the nautilus drydocks

Are you creative? Are you inspired?

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Most importantly... are you broke?

 

Now is your chance to put your skills to the test and win BIG PRIZES for your ingenuity, creativity and engineering prowess. Your task: Build a complete RC submarine, but do it for less than $80US!

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Here are the details: 

Contest Close Date:

1. October 31st, 2026

The Sub:

1. Build must be executed, entered and documentation submitted to the judge(s) by contest close date.

2. Total budget of any and all materials and components, not including the radio and receiver, is to tally up to less than $80US.

3. Any components not purchased specifically for the project (IE: you just had them lying around for the last few years) will be assessed a fair market value. Used parts fall into this category and will also be assessed fair market value based on new parts pricing.

4. Parts sourced in bulk can use the per piece pricing (IE: 10pcs at $10 would be $1 each)

5. The submarine must be controlled wirelessly. No tethers allowed.

6. The submarine should have a functional ballast system capable of taking the boat from surfaced condition to submerged condition and back to surfaced condition.

   1. Surfaced means at least 10% of the total hull above the waterline

   2. Submerged means the entire hull below the waterline. Having a small amount of sail protruding, along with masts/scopes is acceptable. 

7. Dynamic diving submarines are allowed, however they will be penalized points compared to a full static diving boat.

8. The submarine should be capable of movement in both forward and reverse. Forward movement only is allowed, but a points penalty will be applied.

9. The submarine must be capable of transiting in submerged condition for a distance of at least 30ft (9m) without surfacing

10. The submarine must be capable of executing a 360 degree turn in an area of less than 20ft (6m) diameter / 10ft (3m) radius

11. 3D printed hulls will be allocated cost based on material, size, accounting for a standardized "wear and tear" expense for printer use. 

Winner Requirements:

1. Provide receipts of all components and materials used

2. Shipping from TX, USA for any prizes awarded to the winners is included for free for domestic US residents. International winners are responsible for shipping expenses. 

3. Must fully document the components used

4. Must provide photos and/or video of the build process (to help others follow in their footsteps for the build).

5. Must provide video documentation of the submarine executing the performance requirements outlined in points 8 through 10 above.

6. Photos, receipts and video can be posted to the $80 Submarine thread on our forums. Alternatively, they can also be emailed to info@nautilusdrydocks.com 

7. Lack of any of the above requirements results in disqualification from prize awards.

Prizes:

1. Brand New Maximus submarine model kit of your choosing (up to $1000 value!)

2. STL files, drawings, photoetch and decals for a sub of your choosing from www.rcsubs.cz (up to $200 value)

3. Additional prizes to be announced.

Submarine Evaluation: Highest points tally wins. Maximum score: 30 points
 

1. Price: 10 points maximum

   1. Below $80: 10 points

   2. Above $80: -1 point for each $2 above $80 (IE: If cost is $90, -5 points)
       

2. Performance: 15 points maximum

   1. Movement forward and reverse: 2 points

   2. Forward movement only: 1 point

   3. Submerged operations for a minimum of 30ft: 5 points

   4. Ballast system transitions boat from surfaced to submerged trim: 5 points

   5. 360 degree turn in less than 20ft: 3 points
       

3. Cosmetics: 5 points maximum

   1. Impartially rated with a score of 1 through 5 points

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All judging will be conducted by a panel of three independent and impartial members of the RC submarine community. Their decisions are final and binding. Final evaluation and winner announcement will be conducted on or before November 15th, 2026.