Anchoring a dive buoy / platform

[Ready4Launch]

First, is there a recreational buoy better than this one? I like the size and ruggedness.

Divers Platform by CDM

Second, what size anchor and rope should I use for something like that? How difficult is it to get it deployed and reeled in while floating on the surface?

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

First, is there a recreational buoy better than this one? I like the size and ruggedness.

Divers Platform by CDM

Second, what size anchor and rope should I use for something like that? How difficult is it to get it deployed and reeled in while floating on the surface?

Depending on what you want to do, we offer a very nice set up as well. Towing an inner tube line that for any distance or through a surf line or against a current will be a serious challenge. We offer a float that is very easy to tow, has significant buoyancy, provides a dive flag, has several good handle for support at the surface and we off an optional reel and steel hook which all work together to make a VERY nice surface float for scuba divers. This is a link to the discount package we put together which includes all the necessary components.

SCUBA Divers Surface Float Package | Mako Spearguns

MAKO Spearguns SCUBA Divers Surface Float Package

We’ve assembled this float package deal specifically for scuba divers who are looking for a BETTER way to display their dive flag. Most dive flags are mounted on a stick with a small float and are easily submerged when towed into a current. They also provide negligible buoyancy for support of the diver at the surface.

Some divers have used inner tubes or other similar devices, but these make way too much drag and are a huge problem if you are trying to enter through a shore break or encounter any currents.

The solution is our package that includes our Hawaiian float which is constructed of nearly indestructible, hard plastic and provides hand holds for support at the surface. It is streamlined and easy to tow through the surf or in a current. Ocean rescue life guards often use these same floats because they work so well.

We’ve also included a dive flag attachment that includes a 2-lb lead weight to help keep the dive flag upright. The dive flag meets the size requirements for the State of Florida and includes the required stiffener as well.
Then we added our high quality, ratcheting reel which carries 150 feet of nylon braid line. The reel allows deployment of line when the thumb lever is depressed and automatically stops when it is released. This allows a one handed line release on descent and prevents whiplash of the reel which can result in a “bird’s nest” tangle of line in some reels.

We've also included a Long Line Clip to the package to make travel and storage easier by unclipping the float from the reel.

Finally, we’ve included our stainless steel hook, which connects to the reel handle and allows the reel and float system to be anchored to the bottom, freeing up the diver’s hands.

We’ve put this complete package together at a discount price after we heard from our customers how well this system works for them.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

1+ what Mako said.

I've used an innertube-type dive surface float, and they are truly a pain in the butt if there is any kind of wind, chop or surface current. They present a fairly large surface area, creating resistance even in flat water, and can wear you out if you have to pull them for any distance against wind chop.

I now use the same type of hard plastic torpedo float pictured in Mako's post, and the difference in ease of towing is night and day.

Best wishes.

 

[Ready4Launch]

I appreciate the replies, but that is not a setup that I'd favor. I wouldn't want a small diameter line reel securing a float to begin with. Ideally, I want something akin to an anchor line from a boat that would be an assistance for descending and ascending.

I read 12mm is a better diameter to use for this purpose. I'm not sure how well the torpedo style would do at floating on top. I see it bobbing up and down and the flag out to the side. Going back to the diver platform that I posted the link for, would 25lbs. be too much?

 

[Basking Ridge Diver]

I think you may want to describe what you are trying to do. I see you are trying to attach a dive buoy to a platform but why and for what?

If you go to a quarry where you pay to scuba dive there are lots of examples of buoys attached to platforms. But you need to give some more information if you want better results...

 

[Ana]

I think you may want to describe what you are trying to do. I see you are trying to attach a dive buoy to a platform but why and for what?

I'd add to the why and for what.... where? because there's a little difference between a quarry and the ocean, open water or a protected sound? also how deep?

 

[rhwestfall]

Sorry for the hijack, but I want to know a little more about these "torpedo" floats.

We do a bunch of river drift diving here - 3kt typical current - no stopping, just go for the ride. Inner-tube floats are big and bulky, and really drag you along, and "pencil" floats pose some problems as they can get pulled under very easily. Thinking this might be a nice option.... what say you?

thanks!

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

Sorry for the hijack, but I want to know a little more about these "torpedo" floats.

We do a bunch of river drift diving here - 3kt typical current - no stopping, just go for the ride. Inner-tube floats are big and bulky, and really drag you along, and "pencil" floats pose some problems as they can get pulled under very easily. Thinking this might be a nice option.... what say you?

thanks!

The hard plastic float which comes in the package deal shown above should work perfectly for that application. You want something that you can drag over rocks and not sorry about a puncture or damage. These floats are extremely robust and are easy to tow in a current.

If/when you want to stop and hook off, you can just press the line release with your thumb and this will begin to release line, giving you a few moments of slack which should allow you to hook off before the float begins to pull.

 

[rhwestfall]

Stop? there is no "hook it to the bottom here" as you cannot stop yourself (we drift dive the Niagara River). If you tuen your head too far, you can loose a mask... I am thinking more of the hopefully lesser resistance in the shape/design as the surface travels much faster than the bottom and a tube will seriously pull you along.... as to the reels, we have been using those for years here on all the float styles.

I'm liking the looks of this....

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

Stop? there is no "hook it to the bottom here" as you cannot stop yourself (we drift dive the Niagara River). If you tuen your head too far, you can loose a mask... I am thinking more of the hopefully lesser resistance in the shape/design as the surface travels much faster than the bottom and a tube will seriously pull you along.... as to the reels, we have been using those for years here on all the float styles.

I'm liking the looks of this....

I have to admit, I have never dove in the Niagara River. If you order one, we would love to get some feedback.

Thanks

Dano