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Frank, I can’t
remember if it was ABS certified but they were planning on using it for
commercial work. I met George Kittredge about that time and he explained
that Lloyds was easier to meet (as noted by his early Lloyds’
certification). The saucer
shape has an excess cross sectional area and surface area (more drag) for useable
space. While it easy to create a hull in a saucer shape, you might note
that there are VERY FEW subs built this way. For a given rated depth, the
dished ends would have to be thicker as compared to a cylindrical hull. The lower tubes
are battery pods and help stability by moving the center of gravity (CG)
lower. The sail is a necessary evil to give you more freeboard.
Without the sail it would be very easy to flood the sub while o the surface
getting in and out of the sub. It will also allow you to see on the
surface for navigation. Respectfully, Jay K. Jeffries Natura nihil fit
in frustra From: owner- To Jay K.....Do you think it was ever ABS
certified ? I wonder how thick the hull is. You mentioned stability
problems and high power usage. Do you think the saucer shape is the cause of
that or maybe the tower and lower tanks were to blame. I am getting ready this
week to order the tank heads and the model I built seemed to be pretty stable
in water. ( just a small one and was in a swimming pool.) I won't have a tower
on mine and the ballast tanks will be on the side rather than on the bottom.
I've included a sketch and would appreciate any thoughts it might bring to
mind. Thanks, Frank D. Oops....the picture won't load. Anyway,
its like the one on craigslist but without the tower and lower tanks. The
ballast tanks will be in a ring around the perimeter and will be triangular in
shape. No other "stuff" on the out side and I'll make the windows and
hatch nearly flush. I'm trying to keep it as streamlined as possible. The
K250/350 propane tank types just seem too cramped inside and with the
legs, tanks, and other "stuff" on the outside, they move pretty slow.
Looking at the picture of the one on craigslist, I wonder if the ballast tanks
on the bottom would be trying to make it flip over. That tower has to be pretty
heavy, and with all the flotation on the bottom, maybe that is what made it
unstable. The center of gravity on mine is pretty low and the drop weight adds
even more stability ( its on the bottom.) I sent an e-mail to the seller, and
if he responds, I'll pass the info along to the group. Frank Dalgleish. (408)353-6645------- |