DIY Kayak & SUP Thruster Cheap 12V Drone Motor ESC

Im working on a how to video and will upload shortly   DIY Kayak & SUP Thruster – Cheap 12V Drone Motor + ESC This started as a side project to see if I could build a useful kayak/SUP thruster using inexpensive, readily available parts and a 12V battery. After many prototypes, burned-up ESCs, different propellers, stators, ducts, motor sizes, and hours of actual testing on the water, this is the current version. The goal isn't maximum speed. I'm trying to move a large amount of water efficiently and give a kayak or SUP a comfortable cruising speed without needing an expensive trolling motor, specialized battery, or high-voltage system. The current design uses an inexpensive brushless drone motor and ESC with a 3D-printed duct, propeller, guards, motor mount and stator assembly. The motor sits inside the propeller hub, which keeps the entire package compact. This version has also been redesigned around modularity. Individual components can be replaced, redesigned or experimented with without having to rebuild the entire thruster. Design Goals 12V operation Inexpensive, readily available components Useful kayak/SUP cruising speed Efficient current draw during normal cruising Weed and debris protection Forward and reverse operation Modular and repairable construction Printable on consumer 3D printers Easy to modify and experiment with Current Development Status This design has already had hours of real-world testing on the water, but it is still an experimental project under development. With school starting, changing weather, and this being a seasonal project for me, continued development will be slower from here. I will keep improving and uploading parts as I'm able, particularly additional propeller designs. The current setup can peak above 60A at full throttle. Current draw needs to be monitored, and I do not recommend extended operation at full throttle. My goal is to optimize the system around efficient cruising rather than maximum power. The sensorless ESC/motor combination can also occasionally have difficulty establishing timing if the throttle is applied too aggressively from a stop. If the ESC enters protection, throttle may stop responding and the system may need to be power-cycled before operating again. Smooth throttle application from a stop works much better than immediately punching full throttle. I'm continuing to experiment with propeller pitch, chord, blade count and overall loading to reduce peak current while maintaining as much useful thrust as possible. I'll add more propeller options as I have time to print and test them. Please Read Before Building This is an experimental DIY propulsion system, not a finished commercial marine product. Use appropriate electrical protection, waterproofing and common sense around water and rotating machinery. Monitor current and component temperatures during your own testing, and keep hands, clothing and loose objects away from the propeller. Different motors, ESCs, batteries, print tolerances, propellers and assembly methods can significantly change how the system behaves, so don't assume my test results are automatically safe for your particular build. I'm publishing the project now because it works, it's been tested on the water, and I'd rather let other makers experiment with it than keep it sitting on my computer. Modify it. Try another prop. Change the stators. Test a different motor. Make something I didn't think of. If you build one or improve something, please share it. That's half the reason I'm putting this project out there. ESC waterproofing: The ESC in my build is potted in thermally conductive potting compound before being installed in the power core. Do not assume the printed enclosure is waterproof. Water and high-current electronics are obviously a bad combination, so waterproof the ESC and connections appropriately for your build.