Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Nekton, Delta

["D. Blake" <dblake@bright.net>]

Hi Karl:
Yes, I have heard about problems with corrosion especially where the ballast
tanks mate to the hull.  The same problem occurs on the K-boats.  Still,
since the ballast tanks on the delta are mated 360 degrees with the hull,
seems like the problem would be twice as bad.  Vance owns a K-350 and seems
to have come up with an answer though.  Maybe he can comment if he reads
this.
Big Dave
-----Original Message-----
From: Karl & Shirin Fuller <fullerk@voyager.co.nz>
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org <personal_submersibles@psubs.org>
Date: Tuesday, March 14, 2000 2:22 AM
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Nekton, Delta


>Thanks Big Dave,
>For all the links, I can see why you like the Delta and will be building a
>similar vessel.
>Do they get any problem with salt or dirt build up in the ballast tank and
>cutting down visibility ? In an autonomous sub, in the water most of the
>time, this could be a problem but it is a great idea and solves safety and
>ballast problems. Actually, the sub would be operational with the ballast
>tanks full of air most of the time so most of the marine growth would be on
>the outside and easily cleaned.......in summer.
>>From down under,
>Karl.
>
>> Here's another link:
>> http://www.canosoarus.com/11Submarine/Sub03.htm
>> pictures taken during construction and gives a better look at the
>portholes.
>> Big Dave
>>
>> >Hello Karl:
>> >You can get a good look at the Delta at:
>> >http://www.azstarnet.com/~delta/
>> >Also, you can do a web search to find pictures of the Nektons alpha,
>beta,
>> >and gamma.  Really, the Delta is like an ultimate Nekton although I
don't
>> >think the owner and designer Doug Privitt is associated with them
>anymore.
>> >I don't know the whole story there.
>> >Anyway, I like the idea of the viewports being protected by the forward
>> >ballast tank.  If you look at the pictures you will see what I'am
getting
>> >at.  He's even added protection for the side and con tower viewports.
>The
>> >nose cone/ballast tank on the earlier beta and gamma did not have the
>flat
>> >slanted big port on the nose tip, and so it was much more streamlined
for
>> >towing.  I just love the overall design.  If I ever build one, it will
>> >probably look very much like the Delta.
>> >As for the storm clouds,  They seem to have disappeared for the moment
as
>I
>> >have completed and turned in all of my delinquent paperwork.  Still, my
>> >annual evaluation is due the end of this month and I have my fingers
>> >crossed.  I would hate to lose this job.  I like the work, its the
>> paperwork
>> >I hate!
>> >TTYL
>> >Big D.
>> >>Big Dave,
>> >>How about telling those of us who are not familiar with the two designs
>> >> Nekton & Delta ), more about the features you like ?
>> >>And how is work, still storm clouds on the horizon ?
>> >>TTYL,
>> >>Karl.
>
>