Some have greatness thrust upon them
Like the Maker Boat Basic, the Maker Boat Advanced uses a pair of Blue Robotics T200 thrusters for propulsion and their Basic ESCs. The Blue Robotics T200 thrusters work so well that we saw no reason to rock the boat. The similarities between the Basic and Advanced versions don’t end there. Both also use ArduRover skid-steering for navigation, with the same basic parameters.
Thruster Assembly
Each thruster uses a mounting bracket and a 3D-printed sleeve to connect to a stainless 20 mm square tube. Two M3 x 40 mm bolts secure each thruster. The top of each stainless tube connects to the main stainless steel frame using two M6 bolts. The thruster cables enter the top of the electronics enclosure using IP68 cable glands.
When not in the water, the Maker Boat Advanced rests on the bottom of the thruster sleeves. The thruster sleeves were printed in PETG and then coated in epoxy. The sleeves position the Blue Robotics T200 thrusters up and away from the ground, protecting them from damage when not in the water.
Blue Robotics T200 thruster maintenance
While the 3D-printed sleeves should protect the thrusters from collisions with the bottom, sand and seaweed can be a problem. Remember to disassemble and inspect the thrusters regularly.
