Over-engineered and overpriced weight blocks

[Shadowena]

In the name of overengineering and wanting to have discreet and perfect trim, i couldn’t find anything similar and modular enough on the market. So I grabbed some spare stainless steel 316 blocks, 4” x 3” x 1/2”, and drilled and tapped.

Nothing fancy. Weighing in on 1.75# per block, I have made 4 blocks, up to 7# of adjustment. And some slotted thumb screws to make it adjustable on the boat. Don’t need a screwdriver as I use part of my belt buckle to tighten and loosen.

Just thought to share this idea with the world…

 

[tbone1004]

These are similar to the old Deep Sea Supply weight plates that bolted onto the sides of their backplates. Shame Tobin closed up shop after he moved

 

[Shadowena]

These are similar to the old Deep Sea Supply weight plates that bolted onto the sides of their backplates. Shame Tobin closed up shop after he moved

Wow I haven’t heard that name in a minute. I actually have a DSS T-26 wing… fantastic quality

 

[lexvil]

Tobin, if I remember correctly, used counter sunk screws from the plate side and threaded the weight plates so no pokey screws on your back. Nice idea.

 

[BoltSnap]

Any chance these screws will come loose and fall out?

 

[Shadowena]

Any chance these screws will come loose and fall out?

Short answer, no

First, I tighten them real well so the bolt tension keeps them in place

Second, with fine thread, it takes a good 10+ spins for them to fully back out, and so it would be a serious amount of rubbing or movement to unscrew.

I don’t know how thread locker does in salt water, so I did avoid using any thread fluids. I figured “real snug” should do the trick, but I’ll consider putting a spring washer if I see any issues.

 

[Allen-1]

Short answer, no

First, I tighten them real well so the bolt tension keeps them in place

Second, with fine thread, it takes a good 10+ spins for them to fully back out, and so it would be a serious amount of rubbing or movement to unscrew.

I don’t know how thread locker does in salt water, so I did avoid using any thread fluids. I figured “real snug” should do the trick, but I’ll consider putting a spring washer if I see any issues.

See post #5 in this:

Using Loctite in deep sea environment with 316 fasteners?

Hi all, I am having some trouble with 316SS 10-24 FH screws backing out of their 316SS housing during system deployment. Looking to implement some sort of thread locking, but unsure of Loctite's performance in an open marine environment, and also if it arises any corrosion concerns (he housing...

www.eng-tips.com

 

[Shadowena]

See post #5 in this:

Using Loctite in deep sea environment with 316 fasteners?

Hi all, I am having some trouble with 316SS 10-24 FH screws backing out of their 316SS housing during system deployment. Looking to implement some sort of thread locking, but unsure of Loctite's performance in an open marine environment, and also if it arises any corrosion concerns (he housing...

www.eng-tips.com

I’m new to this community but it’s people like you with this encyclopedic knowledge and searching skills that make it awesome!

If I run into thread movement I’ll loctite these. So far so good though. I know 7# isn’t a lot but moving them around or removing them completely lets me dive without weight belt or pockets, plus it feels very discreet and unobtrusive.

 

[Allen-1]

I’m new to this community but it’s people like you with this encyclopedic knowledge and searching skills that make it awesome!

If I run into thread movement I’ll loctite these. So far so good though. I know 7# isn’t a lot but moving them around or removing them completely lets me dive without weight belt or pockets, plus it feels very discreet and unobtrusive.

I wear a poodle jacket in the water; don't know anything about wings other than what I've seen/read. On the other hand, I've got a milling machine in the garage and can appreciate pretty work.

 

[Shadowena]

I wear a poodle jacket in the water; don't know anything about wings other than what I've seen/read. On the other hand, I've got a milling machine in the garage and can appreciate pretty work.

Im thinking of things i can mill with my Bridgeport all the time for scuba. Its not a super long list but keeps the brain working for product improvements.