Outboard Motor Mount

thingiverse

Design Overview: Motor Mount for Curved Pushpit RailsPurpose:This motor mount has been designed to accommodate small outboard motors on the curved pushpit of sailboats. Given that most commercial brackets are tailored for straight rail sections, I encountered a unique challenge: my sailboat's pushpit only offered space on a curved section. This necessitated a design that matches the pushpit rail's specific curvature.Creation Process:The journey from concept to reality began with a simple yet effective method: tracing the rail's curvature onto paper. This tracing was then digitized via scanning and imported into Fusion 360, where the design was crafted to match the rail's radius.Materials & Assembly:Printed from durable black Polycarbonate (PC), the bracket stands out not just for its strength but also for its aesthetics, thanks to a reinforcing layer of carbon fiber finished with clear epoxy. Embedded under the carbon fiber layer are the weld nuts. They need to be carefully masked during the glassing process to ensure a that epoxy does not leak into the threads. Please note that the specific M6 weld nuts (p/n 90572A310) used are no longer available from McMaster-Carr. Use alternative sourcing or substitutes.The inner face is reinforced with a 1/8" Aluminum Diamond Tread Plate, securely bonded with silicone adhesive, enhancing the mount's durability and structural strength.3D prints have pushed the limits of my old modded Ender3 V2. There was a bit of warping but not enough to ruin the part.Warning & Recommendations:This design represents a foray into the extremes of structural 3D printing's capabilities. It has proven its worth, surviving a voyage from Houston to the Bahamas and back, all while supporting a 30lb Suzuki DF2.5 motor. However, caution is advised against using it with significantly heavier motors.Insights for Future Projects:Reflecting on this project, I would recommend a reduction in the printed part's thickness, with an emphasis on leveraging the strength of conventional materials such as G10 or aluminum for reinforcement. The aim is to utilize the 3D printed part as a precision-fitting filler that provides form while traditional materials ensure structural integrity.