This is how I made a $15 airboat, using only a 3D printer and a Eachine e010 drone. It is super fun, super customizable, and super easy to make. I hope you like this project just as much as I did.

Watch my video for more detailed instructions:

Materials:

Eachine e010 drone
3D printer
Filament
Epoxy
Spray Paint
Soldering Iron
Solder
Hot Glue Gun
Hot Glue
Flush Cutter

Step 1: 3D Printing the Hull

The total print time is around 3 hours. Printed at .2 layer height with 100% infill and supports, lots of supports. I placed the edge where the halves the boat connect on the build plate, to get them as smooth as possible for glueing. Once printed you'll want to attach the motor pylons to the frame by melting the ends of them and sticking them into the appropriate slot.

STL Files:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2999835

Step 2: Masking/Painting the Hull

I simply masked off the "windows" and added 2 stripes, then spray painted it neon orange. But you do can whatever you want on this part.

Step 3: Soldering

De-solder all the motors from the drone's central circuit board, then cut the 2 back motors off with flush cutters. Next thread their wires through the holes near the pylons and re-solder them to the circuit board on the other side. That's all the soldering you need to do.

Step 4: Glueing

Hot glue the 2 motors to their mounts and then fill in the 2 motor wires holes. Once you are sure everything is working, epoxy the bottom half of the boat to the top, wait an hour, and just like that you have your very own RC airboat!

Step 5: Conclusion

Finally, bind the airboat to the controller, and have fun as you watch the boat zoom across the water! Thanks for reading and if you want more information be sure to check out my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEcOOATgov-wz1nmKaVONmw