AirBoogie - A universal boogie board airboat!

Introducing…….AIRBOOGIE!!!! 

This is a remote control swamp boat/airboat, designed around a boogie board.

After an initial test run I have made the following changes to the design:

• Additional clearance for the propeller on the cowl

• Changed from 0.055" steering wire to M3 allthread, rudder design now uses an additional M3 heatset insert

12/19/25 update: Added optional printed variant of the leash mount, uses 6x 30mm M5 countersunk (aka flat head) hex bolts and 6x M5 nuts. Print 6x each "Printed Mount Top" and "Printed Mount Bottom". No supports should be needed. NOTE: These are currently untested, please comment if you try them. 

BOM is as follows:

• 1x Boogie Board, of course

• 1x 9x6 propeller

• 1x standard RC servo

• 4x 3x8x4mm bearing

• 4x 5x11x5mm bearing

• 23x M3 heat set inserts

• 23x M3x10 SHCS

• 4x M3 washer

• 1x pack of 6 leash mounts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XWW4JHG

• length of 0.055" wire for servo  length of M3 allthread

• 2x M3 rod ends

• 1x D3542 RC plane/drone motor

• 1x 60A plane ESC

• 1x receiver

• Zip Ties

• Battery Straps

• Heavy Duty Clear Tape or Vinyl

Printed Parts:

• 1x base - use supports for screw holes and battery strap area

• 1x cowl - no supports needed

• 1x upper rudder connector - no supports needed

• 1x lower rudder connector - no supports needed

• 1x motor mount - use brim and supports on the arms, none needed for the center piece

• 2x rudder - no supports needed

• 2x rudder connector - no supports needed

• 1x airboat leash tool - no supports needed

Assembly Instructions:

1. Print all components:

   1. Note: The motor mount should be split into the main center piece and the three arms which press fit into it. 

2. Insert heat set inserts.

3. Mark the location of the base on your boogie board with sharpie dots in the center of each hole. These can be by eye they do not need to be perfect, what is important is the base is centered left to right and aligned axially with the boogie board. Measure from the corners to each edge and use painters tape to keep it in place. It is easier to do this on the smooth hard plastic underside of the board vs the soft foam top. 

4. With all 6 holes marked, drill 1/2in (12mm) holes through the board for the leash mounts.

5. Attach the motor mount and cowl to the base, and route the battery straps before attaching the assembly to the boogie board using the leash mounts and the leash mount tool. Cover the bottom side mounts in heavy duty clear tape or vinyl for less friction.

6. Press the corresponding bearings into each rudder mount and both rudder connectors.

7. Break off the tabs from the rudders and attach the rudder connectors to both rudders using M3x10 screws and washers.

8. Insert the rudders into the lower rudder mount, and install the upper rudder mount.

9. Cut/Bend your 0.055" wire to fit the distance between your servo and rudder. A torch will help with bending the wire. Alternatively, use a section of M3 all-thread and two ball-end joints. Use best practices and your judgement here, many options can work. What is important is the wire clears the propellor, so use the first or second hole on the servo horn.

10. Install servo, motor, propellor, ESC, and receiver. There are slots in the motor mount for zip ties. 

11. Ensure wiring is all tight and secure. WATCH YOUR FINGERS!!!!! Have fun!!