A loud, experimental RC boat with an OS .61 nitro engine, a 3D-printed hull, and an electric sequel on the horizon.
Build notes · CAD files · Electric version · Roadmap
The original nitro prototype, out of the workshop and onto the water.
The idea was simple: design a boat from scratch, print it, fit a nitro engine, and make it fast. Reality had other plans.
This airboat uses an aircraft-style propeller to push air instead of driving a propeller underwater. It floats, runs, makes plenty of noise, and has already been through construction, painting, and several rounds of water testing. Fast? Not especially. Finished? There is plenty left to improve.
This repository is the home for the CAD, build notes, experiments, and future versions.
| Watch the story | Explore the model |
|---|---|
| YouTube — full build and water tests | MakerWorld — original model and print profile |
| From printed parts and paint to engine installation, float changes, and real-world testing. | The original project post, printing recommendations, and downloadable model files. |
Jump into the video: 3D design · 01:00 · Paint · 02:15 · Nitro engine · 03:32 · First test · 04:01 · Drone footage · 13:06
Read the visual video review for timestamped observations and ideas for the next iteration.
 |
 |
| The original nitro concept Central hull, side floats, and elevated engine support. |
The physical build Printed structure, installed hardware, and a purple finish. |
| Nitro — the original | Electric — up next | |
|---|---|---|
| Progress | Physical prototype with water testing | Planned development |
| Power | OS .61 nitro engine and air propeller | Motor, battery, and ESC to be selected |
| Focus | Document the build and what the tests revealed | Explore an internal motor setup and make the design easier to print |
| Follow along | Nitro build notes → | Electric development plan → |
The electric configuration is still being defined. Its propulsion arrangement and compatibility with the supplied CAD are not yet confirmed.
Important
Open the Fusion design before printing. This is an experimental prototype. Inspect the parts and adapt them to your hardware; the supplied assembly exports are not a validated, ready-to-build print kit.
| Format | File | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Fusion F3Z | Editable assembly | Inspecting and modifying the source design |
| STEP | CAD exchange | Working with the geometry in other CAD tools |
| STL | Assembly mesh | Preparing mesh geometry for printing after inspection |
| OBJ + MTL | Mesh · Materials | Viewing the grouped mesh with materials; keep both files together |
Read the file guide for provenance, scale checks, and print preparation.
RC servos, a receiver, batteries, a nitro engine, aluminum tubes, filament, and a sealing finish. Bring patience and a sense of humor, too.
The original post suggests PLA, approximately 5% infill for many parts, 2–3 walls, variable layer height where useful, and at least 2–3 coats of paint or lacquer. These are starting recommendations; part-specific settings and a full bill of materials are still being documented in the nitro notes.
This long, covered hull differs from the original nitro prototype shown above. Its revision and intended variant still need to be identified; it is not presented as a tested electric build.
View the stern and rudder detail
- Document the original build's hardware, dimensions, assembly, and print settings.
- Identify the CAD revision used for each tested configuration.
- Develop the electric version with easier printing and assembly in mind.
- Share revised files, build photos, and test results as the project evolves.
Follow the full roadmap, or share a build report or improvement using the contribution guide.
Repository map
cad/
source/ Editable Fusion archive
exports/ STEP, STL, OBJ, and MTL
docs/
images/ CAD renders and nitro build images
files.md File guide and print preparation
video-review.md
roadmap.md
sources.md
asset-manifest.json
variants/
nitro/ Original build notes
electric/ Next-version development plan
A repository license has not been selected yet. The owner still needs to confirm the intended terms and their relationship to the original MakerWorld publication.
Designed and built by Giuseppe Rojas · bultodepapas