I can honestly say for the first time this year, I have a plan for the kayak paddles I keep strapped to my back 24/7. I will paddle in a 3D printed boat–The first (and most colorful) 3D printed kayak in the revolutionized world of 3d printed water craft. Jim Smith of Grass Roots Engineering designed the Kayak, then printed it on his homemade 3D printer that sports a heated build chamber, a high resolution print head and, cover your children’s eyes, a build area of 15.86 x 15.86 x 12.70 inches (403.00 x 403.00 x 322.70 mm). I highly recommend looking at the photos of the 3d printer and what it is capable of. But first, here is Jim’s fabulous feat of 3d printed design.
The Kayak is comprised of 28, 3D printed sections. Each section has brass threaded thermoplastic inserts so the next corresponding section can be screwed into it. Silicone caulk is only used between the sections to ensure it is watertight. This design was initially based on the Siskiwit Bay kayak by Bryan Hansel, but heavily modified for 3D printing. The shape of the kayak was tweaked to optimize performance based on my height and weight. To reduce print time and material usage, the kayak is printed at a 0.65mm layer height. It features a 6mm thick hull with a built-in, internal rib/support structure to give it strength, yet be lightweight and use less ABS plastic. On the bow and stern of the Kayak I added attach points for cameras, handles and future add-ons.
The Kayak was designed in SolidWorks, sits at 16 feet 8 inches (5 meters) long and weighs 64.58lbs (29.29kg), 58 lbs of it being the ABS plastic. Now, along with it weighing a tad more than your store-bought kayak, this one took a little longer to manufacturer, but after 1012.65 hrs (42.19 days), Jim had his very own kayak to sail across the seven seas, or neighborhood pond.
Images: GrassRootsEngineering.com
