Frank,
Working backwards through my emails for today and yours was first up. Not sure if someone else has already provided this advice already but here goes.
When the submersible is properly trimmed out (with no down by the bow or stern), the center of buoyancy (CB) should be positioned directly above the center of gravity (CG). This can all be determined in advance before splash down by implementing a weight and balance sheet (most sub design texts recommend the start of this during early conceptional design). After the fact is much more difficult if by trial and error. The VBT should be located at or below the CG on the same line as CB-CG. Locating it forward or aft of this point will cause continual trim issues.
Looking forward to seeing you once again in Maine. Will be bringing at least one good rum to share with those interested.
R/Jay
Jay K. Jeffries
Andros Is., Bahamas
A skimmer afloat is but a submarine, so poorly built it will not plunge…