revolutionized the way hobbyists can create their sailboats, making it easier and more affordable to create custom designs. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of 3D printed RC sailboats, the design and build process, performance advantages, examples and success stories, maintenance and repairs, and the future of 3D printed RC sailboats. If you are looking to get into RC sailboats or want to take your hobby to the next level, read on to learn how 3D printing technology can take your RC sailboat experience to new heights.

Benefits of 3D Printed RC Sailboat

The benefits of 3D printing in the construction of RC sailboats are evident. Here are some of the advantages of using this technology:

• 3D printing makes it easier and more affordable to create custom RC sailboats
• Greater precision and accuracy in design and construction
• Boats can be made faster and with greater customization than traditional methods
• More complex designs can be achieved with 3D printing .
• Parts can be easily replaced in case of damage
• Access to a wide range of materials to choose from for printing

Several websites offer plans and designs for 3D printed RC sailboats that hobbyists can use as a starting point. Others sell 3D printed parts that can be used to upgrade existing sailboats. One such website is Cults3D, which offers several RC sailboat models available for download. With 3D printing, the possibilities for creating unique, personalized RC sailboats are endless.

What are the benefits of 3D printing in construction?

If you’re interested in learning more about 3D printing in construction or trying it out, you can check out websites like 3Dnatives or companies like ICON.

Design and Build Process

Building a 3D printed RC sailboat involves the following steps:

Design Phase

• Choose the right type of RC sailboat design
• Create a 3D model of the boat using a 3D software like Fusion 360 or Tinkercad
• Optimize the design for 3D printing by checking the design for potential errors and ensuring that it is watertight

Construction Phase

• Select materials suitable for 3D printing the boat
• Use a 3D printer to print the parts of the boat
• Assemble the parts of the boat
• Add electronics, such as a motor and servo , as necessary

It is interesting to note that the use of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers is popular for 3D printing RC sailboats. This is because FDM printers can print objects that are water-resistant and durable.

Before starting the print process, it is essential to choose the right filament material . Common materials used for 3D printing RC sailboats include PLA , ABS , Nylon , PETG , and TPU . PLA is a popular choice because of its ease of use, low cost, and eco-friendliness. On the other hand, Nylon is a very durable material that can withstand challenging sailing conditions.

Example of Bill of Materials

What is the structure of a sailboat?

A sailboat is composed of several parts that work together to navigate through water. Below is a brief overview of the typical structure of a sailboat:

• Hull – the main body of the boat, which provides buoyancy and stability
• Deck – the uppermost surface of the boat, which provides a platform for crew members to move around on
• Mast – a vertical pole that holds the sails aloft
• Sails – large pieces of fabric that are attached to the mast and boom and catch the wind to propel the boat forward
• Boom – a horizontal pole that holds the bottom of the mainsail
• Rudder – a flat piece of metal or wood at the stern of the boat that is used to steer
• Keel – a weighted fin that is attached to the bottom of the boat and helps keep it stable while sailing

Understanding the structure of a sailboat is crucial for sailing safety. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, websites such as sailmagazine.com and sailtraining.org offer useful information and resources. Additionally, products such as “The Annapolis Book of Seamanship” by John Rousmaniere provide a comprehensive guide to sailing and sailboat anatomy.

3D printed RC sailboats offer several advantages over traditional models. Some of these advantages include:

Lightweight Construction

• 3D printing allows for lightweight construction, which improves the boat’s speed and maneuverability
• Designers can optimize the weight distribution of the boat to achieve optimal performance

Design Flexibility

• 3D printing enables designers to create complex geometries and designs that are not possible with traditional methods
• Designers can create more aerodynamic and hydrodynamic shapes, leading to faster sailing speeds

Customizability

• With 3D printing , designers have complete control over the design and construction of the boat
• Customization options are virtually endless, from hull shape to color scheme

Interestingly, a 3D printed RC sailboat designed by Gary Smith set the record for the fastest wind-powered boat in 2016, reaching a speed of 68.01 miles per hour. This demonstrates the potential that 3D printed RC sailboats have for high performance.

Several websites offer resources for anyone interested in building their own 3D-printed RC sailboat , including Thingiverse , Pinshape , and MyMiniFactory . These sites offer boat designs, 3D printing instructions, and other resources to help enthusiasts get started on their projects.

