3D printing

Scubacat

I know that Twisted Sheets is getting very experienced with 3D printing parts for his boat, even to the extent of considering taking a printer on board on travels. (see his January 2014 post at http://2gringos.blogspot.co.uk/)
I am also starting working with a 3D printer for boat bits and other things.
Perhaps we can use this forum to share useful Boat related 3d printable objects and tips? - For example, I found a bungee hook on Thingiverse that could be very useful: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:35815/#files

[Deleted User]

I've designed and printed up several unique items specifically for the 12M. The most useful so far have been the scupper drain covers in the cockpit and replacement window track seals. I just got a kilo of the new flexible plastic and have great hopes for some gaskets and other bendable parts. I would be glad to share my designs.

Scubacat

Here is a photo of my modified bungy hook for boats. No "point" so less dangerous, and although you cannot read it in the photo, it even has "catamarancruising.org" written on the side !

PS,  try to keep images to 640*480 or smaller when uploading! saves space and makes it easier to edit.

Scubacat

I have been playing with my new Kossel printer, and printed this... 

On this Forum, you should easily recognize it!

I'm surprised it managed to print the mast at all!

Scubacat

My latest 3D project is to make a "walker type trailing log" to use with my Raymarine instruments and so hopefully avoid all the shrimps that get into my standard hull transducer. 

I have made three initial log versions with differing angles of attack, and think I have perhaps managed to settle on the correct angle for 20,000 pulses per nautical mile. - But of course I need a lot more tests to confirm this. 

I put the files on thingyverse. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:740651

I painted this one black to hopefully avoid it being eaten! 

Scubacat

Just done some on the water tests, and it's about 8% faster than my in hull raymarine/airmar log.
The unit does not sink as far as I expected, the speed keeps it near the surface. I did my tests with it about 6 ft behind the boat. Much nearer in and you can clearly see turbulence effects.
It seems to start nicely at 1.5kts.
Of course I got a shout of "you are trailing a line in the water!" . Perhaps I need a nice clear "walker log" sign on the line somewhere.
D

Scubacat

The log worked well on our recent cruise, No issues with fish eating it, and weed can be easily dislodged, and no shrimps making home in in overnight!. It does seem to have a watertightness issue, after a day in the water it malfunctioned, but worked again next day after drying out. Some sikoflex cured that... After a four weeks cruising it stopped again, and I think its the main cable breaking at a kink this time. Looks like it needs very high quality flexible cable and a better design to help seal the electronics. 

Something to look at over the winter.