Sam Holmes Sailing · video

What this video covers

A Prusa 3D printer kit serves as a tool for fabricating custom boat components, including towel clips, port light shutters, and a gimbal for a JetBoil camp stove. The assembly process involves mechanical calibration of the X, Y, and Z axes, followed by wiring and software setup using PrusaSlicer. Modeling mechanical parts requires Autodesk Fusion, where the user designs bevel gears for a prototype wind vane based on Windpilot geometry. To accommodate hygroscopic materials like nylon and flexible TPU, the printer is housed in a Matterhackers enclosure, which maintains temperature and humidity control. While 3D-printed plastic parts offer versatility for coastal sailing and non-critical hardware, high-stress components like gimbal pivots often require metal reinforcement or bearings to prevent structural failure. Successful 3D printing for marine applications relies on selecting appropriate materials, such as heat-resistant plastics, and using larger nozzles to reduce print times for complex assemblies.

More from Sam Holmes Sailing

Hundreds of miles of rough sailing only to be turned away from our dream destinationOct 2026Making big miles offshore sailing through IndonesiaSept 2026Orca sighting! we repair one daggerboard only to break another oneSept 2026Sailing to Maratua, a rarely visited Indonesian island Sept 2026

From Sam Holmes Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.