Psubbers,
This may be the worst kept secret in the group, but I wanted to let
everyone know that my deal is done and I have acquired the Nekton Gamma
submersible. Just got back to Florida from a gonzo run to the Gulf Coast with
my brother Nick to load a truck with goodies and bring the sub home. Gamma has
been dismantled and in storage for 9 years. There is rust damage to the main
ballast tanks, but otherwise she seems in good shape. I intend to keep you up
to date through the psubs web page as we get her repaired and running again.
With photos, of course.
The Nekton family (Submaray, Nekton Alpha, the twins Beta and Gamma and,
of course, Delta), have collectively made over 12,000 dives through their 40+
years of their existence. They are simple, rugged and reliable. In a very real
sense, they were psubs before the phrase was coined--but not psubs of the
garage queen variety. These little vehicles were built to work, and work they
did. And still do. How things were done, and why, should provide a wealth of
information and aha moments for all of us.
Several of our members have already offered to lend a hand getting Gamma
ready to hit the water again. You know who you are, guys, and I want to thank
you. The rest of you are welcome to ask any questions you like. Meanwhile, I
will be tracking back through operator/owners from the past for more data.
Additionally, I would very much like to locate the Alpha and Beta. If you know
anything about them (where they are, what they are doing, who owns them
currently, etc.) and feel like sharing, please contact me (off-site or
on).
So, what's first, you ask? Sorting all those boxes, of course.
Best Regards,
Vance
