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NarvalO

(High Speed) RC Boat using plywood

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In the following section, you're gonna discover how to build a RC Boat that goes pretty fast !! This is a group project divided in 12 sessions, each session during 3 hours.

The electronical system is based on ESP and the main material is plywood.

Hope you have fun !!

Here is the advancement on week three of the hull design 

WhatsApp Vidéo 2025-05-07 à 14.02.14_bde33d92.mp4

Demonstation of product

MPEG-4 Video - 6.17 MB - 05/07/2025 at 12:02

Download

RC Hull Skeleton vFusion.dxf

Final version of the hull made on Fusion Of course you can still modify and upgrade it if you want/need to.

AutoCAD DXF - 117.01 kB - 05/07/2025 at 12:00

Download

Micro Zone Controller .pdf

Micro Zone Controller manual

Adobe Portable Document Format - 1.67 MB - 05/07/2025 at 11:38

Preview

mc6rev2.pdf

receiver

Adobe Portable Document Format - 981.14 kB - 05/07/2025 at 11:07

Preview

PRT-11855_Web.pdf

battery equivalent datasheet

Adobe Portable Document Format - 210.22 kB - 05/07/2025 at 11:06

Preview

View all 6 files

  • 1 × brushed dc motor 9V rotative brushed motor with, water resistant
  • 2 × servo motors used for direction
  • 1 × drive shaft with universal connection with universal connection of 15cm
  • 1 × propeller
  • 1 × receiver mc6re for control

View all 9 components

  • Finished prototype

    sam.funnell05/07/2025 at 12:32 0 comments

    In this session we were able to make our boat run with the correct controls. we are able to steer using the dual rudders and we have both forward and backwards thrust from the motor. with all components fitting within the boat. 

  • Final log

    edgar.febvin05/07/2025 at 11:36 0 comments

    Everything was ready until the ESC controller broke and two precise soldering gave up, so now we're trying to find a pair of steady hands to fix it. Our final product should be presented today. 

    Broken ESC

  • Week 9

    sam.funnell05/06/2025 at 11:27 0 comments

    This week we starting with the location of where to place each part within the boat. we were able to mount the dual rudders on the back of the boat. we were also able to mount the engine so that the drive shaft goes through the back transom. this allows us to be able to drive the boat as well as steer. This is shown within the pictures. also shown in the pictures is the 'top deck' to cover the interior of the boat. with the hole in the middle we are still able to turn on the motor and also work on other components. 

  • Week 8

    sam.funnell05/06/2025 at 11:16 0 comments

    During this week our main goal was to create a prototype of the hull of the boat. We did this by using a laser cutter to be able to cut plywood to create the bulkhead and other supports for the hull. we created a rough prototype of the hull design with cardboard to make sure that our dimensions are accurate and to make sure that all of our components will fit within the boat without sacrificing any usability or balance. 

    Also pictured below is the laser cutting of the 'bulkheads' that are used to support the hull.

  • Week 7

    sam.funnell04/30/2025 at 13:51 0 comments

    We were able to connect the motor and the micro servo motors to a mini receiver that allows us to control them with a RC controller. This allows us to have both forward propulsion and steering control. Attached is the photos of the components and how they are connected.

  • week 4

    edgar.febvin03/12/2025 at 16:05 0 comments

    Today we finished the Fusion model but the wood we used for the laser cuter was too resistant to bending so we're going to use kerf bending Technics. On the motor part we ended up on brush less for the water resistance.

    Diamètre : Ø35mm
    Longueur : 34mm
    Tours par volt (KV) : 1200
    Puissance : 475W
    Diamètre de l'arbre moteur : Ø4mm
    Poids : 109g
    Type de moteur : brushless à cage tournante (outrunner)
    Consommation de courant max. A : 37A
    Recommandation de batterie : 2S ou 3S LiPo

    and we'll use propellers for propultion,

    We have two choice for directions, either we use a servomotor of we use two brushless that we activate alternatively. Because we already have the servo we just have to command the brush less motors.

    Днес завършихме модела Fusion, но дървото, което използвахме за лазерния резач, беше твърде устойчиво на огъване, така че ще използваме техника за огъване на бордюри. По частта на двигателя завършихме с по-малко четки за водоустойчивост.

    Диаметър : Ø35mm
    Дължина: 34 мм
    Tours par volt (KV) : 1200
    Мощност: 475W
    Diamètre de l'arbre moteur : Ø4mm
    Тегло: 109g
    Тип на мотора : безчетков с турнантна клетка (outrunner)
    Consommation de courant max. A : 37A
    Recommandation de batterie : 2S ou 3S LiPo

    И ще използваме витла за задвижване,

    Имаме два избора за посоките, или ще използваме сервомотор, или ще използваме два безчеткови двигателя, които ще активираме алтернативно. Тъй като вече имаме сервомотор, трябва само да командваме двигателите без четки.

  • week 3

    edgar.febvin03/05/2025 at 16:03 0 comments

    Today we did advance on two axis, first the hull model. With a new scrappy desing and some fusion sketches we got a pretty good view at the V1 of the project. 

    We also advanced on the motor axis, finding a model that can help having speed torque while being waterproof. The model we choose is a 

    Moteur Brushless RO-POWER TORQUE 3534 1200kv ROBBE

  • 둘째 주

    Georges Fayad02/26/2025 at 15:54 0 comments

    두 번째 주에 인터넷에서 기존 설계도를 검색했지만 사용할 수 있는 설계도를 찾지 못했습니다.

    We started our second week by looking for existent blueprints on the web, but couldn't find any that were relatable.

