P3, a great model that sails well and stays dry
Print Your Own Radio Controlled Yacht
Following on from the successful balsa Racing Sparrow there is now also the option to 3D print a Racing Sparrow.
Questions? email info@racingsparrow.co.nz
Key design features:
- Hull printed in 4 parts (max size 207mm each)
- Printed rig fittings
- Twist hatch for waterproofing
- Bulb shell in 2 parts, filled with lead shot
- Keel in 2 parts, with carbon reinforcement slots
- Rudder printed as one piece
- Uses standard servos for 2-channel RC
- Minimal build time required
3D Printed Hatch and Fittings
The main hatch is a twist on hatch that keeps the water out. No tape failure keeps the sailing relaxed. All rig fittings are printed parts including a tidy gooseneck assembly which is all attached to a carbon tube mast 6mm. The booms are 5mm carbon tube.
Revolutionary Stern Design
Designed to print easily without any extra build steps the stern design integrates a water catch tray, a rudder post, a sheet return block and also a backstay attachment slot. This design makes the rear end of this boat tidy, functional and sleek. You can download this part for free to see how the part prints. You will be surprised how many features are packed into one 1 STL file.
Simple Clean & Cheap Electrics Layout
The electrics used are some of cheapest servos and RC gear you can buy. No special drum winch required as the Racing Sparrow uses a standard servo with a long arm to pull the sails in and out. This keeps the costs way down. This is a key consideration of all Racing Sparrow designs.
Comprehensive Instruction Manual
The 3D designs has an instruction manual which has sail plan, materials list, electrics list and more. This 3D construction method is a very fast way to make a good model yacht and this manual makes it easy.
What is the 3D Racing Sparrow all about?
What will I need to finish the 3D printed build?
To finish you need:
Sail Servo Futaba 3003
Rudder Servo Corona 929MG
Receiver HK-GT2 Hobbyking
On/off switch
Futaba Battery Holder & 4AA
Futaba - Sail Servo Arm
Tiller Arm 3mm hole
Carbon 6mm Mast x 950mm
Carbon 5mm Booms x 500mm
Carbon Rod 3mm, Rudder & Keel
Carbon Bar 6mmx4mmx1m, Keel
Mylar Sail Material 0.5x1m
Sail Repair Tape
Fishing Braid line & Lure Parts
Coated Fishing Wire & Crimps Pack.
950g Lead Shot - Gun Shop
Super Glue
Araldite Epoxy
Resin - Runny for Lead Bulb
Transmitter - Radiomaster Pocket (Authors Favourite)
What 3D printer settings are needed?
Print Settings
- Nozzle: Standard 0.4mm
- Wall Line Count: 2
- Top Layers: 4
- Bottom Layers: 4
- Infill: 100%
- Print Speed: 180mm/s
- Bed Adhesion: Wide brims inside and outside used for hull sections, no glue or sprays required
- Material: eSun PLA+
- Most parts: 220°C nozzle, 65°C plate
- Thinner/smaller parts: 230°C nozzle, 60°C plate
- Enclosure Temperature: ~30°C for best bed adhesion
- Retraction Distance: 0.8mm (reduces stringing)
What Filament is used to print this boat?
One roll of PLA+ will be enough to print the hull bulb, fins and rig fittings.
Is the hull light weight?
Yes the hull weighs around 450g. The lead shot bulb is 950g.
How is the keel bulb weighted?
The bulb is a printed shell which you fill with lead shot from a gunshop. It's a very simple and creative way to create a lead bulb. Could not be easier.
How are the sails made?
The sails are both one piece mylar film. No sewing or double sided tape needed. You can use many materials such as grow shop mylar reflective film, architectural drafting film or ripstop nylon. What ever you choose simple flat sails work well. No need to build special complex sails. The one piece sails naturally create a nice aerofoil shape with the help of some battens on the trailing edges. Simple!
Do I need to waterproof the hull?
No. I've done many sails now with a Racing Sparrow 3D and I have done no sealing of the printed parts. I simply super glued them together and go sailing.
I sail in sea water and have had no issues. The finish of the hull being printed is not perfect but the boat still sails really fast and a nice finish really is not needed to have a fast boat. Just build quick and get sailing!
Are there any licence restrictions when I buy the STL files?
You can print up to 5 boats with 1 printer when you purchase the STL files. If you want to print and sell boats please get in contact with me to arrange terms.
At Racing Sparrow we are not too concerned with paying a fee per boat print. We would rather the STLs allow people to build multiple boats and get more people sailing and having fun.
The main thing is that no one is making money from the STL files by selling boats, parts or reselling files. If you're not sure please email me first.
All STL files and instructions are copyright 2024 Bryn Heveldt.
Is this the same as the balsa wood Racing Sparrow
Yes the same lines were used. The 3D version is 760mm in length and true to the original Racing Sparrow which sails really well and looks great!