
Every pool needs a good boat, and every pool also needs somewhere to keep the chlorine pucks that isn't a floating ziplock bag. So here's Benchy, reimagined as a chlorine puck carrier.
The classic 3D printing benchmark got a refit: the wheelhouse now houses a stack of chlorine pucks, the chimney doubles as a handle to remove the roof and access the loading shaft, and the holes at the bottom let water circulate around the pucks so they can actually do their job.
Full disclosure: I don't currently have access to a pool, so I haven't been able to test the buoyancy or stability in person. But the idea was too charming to sit on! Benchy is basically the mascot of this whole hobby, and turning it into something water related felt like a fun idea. Consider this a design submitted in good faith and in the spirit of the contest; I'd love to hear from anyone who prints and floats it whether the ballast placement holds up in real conditions. I would be more than happy to tweak it with your inputs and make it better!
***Edit 1: here are the material recommendations according to the quick research I did:
Best: PETG (easy to print, chlorine-resistant, decent UV) or ASA (better UV/outdoor durability, harder to print). PP is the “correct” material chemically but a pain to print without a dedicated setup.
Avoid: PLA (UV/heat degrades it), ABS (yellows/embrittles in sun), Nylon (absorbs water), TPU (degrades with chlorine+UV).
***Edit 2: Following feedback regarding the lack of stability, I uploaded a version with a slide-on keel. I will not be able to test this until my printer is repaired, but the idea is to fill the hull with dense chlorine-proof material, and to glue the keel in place once the proper load is found.
Benchy the Chlorine Dispenser
by BorealCAD · original on Printables ↗
Household / Outdoor & Garden
♥ 729⬇ 1.6k🖨 1 prints
Print profiles
Hull - no keel (OLD VERSION).stl
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Roof.stl
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Keel.stl
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Hull - for keel.stlDEFAULT
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
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