Roles and contributions of Nonsuch Parts Fab group members

Nonsuch Parts Fabrication
1

If we’re going to pull off a parts fabrication support service for INA members, we need volunteers for at least the following contributions:

  1. Help in scanning, 3D designing, reverse engineeering to create part design packages
  2. People with 3D printers or other tools who are willing to produce parts for INA members
  3. Recommenders for commercial parts fabrication and 3D printing shops
  4. Setting up and maintaining the list of available part designs, requests and feedback on the INA website
  5. Help setting up standards for what “good” design packages (drawings, models, instructions, etc.) should look like
  6. Assessing needs for paid support services and finding candidates
  7. Publicizing the group and the repository with INA members, when it’s ready to open up
  8. Lobbying the INA Board to budget for support, and to allow soliciting donations on top of dues specifically earmarked for this activity.

I’m sure I’ve missed things. Please reply to this topic with suggestions and with posts about what things you’re willing to take on.

My next post on this topic will be on what I can volunteer to do.

Thanks,

– Bob

2

I think I’m good for the following items on our list:

– Bob

3

Hi Bob,

This is a fantastic initiative. To build on your list, I’d like to suggest an additional category: A “User-Generated Solutions” Database.

While professional part fabrication is crucial, many Nonsuch sailors have already invented clever, “low-tech” solutions or modifications to common problems. Often, we don’t even realize how useful our own tweaks could be for someone else until they see them.

I suggest we include a section for:

  • Photo & Description Database: Categorized by area (e.g., rigging, cabin, deck hardware).

  • The “Unseen Solution”: Highlighting fixes for problems members might not even realize they have yet.

  • Practical Inspiration: Simple modifications that don’t necessarily require 3D printing but do require a bit of sailor’s ingenuity.

By documenting these “found solutions” alongside the formal part designs, we create a much broader resource for the INA community. I’d be happy to help think through how we can categorize these submissions to keep the database searchable and user-friendly.

4

I’m with you on including both replacement parts and novel parts, Mark. And strongly agree that this should include any means of fabrication. My personal hope for this we provide a place where people can find out how to get things they can’t buy – whether by making it, getting a fellow INA member who’s willing to do favors, or paying to have it made.

Glad you’re on-board with this!

You raise a good point for discussion about whether the scope is just single parts or also includes projects.

– Bob

5

Hey everyone, wanted to be more transparent about what I am working toward.

Two years ago I started a project that is getting close to launch. The core idea is a complete pipeline that can legally post all open source 3D models that someone wants to submit.

I have started to model my Nonsuch 26C and make it as detailed as I possible can. Every part, every add-on, every wiring diagram, all in one place. The goal is that if someone wants to update or restore this boat they just download the model and everything they need is already there. Parts, plans, how-to guides all attached to the model like layers. One boat, infinitely expandable, freely available to everyone.

On the legality question anything over 25 years old has expired patents. Original Nonsuch parts are fair game to copy, model, and redistribute freely. That simplifies things considerably.

For new designs I am working in FreeCAD. I have strong feelings about software behind paywalls and passwords open source tools only where possible. Onshape is excellent but it does not fit the philosophy of what I am building.

My immediate project is a direct replacement wind instrument using NEMA 183 standard and WindNerd’s open design. I need to engineer the mast attachment which means I need to climb the mast first, which is its own adventure.

The bigger picture is a curation platform for open source consumer goods not just boats. A way to model, share, improve, and manufacture physical objects freely. The parts library, the how-to guides, the 3D models all connected, all open, all redistributable. I’m not trying to sell anything other than looking for like minded individuals.

I will share designs here as they develop for feedback. Stay tuned the full platform reveal is coming soon. It is technically online now but I am working on the website every day and fingers crossed the end of this month should show at least a framework of how my company will take the responsibility of sharing these objects so anyone can use them as they see fit.

The list of stuff I am working on are:

-Wind amiometer

-Lifepo battery packs

-Electrification of a non-such, batteries, engine, solar, charge controllers, generator, hybrid options etc

-Windscreen/harddoger

-Bimini

-Swimplatform

-Electrical panel rebuild

-Plumbing refit

This is meant to be a long term project that is meant to be a constant improvement design.

Thanks

Rahsaan

6

That is very ambitious, Rahsaan. Your wind instrument project sounds especially interesting to me.

I can participate in #1, #2, #3 in Bob’s list.

7

Sorry sailing death in the family - a nonsuch owner actually , I’ll be off radar for a day or two , Gary

8

Morning I can assist with 3,4 & 6 . I’ve started to research shops on the east US coast for standards and getting a feel for pricing. Gary