[PSUBS-MAILIST] Aquasub

[Barry Green <bgreen@northwoodtec.com>]

I asked a few months back if anyone had ever completed the Aquasub project
found at www.rqriley.com
I can still hear the crickets chirping.......
I've decided to go ahead with the project (It's safe and cheap as far as
Subs go) but I would like to make some design modifications.
The original design had winged pontoons which supported the pod. The wings
would move in or out along the surface, as the pod submerged/surfaced.

The problem with this is the enormous wing span of the craft, almost 17 feet
when surfaced!
This also makes maneuvering, trailering and launching a nightmare, even
though the wings are removable.......

I'm thinking about leaving the pod as is but created a berth which would
surround the sub on three sides.
I would use the original "pontoon look" to flank the sub on either side and
create small storage container at the back. The pontoons and storage
container would be connected by tubular steel in the shape of a "U".

The Pod could be lowered from the berth via four cables, 2 on each side,
controlled by a winch assembly located in either pontoon.

Propulsion would be along the original design of trolling motors and they
would be located below either pontoon.

Power supplied by batteries located in the pontoons.

The Pod would therefore hang by steel cables from the supporting berth,
fresh air would be snorkeled down through flexible tubing (as per original
design).

Overall width for trailering would be less than 7 feet.

Max dive depth would be 10 feet.

I would like comments/suggestions/problems on this design.

Thank you

Barry Green
IT Specialist
Northwood Technologies
www.northwoodtec.com