Here’s the all 3D printed boat (using used plastic bottles)

From the far north of the Netherlands, inFriesland (Friesland), IMPACD Boats takes the concept of sustainability and upcycling to almost unprecedented levels, building boats that are more than 70 percent more sustainable than any conventional product on the market. Specifically, theIMPA CD 635, a 6.35-meter dayboat 3D printed by recycling common plastic (PET) bottles. All, of course, propelled by electric motorization equivalent to 25 horsepower. But, let’s take a closer look at boat and process.

IMPA CD 635

At 6.35 meters long overall (LOA) and 2.20 meters wide at maximum beam, IMPA CD 635 is a classic day boat, complete with spryhood and convivial areas. On board, it accommodates up to 8 people, features a center console with instrumentation and wheelhouse, served by a sofa, and, just forward, offers a large U-shaped sofa. Optionally, a small sundeck can be installed in the bow, further expanding the lounge area. The electric motor and batteries are installed inboard, under the dunnage – made of recycled teak.

Impa CD 635 – The Project

In terms of lines and design, the boat recovers the classic styles of the Dutch tradition–of Friesland more specifically–offering us a clean design, perhaps reminiscent of our lancets, or small workboats. The whole thing, however, is done through a not inconsiderable 3D printing process, which, within a few days, allows you to have the hull totally printed (2/3 days, although smaller models are ready in 24h). Another interesting, if not fundamental, component, however, is the origin of the material, which also defines the life cycle of the boat itself: plastic made from very ordinary PET bottles, which allows the hull itself, in turn, to be recycled into a new one at the end of its use. But, for those who were not used to the operation of a 3D printer, let’s open a small parenthesis.

Impa CD 635 – Production

Basically, there are different types of 3D printers, and different are the results and uses for which they are employed. Mainly, however, excluding ceramic, steel etc. printers, let’s say there are 3 types that work with plastics: photosensitive resin, laser sintered powder or hardened by ink, and thermo-fusible filament. Our case is the latter. Basically, in this case, used plastic bottles (PET) are first reduced into grains and then into long filaments. The latter are supplied to the 3D printer, which, through a heated nozzle, moves on several axes casting and gluing the entire hull starting from the forward pulpit.

Once printed, the hull is finished and fitted with accessories, furnishings, and motorization, resulting in a boat that is ready to sail. But, at the same time, the moment it is decommissioned, every frill removed, the hull can repeat the entire cycle, being shredded and reused as PET, be that to produce a second boat, or any other plastic object. This is a particularly interesting solution that opens the door to various uses in the nautical world, both in terms of making hulls, as well as many other small components or water toys.

The entire project was carried out by IMPACD Boats in collaboration with the TU University Cluster in Delft, the Netherlands. Currently, the price for the IMPA CD 635 is around 54,900 euros including taxes, but the yard also offers a smaller 5.5-meter starting at 37000 euros.

Technical Specs

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