Utility Ship - One Prop Remix

The aim of this remix was to have a complete library of parts required to print and build a single propellor version utility ship.

Included is a list of hardware & electronics that can be used, a number of custom designed parts, and links to other Thingiverse parts to aid in completing this as a fully functioning RC model.

All parts were printed in PLA, with 25% infill, and are scaled to fit a printer with an approximate build area of 255x255x260mm. Ensure all parts have been dropped to build plate level prior before printing.

Assembly notes:

Hull
Completed hull pieces were glued with epoxy. Automotive body filler, followed by high fill primer, & wet sanding were used to smooth the hull prior to being painted.

Prop shaft
The hole for the prop shaft may need to be carefully drilled out to fit the stuffing tube. Test fit with propellor and rudder installed to ensure clearance. Affix with epoxy. Fill stuffing tube with grease prior to use.

Rudder
A 3mm stainless or brass shaft is required. Epoxy the shaft into the rudder. The shaft length may need to be trimmed. File a notch in the top end for the grub screw in the rudder arm to gab on to. Use a small amount of grease on the shaft on the final fitting.

Deck
The deck edges required some sanding to ensure a perfect fit. The deck is glued to the hull with epoxy. Attach the superstructure base and deck lid seal with epoxy after the deck is installed. It may be easier to install them prior to affixing the deck.

Superstructure
The two superstructure base halves are glued with epoxy. The guard rail is attached with CA. Clear Lexan cut into strips make good windows, which can be affixed on the inside of the wheelhouse with CA. The wheel house roof can be affixed with CA.

The Mast is affixed to the wheelhouse with M3 bolts.
The wheelhouse can be attached to the superstructure base with CA or M3 bolts.

I used Thing#3190956 for the mast top. Once printed, cut it to the desired length prior to affixing with CA. Consider installing wires and lights prior to final placement.

The exhaust stacks can be cut to the desired shape from 8-10mm tube (such as an old arrow shaft) and glued into place with CA.

All other deck accessories were attached with CA

The superstructure has holes incorporated for 3mm LEDs if you choose to add lighting, with the exception of the navigation lights, they need to be drilled.

Running gear
Thing#2353464 can be used for the motor mount (550 size motors) in conjunction with the 3d printed wedge. A small amount of sanding was required to the base of the wedge to get the perfect drive angle. A m3 bolt and 2x zip-ties are used to attach the motor to the mount.

Thing#3707316 is used for the battery tray. A simple stand is used to position the front of the tray over the prop shaft to enable easy access to the battery from the deck lid.

The ESC is installed directly in front of the motor on the raised mount.

A standard size servo is mounted vertically using Thing#2502818, epoxied to the side of the hull.

The Receiver is mounted on the opposite side of the hull to the rudder servo. The included bracket is designed to fit an AR6000 spektrum clone RX wrapped in a plastic bag (other RX types may fit)

Ballast
Lead sinkers can be hot glued or epoxied into the hull for ballast. Approx. 900g of lead is required. I used 3x 12oz sinkers, one either side of the motor & one towards the front. As they were initially too heavy, I drilled a couple of holes in the weights and tested the boat in water (with battery and electronics installed). I continued to drill holes in the sinkers and retest until I got the boat to sit in the water correctly.

Recommended Parts:

Rudder shaft – 3mm x 100mm
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9xJxuv

Rudder steering arm – 3mm diameter hole
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9fAK5R

Servo – standard size
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_APfXtx

Pushrod – M2x200mm
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DcjTrI9

Clevis – M2
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AYxNhj

Motor – 550/ 35 turn brushed
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkYBQx7

ESC – brushed ESC
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A5GSZB

Prop shaft & stuffing tube – 3mm propellor shaft, 150mm shaft length, 100mm tube length, universal joint to suit 3.175mm motor shaft
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DB2n41P
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEg1KCV
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEBs3Sz

Transmitter - min 3 channel recommended
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFco42D

Battery - 2s 25c 2200mah is a good starting point
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEiyNrf

Lights
LED rc switch
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnoCz8v
LEDS – 3mm (12v)
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AFR901

Updates:
13Dec21-Wheelhouse parts re-uploaded to fix drop to build plate issue.
13Dec21-.OBJ files uploaded.
10Dec23 - some links updated