The Maker Boat Basic Build Docs transforms any small, floating object (think boogie board, surfboard, SUP, and so on) into an autonomous boat. The Maker Boat Basic design provides you with a flexible and affordable platform that you can customize to fit your needs.
The Maker Boat Basic Build Docs are separated into short posts. If you are starting from scratch, follow the posts in the order specified in the Quick Start Guide.
Before You Begin
Please read the full disclaimer. The information provided here is for instructional use only and the author(s) assume no liability or responsibility for its contents, the misuse, intentional or otherwise, of its contents, or any damages resulting from distribution, authorized or not, by third parties.
Quick Start
If you’re a seasoned maker with tools galore and you’re already familiar with ArduPilot and QGroundControl then head over to our quick start guide. If not, read on!
Basic Skills and Tools
Building the Maker Boat Basic requires basic soldering skills (and a soldering iron), a 3D printer, some hand tools, and a hand drill. If you don’t know how to solder, run through a video tutorial or two or, better yet, find someone to teach you, or join your local Maker Space. The 3D printed parts have rather basic geometries so they are easy to print. We printed them in Prusament PETG with a Prusa i3 mk3. If you don’t own a 3D printer, check out your local maker space or find a service to print the parts for you.
Tools
You will need the tools and items in the list below. We have a detailed post about our basic toolkit and field accessories that provides more information.
- Soldering iron + a roll of solder (helping hands are highly recommended)
- Hacksaw
- File
- Screwdrivers
- Wire strippers
- Wire crimpers (needle-nose pliers will do in a pinch)
- Manual jigsaw (or powered, if you have one)
- Cordless drill
- 3 mm and 5 mm drill bits
- A step bit (or a spade bit that matches the diameter of your IP68 cable glands)
- Thread lock (Loctite blue)
ArduPilot/ArduRover
The Maker Boat Basic is a skid steer rover that runs ArduRover on a Pixhawk. We use QGroundControl to update the firmware, change parameters, calibrate sensors, monitor vehicle health, and plan autonomous missions. If that’s all gibberish to you, don’t worry! It’s fairly easy to learn and you can get started by reading the documentation for ArduRover and QGroundControl. We also encourage you to join the ArduPilot Forum. If you have a problem, chances are it has already been solved in the forums.
Let’s Build!
If you’re confident in your basic soldering and construction skills, you have all the tools you need, and you have everything listed in the Bill of Materials, then proceed to Pixhawk setup.