Summary

This was my entry into the Moat Boat Paddle Battle at Maker Faire NY 2015. This boat did not win but I'm happy to share my observations that could make it better.

Print Settings

Rafts:

Doesn't Matter

                                            <p class="detail-setting supports"><strong>Supports: </strong>                     <div><p>Yes</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting resolution"><strong>Resolution: </strong>                     <div><p>.25 mm</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting infill"><strong>Infill: </strong>                     <div><p>10%</p></div></p>                                                        <br>                        <p class="detail-setting notes"><strong>Notes: </strong>                    </p><div><p>The hydrofoils require supports. You could break this model apart and print all of the pieces without support but for me, I didn't want to spend extra time modeling the connection points so I decided to just print as one piece and worry about removing the supports later.</p></div>

Post-Printing

Removing Supports

            <div><p>While the front hydrofoils are strong enough to support the weight of the boat and stay stiff in the water, they are thin enough to flex. Take extra care in removing the supports so you don't break the hydrofoils off.</p><p>For the prop, I used the same mechanical design you find on rubberband-powered planes. I took a thick paperclip, straightened it and then turned one end into a loop for the rubberband. The other end went through the housing in the back and into the prop. I drilled completely through the prop and cut in a notch where the end of the paperclip came though and then bent into place. You may need to drill out the hole for the paperclip driveshaft to make sure it's a clean hole.</p></div>

How I Designed This

Designing The Boat

            <div><p>After checking out previous boat designs for the Paddle Battle, I wanted to create something unique. The previous winner used a propeller instead of a paddle so I decided to do the same, although I printed my propeller instead of buying a thin plastic one.</p><p>I've always been amazed by hydrofoils so I wanted to include them in my design. I didn't expect the boat to get completely out of the water on them, but I also knew I needed something to keep the boat tracking straight. Note: The torque of the propeller causes the boat to list to the right so the design needs modification to correct this.</p><p>The hull is a pretty typical boat shape. If I were to change it, I might make it a little lighter/smaller. It might also benefit from being wider and a bit shallower.</p><p>By the way, check out the full race/design rules here: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.moatboatpaddlebattle.com/rules/">http://www.moatboatpaddlebattle.com/rules/</a></p></div>

The Flying Fish