Utility for training basic sailing knots

Squads of sea scouts, that want to learn children how to tie new knots. Project can be used for older children as well, if they have problem with basic knots.

Children should know, how to use Fusion 360 and its basic funcionalities (draw new sketch, add simple bonds and dimensions, mirror lines, chamfer or fillet edge, extrude, etc.). This basics can be learned in minutes. With use of manual, all you need to know is where the buttons are and what they do.

After printing you have to attach mooring cleat to the base with two screws. Children should know how to use screwedriver or cordless dril.

Purpose of the project is to afford children utility, that will help them to learn how to tie basic knot for every sail. Cleat hitch can not be done without mooring cleat, so without this utility, there is no way how to try it practicaly before sailing. 3D printed cleat will help them to learn this knot before real need. With this utility, nothing can surprise them.

Mooring cleat is only for learning, it can not be used in real boat. Shape, material, neither technology of manufacturing are not ideal for biggler loads, it could lead to break. 

Wooden bases are rectangles 8 by 15 centimeters, plus minus, dimensions are not critical. You can recycle wood from broken europallets. Next you need two screws for every product, 25 mm long. Last but not least you will need basic tools of the workshop (screwdriver, sandpaper).

For learning how to tie a knot is needed piece of rope, about 1 or 2 meters long and about 6 mm in diameter.

Program Fusion 360 and 3D printer.

Set up before project – Making of wooden bases – 15 minutes

Introduction of the purpose of the project – 10 minutes

Creating model of the mooring cleat – 30 minutes

Printing time for one model – 1 hour

Assembling printed part with wooden base – 5 minutes

Learning how to tie cleat hitch – depends on the skill of every child

1. Introduce children this project.
2. Describe the, what will they do.
3. Show them how to use Fusion 360, if is that needed.
4. According to the manual, model the mooring cleat step by step. It is recomended, that leader is showing his work in Fusion 360 via projection on wall.
5. Everyone should have the same result (if there is no mistake)
6. Mooring cleats should be printed before. You can show function of 3D printer with printing one cleat during the modeling.
7. Give out wooden bases and mooring cleats to every child. If they want, they can sand the base to make i smooth.
8. Say them to mark the place, where will be cleat placed.
9. With available tools attach printed part to the base. Give out everybody manual how to tie cleat hitch (picture is part of the project).
10. Help children to learn something new!