I've just amended my last post.

For motors with gearboxes worth having a look at Component Shop as they do a good range.

Pop the kettle on for me 😆 that sound bliss. The belt idea sounds far better and probably best for ironing out minor vibrations. Its for my cruise ship. I've a motor in the middle though I've 3 propshafts. I was going to run a small 280 motor in the middle and then have the outers running off one Graupner Speed 600. I could easily go for additional motors etc but I find pulleys, gears, belt aesthetically pleasing to the eye and they are enjoyable to tinker with

I live in Warwickshire and sail at Knightcote Model Boat Club. It's in a lovely location on a farm and we have great facilities.

For running two shafts you may be better off using pullies and belts as they are quiet and adjustable. A company someone I know recommended as used in his paddle steamer is Gears and Sprockets. They do gears etc. as well.

Glad you asked as I was going to have to look for something as a mount in my outboard model build and they should have something I can use.

That looks like she's running very clean through the water! I need a stern-drive now! Such beautiful lines that hull. Where do you sail as that water looks very nice too.

Sometimes my designs come from other's failed designs. I'll study them to see where they went wrong then adapt to make them work. I then try reach back to the original designers to share the results along with new files for them to advertise again.


My projects mainly consist of abandoned boats of boats that have been sunk and broken. Always like to give them a fresh lease of life.

One thing a little off topic though maybe you would know. I'm looking for a 1 into 2 gearbox.

I feel like i've seen one but not sure. Its for one motor to turn two shafts. I swear i seen one before and its all metal but i've never managed to find it again

Hi Scott - yes, mine's designed for our club lake where the only thing you have to watch out for is the buoys used for racing, they attract model boats like a magnet!

My design started off by changing the size of the Lesro Stiletto/Rapier hull which looks nice and handles well to about mid-way between the two and drawing up more modern superstructures. When deciding to build a water-jet model I chose the most sporting design and modified the stern to accept the water-jet.

Like you I enjoy designing, drawing and building models that are different. Case in point was my Fairey Huntress. Rather than build one as standard I built the Long Cabin version with a stern-drive inspired by a drawing in a book. I got a lot of satisfaction from sorting out the installation and finding that it performed and sat nicely on the water.

I do enjoy running my builds but it is secondary to the research and other stages stated above in producing the model.

Hi Chris
Thats what I like about designing these boats. It all starts either all the components i want to use on a piece of paper then I draw round it to see where everything will go. From there I'll transfer it over to the likes of tinkercad and start playing with a basic shape from there. I'll normally print a 4 inch model of the hull and super glue string onto the bow and put it in the bath and pull it along to see how it sits in the water. If all looks ok I'll build larger.


I do like you're scale like jetboat design though I'm afraid it wouldn't last where I use the jetboats 😂. There's two specific rocks on the river and if you hit them at the right angle you can get some good airborne trips. If you hit it wrong then its wet feet time or back to the drawing board.


Last year I had a 3 month project on propellers and efficiency. I printed lots of different designs the compared them with the same hull at same throttle on stop watch. I try to split the year into several projects though this year theres so many and so little receivers for them all.

Next week im hoping to have the basic parts of the larger cruise ship hull completed though its the first 3d printed hull im going to fibreglass i think on the inside and coat in epoxy resin on the outside to make it completely smooth. That will be new to me so will be an interesting learning curve

As you say looks to have plenty of power even on 2S. Amazing how you have squeezed everything into such a small hull but I suppose that's an advantage of 3D printing, room isn't taken up with a keel and frames etc. and you can include mounting points. Is the water-jet printed as well?

You are making me keen to start my build! Mine is a much different animal though at around 35" and powered by a TFL water-jet.

We update. Thats the CheckMate ready for the river after a short pond test. This is on 2s lipo thoigh it is designed for 4s. Will see how it does on 2s initially as has ample power. As long as it can fight the current without being at full throttle I'll be happy.

I have decided to design an A-frame with a foam block on top and that way it'll self right.

All that will have to wait however as I'm away to visit family 200 miles away tomorrow for 2 days. Already feeling the lack of boats withdrawal setting in 😔

They are good for the price and well built though obviously they wouldn't stand up to the abuse you are going to give your 3D one with bouncing off rocks! 😁

I've got a wee glader. They are surprisingly good for the price. I normally use it on the river rapids and try fight the river. Has disappeared under for upto a minute before but comes back for more.

I'm literally just starting to work on the jetboat now before im away for 2 nights. Hopefully get it in the water next week after I work out a few issues. I've accidentally printed the hole in the hull a little too big so will have to fill it in a little. Should be fine

Boats like that are great fun. A guy down the club bought a Glader and before you knew it many other members bought them including me!

Impromptu racing breaks out and it doesn't matter if they end up in the reeds or on the grass banks!

I must get around to building my own water-jet project. I did the drawings and bought the water-jet quite some time ago.