RC Tugboat

This is a functioning 3d printed RC Tug Boat that has been designed using rene76’s thing:2840309 hull and parts as a starting platform.

Included with this design is the original (unmodified) hull files, a number of custom designed parts, an example list of hardware & electronics that can be used, and links to other Thingiverse parts to aid in completing this as a fully functioning RC model.

All parts were printed in PLA, most parts with 50% infill, motor mount and rudder ring 100% infill, on a printer with an approximate build area of 255x255x260mm. Ensure all parts have been dropped to build plate level prior too printing.
Assembly notes:
Hull
Completed hull pieces were glued with epoxy. The whole hull was then painted with epoxy, high fill primer & wet sanding were used to smooth the hull prior to being painted with acrylic spray cans.
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 and trim too length if required. 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. Test fit to the rudder stuffing tube, apply grease to the shaft on the final fitting.
Prop
The plastic prop I used needed to be trimmed to fit inside the rudder ring. Try to ensure that about the same amount is taken from each blade, and sand smooth when finished.

Superstructure
The superstructure can be assembled with CA. Clear Lexan cut into strips make good windows, which can be affixed on the inside of the wheelhouse with CA or hot glue. Run any lights and wires before affixing the wheel house roof with CA.
All other deck accessories were attached with CA

Running gear
Install the motor mount first, test fit and mark location prior to affixing with epoxy.
The battery tray can be assembled and installed with CA. A stand is used to position the front of the tray over the prop shaft to enable easy access to the battery from the rear hatch lid.
The ESC is installed to the left of the motor, I used double sided tape, a non-waterproof ESC may need to be mounted higher to keep it dry.
A 9g servo is mounted vertically using thing:703530, epoxied to the right side of the motor mount.
The Receiver is placed in front of the rudder servo. ensure the RX wrapped in a plastic bag and sealed.

Recommended Parts:
Rudder & steering
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
Pushrod – M2x200mm

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DcjTrI9
Clevis – M2

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AYxNhj
9g Servo
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9jKIdn
Powertrain
Motor
Turnigy 2216 aerodrive - 3mm drive
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-2217-16turn-1050kv-23a-outrunner.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwheyUBhD-ARIsAHJNM-NJ596FTkqVGIwFphh8azpkkpHCHfaACr2qgsbQyFrmpCVWIetIQIAaAqxYEALw_wcB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwheyUBhD-ARIsAHJNM-NJ596FTkqVGIwFphh8azpkkpHCHfaACr2qgsbQyFrmpCVWIetIQIAaAqxYEALw_wcB
or
2212 (2830) 1300kv out runner (prop drive type)
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9iAOVR

ESC
30-40A brushless, waterproof ESC recommended.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ACWjCZ

Propshaft/prop/uni joint
M3 150mm sleve, 200mm shaft
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AeFqC9
Universal joint - 3mm to 3mm
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A2JfPJ
Prop
2 blade, 27mm diameter, 3mm shaft hole.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ALvcvJ

Electronics
Transmitter - I use the GoolRC Tg3 transmitter as it has 3 channels and the ability to limit steering and throttle throw.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFco42D

Battery
Turnigy 2s, 20c 1.3 Lipo
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-1300mah-2s-20c-lipo-pack.html?queryID=b34d0bf2d4c4d194fc9cdf1ad649d5b4&objectID=18119&indexName=hbk_live_products_analytics
or
2s 30c 1200mah Lipo
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Acy8Dn

Change log:
Oct 22 - Re-uploaded due to thingiverse error
Apr 23 - Added .OBJ files
Dec 23 - updated some links