    그러다가 Fusion 360을 사용하여 한 쪽에서는 엔진 작업을 하고 다른 쪽에서는 선체 스케치를 하면 작업을 더 효율적으로 나눌 수 있다는 사실을 깨닫고 직접 시도해 보기로 결정했습니다.

    We then decided to try it ourselves when we realised that we could actually divide our work more efficiently by working on the engine, on one part and sketching the hull on the other, using Fusion 360.

  • Primera Semana

    Georges Fayad02/26/2025 at 15:14 0 comments

    ii Hola a todos !!

    Hello everyone !!

    Durante la primera clase, hemos realizado nuestro primer intento de proyecto utilizando cartón. Fue bastante difícil ya que no teníamos ni idea de cómo hacerlo, pero aún así encontramos una manera de concretarlo al final, como se muestra a continuación :

    During the first class, we have made our first project attempt using cardboard. It was pretty hard since we had no clue how to make it, but still found a way to concretize it at the end, like shown below :

    Usamos un poco de pegamento para hacerlo mas fuerte, y curvamos el carton para que pareciera un verdadero barco de rc. Desgraciadamente, con lo tontos que somos, lo pusimos en agua para ver si flotaba, pero el barco se ahogo debido a que el carton absorbia agua, y asi perdimos nuestro prototipo.

    We used a few gluestick to make it stronger, and curved the cardboard to make it look like a real rc boat. Unfortunatley, as stupid as we are, we put it on water to see if it floats, but the boat drowned due to the coardboard absorbing water, and so lost our prototype.

    Aún así, nos dimos cuenta de que la forma del barco estaba bien, y que teníamos que trabajar en ella, y probablemente dibujar primero un plano 2D para poder imprimirlo.

    We still learnt that the shape of the boat was fine, and that we need to work on it, and probably sketch a 2D blueprint first in order to print it.

View all 9 project logs

  • 1
    Hull concepton

    After analyzing the DXF, here’s a breakdown of typical parts (exact shapes may vary slightly):

    PartDescription
    Base Keel PlateLong central piece forming the spine of the hull
    Bulkheads / RibsVertical cross-sections with slots, numbered front to back
    Side Panels (2x)Long side shapes forming the hull's sides
    Deck PlateTop cover plate (flat or partially open)
    TransomBack end plate of the hull
    Bow PieceFront end plate of the hull
    Note: Some designs combine bow & deck or use symmetry for mirrored parts.

    🧩 2. Pre-Assembly Tips

    • Material: Typically 3 mm plywood or acrylic

    • Kerf Compensation: If your cutter removes ~0.15 mm per cut, your slots should be slightly narrower

    • Label Each Part: Lightly engrave or mark each part with a pencil before removing them from the board

    🪚 3. Assembly Steps

    🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Keel

    • Lay the base keel plate flat on your workbench.

    • Make sure all slot cuts are clean (you can sand if needed).

    🔹 Step 2: Insert Bulkheads

    • Starting from the bow (front), insert each bulkhead into the matching slot on the keel.

    • The tabs should fit snugly. Use light pressure.

    • Ensure all bulkheads are perpendicular to the keel.

    🔹 Step 3: Attach Side Panels

    • Slot the left and right hull side panels into the notches on each bulkhead.

    • This will shape the hull.

    • Use rubber bands or clamps to hold parts together temporarily.

    🔹 Step 4: Install the Transom and Bow

    • Insert the transom (rear plate) and bow (front) between the two side panels.

    • These should lock into the side panels and bottom keel.

    🔹 Step 5: Add the Deck Plate

    • Once the internal frame is solid, place the deck over the top.

    • Make sure it matches the outer edges and locks with the bulkheads.

    💧 4. Waterproofing & Sealing

    • Use wood glue for assembly, followed by a marine-grade sealant or epoxy resin.

    • Sand lightly before sealing for better adhesion.

    • For electronics, consider building a removable waterproof hatch.

    🛠️ 5. Finishing Touches

    • Sand sharp edges and corners.

    • Paint with waterproof or marine-safe paint.

    • Test float before installing electronics or motor.

    Would you like me to:

    • Annotate or label the parts visually in the DXF?

    • Generate a 3D mockup or assembly image?

    • Provide printable instructions or a PDF version?

    Let me know what would help you most!

  • 2
    motor assembly

    ✅ 1. Connect the ESC to the Brushed DC Motor

    • Red wire from ESC → Motor terminal 1

    • Black wire from ESC → Motor terminal 2
      (If the motor spins in reverse, swap these later.)

    ✅ 2. Connect the Battery to the ESC

    • ESC's red (thick)Battery +

    • ESC's black (thick)Battery –

    ⚠️ Ensure connectors match (JST, XT60, etc.). Never reverse polarity.

    ✅ 3. Connect ESC to Receiver

    • Plug the ESC’s 3-pin servo-style connector into Channel 2 (for throttle) on the receiver.

      • Match wire orientation: Signal (white/yellow), Vcc (red), GND (black)

    ✅ 4. Connect the Two Servos to the Receiver

    • Servo 1 → Channel 1 (steering, or other control)

    • Servo 2 → Channel 3 or 4

    • Again, match polarity: GND (brown/black), Vcc (red), Signal (orange/yellow)

    ✅ 5. Powering the Receiver (ESC with BEC)

    • Your ESC most likely has a built-in BEC, which provides 5V to power the receiver through the same 3-pin cable.

    • You do not need extra wiring for receiver power.

    ✅ 6. Power Up and Bind Receiver

    • Turn ON your transmitter first.

    • Then connect the LiPo to the ESC.

    • The receiver should light up and bind automatically, or follow your system’s bind procedure.

    ✅ 7. Test

    • Use transmitter sticks to:

      • Control motor throttle (Channel 2)

      • Move servos (Channels 1, 3, or 4)

View all instructions

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