1 / 22
RC Tugboat with Functional Azimuth Thrusters — image 1
1 / 22

RC Tugboat with Functional Azimuth Thrusters

Order a print of this model

We calculate the final price from your selected file. You review and accept it before payment.

Saved on this device.

Model information

License
Creative Commons — Attribution

A fully 3D printed RC harbour tug with a working azimuth stern drive. The two pods rotate 360°, giving it the same rudderless maneuverability as a real ASD tug — spinning on the spot, crabbing sideways, and full thrust in any direction.

Control is managed by a custom ESP32 set up - one at each end with NRF24L01 radio modules for communication and rotarty encoders on the controller to set the pod angles. Code for this is available on the Github repo.

The vessel design is based on a real ASD tug based at Port Otago, NZ called 'Arihi'.

Printing Notes
  • I printed everything in PLA on an Ender 3 V3 SE

  • Layer height was 0.2mm for everything except I reduced to 0.16mm for the bevel gears and propellers

  • Probably good idea to add 1-2 extra wall loops for the hull parts to help prevent water seeping through

Other Parts

There are a few bits like the bearings and metal drive shafts that are not 3D printed. These and all the electronics for the vessel and custom controller are listed here:
https://sketchycircuits.com/projects/tugboat#parts-list

Video

Subscribe to my new Youtube channel - more projects are coming!

Tags