Can you 3D print a sailboat?

Yes, it is possible to 3D print a sailboat, however, it largely depends on the design and size of the sailboat.

• 3D printing can be cost-effective and offer limitless possibilities for custom designs.
• Large 3D printers are required for printing bigger scale boats.
• 3D printing technology is still evolving, and its application in the marine industry is still limited.

Various companies like the Italian start-up Livrea Yachts have used 3D printing technology to create customized sailboats. However, it’s worth noting that traditional sailboat manufacturing methods are still the most commonly used.

There are numerous 3D printed RC sailboats that have gained popularity in recent years, including:

OpenRC Sailboat

• Designed by Daniel Noree and featured on Thingiverse, the OpenRC Sailboat is a popular option for hobbyists
• It features a sleek design, with a V-shaped hull and three triangular sails
• The boat is customizable, with options for different material thicknesses depending on desired weight and durability

Ada Lovelace’s RC Sailboat

• Engineering students at the University of Southampton recreated Ada Lovelace’s 1845 sailboat design using 3D printing and modern RC technology
• The resulting boat was not only functional, but also historically significant

Little RC Yacht

• Designed by MyRCCar, this boat features a classic yacht design with modern RC components
• The boat is easy to assemble and can be printed in sections to fit smaller 3D printers

In addition to these designs, many hobbyists have successfully designed and built their own 3D printed RC sailboats . Online communities such as RC Groups and the 3D Printing subreddit offer resources and support for those interested in pursuing this hobby.

What is the most popular RC sailboat class?

The most popular RC sailboat class is the International One Metre (IOM) because of its affordability, ease of transportation, and competitive racing opportunities worldwide. Some of the benefits of IOM racing include:

• A well-established class with a large and active community
• An affordable price point for both building and purchasing ready-to-sail boats
• Ease of transportation due to the smaller size of the boats compared to other classes
• Opportunities to race competitively at local, national, and international levels

For more information about IOM racing, visit the International Radio Sailing Association website.

Maintenance and Repairs

Maintaining and repairing a 3D printed RC sailboat is similar to traditional RC sailboats, with a few key differences due to the materials used. Here are some tips to keep your 3D printed RC sailboat in top condition:

• Use a low-strength filament for parts that require flexibility, such as sails or rigging
• Inspect the boat regularly for cracks or damage, as 3D printed parts are more prone to breakage than traditional materials
• Keep the boat dry and store it in a protective case to prevent warping
• Use sandpaper or a file to smooth any rough edges or corners on printed parts
• Replace parts as necessary, such as the sail or rigging, with 3D printed replacements

There are online resources available for 3D printed RC sailboat enthusiasts to purchase replacement parts or upgrades to their boat. Many hobbyists offer 3D printed parts for sale on websites such as Etsy and Ebay. Some sites also offer free designs for 3D printed RC sailboat parts, such as Thingiverse and MyMiniFactory .

Conclusion and Future of 3D Printed RC Sailboats

In conclusion, 3D printing has opened up new possibilities for the world of RC sailboats, allowing for greater customization and precision in design and construction. While the technology is still relatively new, the potential for growth and innovation is endless. As the demand for 3D printed RC sailboats increases, we can expect to see further advancements in materials, printing methods, and design.

Those interested in exploring this hobby can access a wide range of resources, including software and online communities, to help get started. With the introduction of affordable 3D printers and user-friendly design software, creating a custom RC sailboat has never been easier.

Overall, 3D printed RC sailboats are an exciting new development in the world of RC sailboats. The possibilities for customization, innovation and personalization are limitless. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this growing hobby.

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3D Printed Radio Yachts

How To Design And 3D Print Rigid Lightweight Yachts To Go Racing

“The Nano”: First Dedicated 3D RC Class

The International Radio Sailing Association (IRSA) has released a set of international rules for a unique new class based on the emerging 3D Printing Technology. 

This new and exciting style of class is focused on expanding and promoting Radio Yachting to a much wider audience.

Following is an extract from the Question and Answer section of the IRSA web site.

The new Class Rules are also on the site at Documents:  https://www.radiosailing.org/documents

For further information contact:

Selwyn Holland

[email protected]

(IRSA General Secretary)

__________________________________

What is the point of the NANO class?

