RE: [PSUBS-MAILIST] OSS spec sheet

[Ron <ronleonard@shaw.ca>]

I agree with Ray. A single screw is impractical for a small psub, unless
you use a bow thruster and vertical thrusters along with it. 

I guess the question to be asked is: What is it for? If you want to
travel some distance, then a stern screw is needed, with a bow thruster
at least, if not vertical thrust (this could be done with ballast tanks,
but can be slow). If you only want to travel a short distance and mostly
just want to look around then 6 thrusters like an ROV would be best, two
forward facing, two vertical, one bow and one stern, giving excellent
maneuverability and control.  

Also when considering speed and maneuverability, remember the water you
dive in is almost never static. There are always currents to deal with,
and you can get into all kinds of trouble if you dive in a current you
can't make headway against. 

Just my quick thoughts.
Ron 



-----Original Message-----
From: owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org
[mailto:owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org] On Behalf Of Ray Keefer
Sent: Tuesday, January 14, 2003 11:05 AM
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] OSS spec sheet


Hi,

> Need to resolve:
> 1. 	Steerable thrusters or single stationary thruster
> 	with rudder and dive planes.

Rudder and dive planes really only work if you are at speed. A PSUB is a
poke along and look type of vessel. I would suggest steerable thrusters.

> 2. 	Style of viewports (my prefered is flat acrylic)
> 

Flat is simplest and cheapest.

Regards,
Ray