The Open Source Outboard

Description:

The Open Source Outboard is a 3d printable outboard motor for rc watercraft. It is an original design that was developed as part of a larger effort of making an radio controlled fishing boat, a lofty goal. If you are going to shoot into the sky, at least aim for a star. That’s what mama always said.

View the Github Page for more information!

Disclaimer:

This is an adult toy and it should be used with caution. It has a blade that can spin very fast, held together with plastic threads extruded by your printer. I don’t trust my printer to make a shelf bracket that would hang above my head. So I do not EVER run this out of the water. One has not jettisoned yet, but it is a demonstrated possibility. PLEASE BE SAFE!

Videos

Open Source Outboard - Version 1 - Testing
[Single Motor Steering System - Version ALPHA - Build Log]
Open Source Outboard - Version 1 - Design Review
Open Source Outboard - Version 1 - Build Log
(https://youtu.be/_XBBsyASD9s)
Dual Motor Steering System - Version ALPHA - Build Log

Bill of Materials

I'm linking to Amazon because it is fast and convenient. There are better prices to be found. I'm also linking to Accugroup because I like their selection and the hardware has been great quality. I live in the states and they are in the uk, but its worth the wait in my opinion. I only use stainless/torx type because dealing with a stripped screw in plastic is frustrating to put it politely.

Open Source Outboard

• Required RC Electronics: the type is optional, these are my choices.
  • Transmitter/Receiver
  • ESC (usually bought with motor)
  • 3s Lipo Battery or 2s Lipo Battery
• Sensorless Brushless Motor
  • Supported Sizes
    • 2845, 3650 (no water cooler support)
• 4mm stainless steel rod
• Stainless Steel Fasteners
  • (4) M3x6mm
  • (2) M3x8mm
  • (2) M3x10mm
  • (1) M3x14mm
  • (4) M3 Nuts
  • (1) M3 Nylon Locking Nut
  • (3) 4mm ID Flanged Bearings
  • (1) 3.17mm to 4mm Shaft Coupler Much less expensive internationally
• (1) Water Pump

Single Motor Steering System

• Mini Servo
• (2) 3mm ID flanged bearings
• Stainless Steel Fasteners
  • (3) M3x8mm
  • (1) M3x10mm
  • (1) M3x20mm
  • (1) M3x30mm
  • (3) M3x50mm
  • (5) M3 Nylon Locking Nut
  • (3) M3 Nuts

Dual Motor Steering System

• Mini Servo
• (7) 3mm ID flanged bearings
• Stainless Steel Fasteners
  • (6) M3x8mm
  • (8) M3x10mm
  • (2) M3x20mm
  • (2) M3x25mm
  • (6) M3x50mm
  • (22) M3 Nylon Locking Nut
  • (2) M3 Nuts

Print Settings

Needs to be printed with a filament that has little shrinkage. I use PET-G, ABS is an option. PLA may not work, I haven't tried it however. These settings are required, because the design has dimensions that are multiples of that line width. This means all the parts can be printed at the same time. It also means, that if you find your hardware does not fit well (screws should slide through with little resistance, nuts should drop in nut traps but hold when being threaded) you can adjust the scale of the entire assembly. All the parts will fit together still and the hardware hole should change. This could affect the way the slicer plans the print, so check the layers for gaps before printing. Gaps in the walls is bad.

• .4mm nozzle
• .4mm line width
• .4mm wall thickness
• 100% infill
• No supports
• .2mm layer height or better

More Info

Github Page