Project RC BENCHY - The Pandemic Powerboat

🌊🛠️ "Project RC BENCHY – The Pandemic Powerboat" 📡

It all began back in 2022… During the pandemic lockdowns, when the world came to a halt, a simple idea sparked an ambitious technical adventure. While browsing through CAD galleries, I came across the classic 3D Benchy – a simple starter model. But my vision was much bigger:
Why not build a fully functional, remote-controlled boat – one powerful enough to tow my family and me on a SUP across the water? 💡💪

🧩 From Toy to Titan: Design & Propulsion

Through multiple iterations, I developed my own custom Benchy model – larger, more robust, and fully modular.

The boat is driven by two powerful brushless motors, made for aquatic use and designed for serious thrust. This wasn’t just for show – it had to move with purpose. 🔋⚙️

Steering doesn’t rely on a rudder. Instead, both motors are controlled independently, allowing for precise maneuverability – including full reverse control. 🚤🔁

📶🧠 ESP8266 Inside: Smart Control with Style

Both the remote control and the boat itself are equipped with ESP8266 modules, programmed using Arduino.

• The remote is powered by a 18650 Li-Ion battery 🔋
• The boat draws from the 5V line of the ESP, integrated directly into the power system.

With a WLAN range of 20–30 meters (WiFi-connection between both ESP8266), you’ve got plenty of space to cruise and play. 🌐📡

🌡️🚨 Safety First: Sensors & Sealing

Since PLA and water don’t mix well, the entire hull – including the top shell and the remote – was coated with epoxy resin. The result?
Waterproof – even when fully submerged! 💦🧪

To play it safe, a water sensor inside the boat continuously checks for moisture. If water enters, the remote display sounds the alarm. 🔔💧

Even more features:

• Temperature monitoring of the ESC's 🌡️
• Tilt sensor with digital compass 🧭
• Automatic throttle reduction when the boat tilts too far ⚖️
• Autopilot mode to hold a straight course 🧭📈

🧵⚓ Practical Features & Real Use Case

One of the coolest parts? The built-in winch – guided by two ball bearings – can release a 7-meter rope to tow our SUP from the front. 🛶🪢

The remote has 6 control buttons:

• 3 toggles for persistent settings
• 3 momentary buttons for pulse commands 🕹️

All functions are modular and expandable – the project stays flexible for future upgrades.

💻📂 Source Code, Parts List & More…

The full Arduino source code, detailed parts list, and technical schematics will be included as an attachment.

If you’re interested in building your own version or diving deeper into the code, feel free to reach out – happy to share more details! 🧑💻💬

🧠✨ Final Thoughts: More Than a Toy – A Floating Brainchild

This RC Benchy isn’t your average remote-control project – it’s a fusion of maker spirit, DIY engineering, and digital creativity. Whether for the lake, a side project, or just to turn heads on your next outdoor trip –
👉 This Benchy drives. It pulls. And it thinks. 

"Finally, a schematic diagram showing how to glue or assemble the parts."

"Wishing you fun and success with printing and assembly! 😉"

"Feel free to leave a comment. Feedback, suggestions, and even pictures are also very welcome.”

Enjoy and happy printing ;)