Introduction: 3D Printed RC Benchy

This instructable will aid you in making a 3D printed RC benchy. A benchy is 3d model of a boat that is commonly used to test the accuracy and capabilities of a 3D printer. After printing my first benchy and testing it in water I was disappointed it could not float. After further research, I found out that the benchy was purposely designed not to float. So I made it a project to make a fully functional RC benchy. The design of the boat was made by Thully and can be found on thingiverse

Supplies

  1. Mini Rc Boat :- the exact boat I used ( https://www.walmart.com/ip/Adventure-Force-RC-Remote-Control-Nano-6-inch-Mini-Boat-Outer-Limits-Catamaran/565935475?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=328&adid=22222222277565935475_117755028669_12420145346&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=pla-293946777986&wl5=9022811&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=565935475&wl13=328&veh=sem_LIA&gclid=Cj0KCQjw06OTBhC_ARIsAAU1yOVe107oN0nq2P10jE_J6R0K8bQ4IZFhkE6rCm9q-X9MB4Ov0KFQgsMaAotQEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds)
  2. Soldering iron
  3. Solder
  4. Silicone
  5. Hacksaw
  6. small Philips screwdriver
  7. scrapper
  8. ballast ( small lead beads)

Step 1: Removing the Circuit From the RC Boat

  • Use the small Philips screw driver to remove all the screw from the underside of the boat
  • Separate the top and bottom halves of the boat from each other to reveal the circuit
  • The wires of connected to the motors go through a small hole sealed by white silicone. Use the scraper to scrape away the silicone
  • Use the hacksaw to cut perpendicularly towards the hole to make a small slit the wires can pass through. ( be very careful not to cut the wires)
  • remove circuit by lifting it out of its seating

Step 2: Soldering the Water Sensor

This specific boat has a water sensor used as a safety feature. So the boat won't turn on unless its in water. To prevent making another hole in the bottom of the benchy it is best to just solder both terminals together. The water sensor is located on the underside of the circuit

Step 3: Placing the Motors

  • Take the propellers off and place the motors in the slots made for then in the benchy (note:- ensure you take note which motor is the left and right motors, accidently switching them can cause the benchy controls the be inverted)
  • Make sure the motors are pushed all the way down in the slot and and silicone to seal the hole from the inside. leave to dry for 24 hrs
  • After the silicone is dry put propellers on the ends of the motors. (note :- ensure the left propeller is going in the left motor and same for the right side. The propeller blades are cut different and this can cause control issues )


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Step 4: Adding Ballast

  • The benchy is very light so it floats real high in the water. This makes the boat more unstable and easier to tip over. So a ballast is needed in the hull to weigh it down.
  • I added small marbles to the hull until the boat floats are the water line. Lead beads is preferred as ballast
  • after the ballast is added the deck can be glued down with stick glue for a temporary adhesive.

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Step 5: Test RC Benchy

  • Bring Rc becnhy to a body of water ( pond, pool, baththub....) to test it.
  • Observe boat spot any issues to fine tune it such as adding, removing and shifting ballast

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