The advent of 3D printing fittings and other parts for rc boats raises the possibility of a class where the hulls and other parts are largely constructed by 3D printing and, probably, by the end user. Although this may well work in the existing RG65 and FOOTY classes, those class rules permit conventional moulded carbon fibre for the hull and deck structures and this confers a large weight/stiffness advantage to boats built using ‘hi tech’ methods

A new class rule devised specifically to cater for those who want to create their own boat, primarily by printing it themselves, would seem to be a logical step for the sport.

Such a class is an ideal one in which students of all ages can test their design and build skills. Perfect for craft, design and technology projects. The possibility of designing the boat on Friday and going racing on Saturday has become a reality.

Importantly the class raises the possibility of readily available low cost boats within an open class that is ideal for those starting the sport of rc sailing. You do not have to choose a one design with no freedom to experiment. 

Objectives of NANO class

• Sailors are quite likely to be able to design and build the majority of their own boat
• Hull and associated structural parts may only be made by 3D printing
• No hull/boat certification process
• No sail area measurement
• Event measurement only
• Draught/length ratio not so large that fin technology rules – 0.45 length maximum
• Tightly controlled rig size and number

Provisional class rules have been launched in May 2017. It is anticipated that feedback from users may assist with refinement of the class rules, if required, to help achieve the desired objectives.

Download 128 3D print files tagged with keyword Sailboat

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Maker 3D prints giant 'Benchy' sailboat and takes it out on the water

How big is your Benchy?

If you've ever wanted a boat of your own, it turns out all you need is a 3D printer and, well, a boatload of patience. Today we've got an incredible creation to share from maker Emily of the YouTube channel Emily the Engineer. She's using one of our favorite tools—a 3D printer—to create a huge working boat. But it's not just any boat, she's 3D printed a giant working Benchy .

Benchy is the name of a tiny 3D printable boat that makers use to test their 3D printers. It has angles and vertical holes that are tricky to print which makes it a great benchmark file — hence the name. To develop one big enough to use in the water, Emily printed larger and larger Benchy boats, testing their buoyancy along the way to help develop a working life-size version.

The final big Benchy is comprised of many small pieces which allows Emily to print it over time using small printers. The pieces were designed digitally to snap together with alignment pegs. However, some of the pieces had gaps when fitting together which needed to be sealed watertight.

Many of the gaps were sealed using 3D Gloop, a type of adhesive made specifically for the types of materials you'll commonly find people printing with. In addition to the 3D Gloop, a soldering iron was used to melt some of the pieces together. The outer seams were sealed using epoxy.

The giant Benchy boat was a working success but it wasn't very stable, bobbing a bit in the water. This was alleviated using a pontoon system Emily built using PVC pipe. To avoid paddling the boat around, she threw in a motor, making it self-propelled. All the work culminated in a successful trip across the lake to go get some Wendy's.

If you want to get a closer look at this giant Benchy boat in action or just see how it went together, you can check out the full video over on YouTube . Be sure to follow Emily for more cool creations as well as any updates to this one.

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Ash Hill is a contributing writer for Tom's Hardware with a wealth of experience in the hobby electronics, 3D printing and PCs. She manages the Pi projects of the month and much of our daily Raspberry Pi reporting while also finding the best coupons and deals on all tech.

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• bit_user It's not a sailboat if it doesn't have a sail. I'm not sure exactly what that style of boat is called, but it's clearly designed to be propeller-driven and can't accommodate a sail. Reply

bit_user said: I'm not sure exactly what that style of boat is called, but it's clearly designed to be propeller-driven and can't accommodate a sail.

• Geef I think this is supposed to be a 'kid' powered boat. You throw your kid into the water and say 'start kicking!' 🏊‍♂️ Reply
• View All 3 Comments

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Boat Docking Assistant

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Description

This was designed after seeing a similar system. The end caps can be printed with TPU or PETG. The TPU is better for less noise vwhen in use. I used 15" of ¾ in PVC pipe, but ½ could by used just reducung the size of the model. 

Works Great when Docking  Your Boat (especially by Yourself ), and is Very Adjustable.

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The author marked this model as their own original creation.

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