Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] k-350 Modifications

I am going to start my k-350 here in about a month. We are pretty close to being prepped for the project. I would like to ask everyone for suggestions from previous experience about what modifications to the k-350 you all would have done if you could have gone back and done it again to improve the use and cost of production. I am pretty sure I am going to make the con tower a little bit shorter to reduce the above water weight while surfaced and to make the sub a little more stable. I have heard making an enclosed ballast is better to reduce settling. I have also heard rumors about using trawling motors instead of thrusters. Suggestions?
Thanks,
Scott Waters

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But the one thing I did do I would suggest is I used 4 - 3" x 1/4" soft steel rings around my
pressure hull. I have placed them just behind the end caps and spaced along the pressure hull.
90 degree bent ends bolt them tightly around the hull. I use these to weld everything on.
It seemed to me this was better than welding directly.
The original reason was just that I am using 2 - 10' and 1 - 6' battery pods for a total
of 24 batteries. A lot more weight. But in construction I have found out this works well.
I am just a back hoe bucket wellder so this approach seems to help my confidence in the
pressure hull.

Another reason I did this was for collision. I am building an outer hull to streamline, but
the idea of hitting something bothered me. Now if I hit anything my life support should not
be compromised as it should just slide along the hull. The fiberglass MBT should even be
able to survive a hard hit.

I also am venting my battery pods outside. I just can not imagine venting inside
they stink.

Dean Ackman