Home made SNUBA for lobstering

[eowens]

Has anyone bought or made their own SNUBA system for shallow water diving or lobstering/scalloping? I would like to hear/see how you made the system and if it would be compatablle with a sit on top kayak for use in the Florida Keys.

Thanks for any replies
Big Ev.

 

[Web Monkey]

Has anyone bought or made their own SNUBA system for shallow water diving or lobstering/scalloping? I would like to hear/see how you made the system and if it would be compatablle with a sit on top kayak for use in the Florida Keys.

Thanks for any replies
Big Ev.

What would be the advantage over just wearing your SCUBA gear?

Terry

 

[mike_s]

Has anyone bought or made their own SNUBA system for shallow water diving or lobstering/scalloping? I would like to hear/see how you made the system and if it would be compatablle with a sit on top kayak for use in the Florida Keys.

Thanks for any replies
Big Ev.

The problem with putting a compressor on top of a Kayak is that it will be top heavy on a somewhat narrow platform. A wave or wind could flip the kayak (with compressor). over which would have a noticable impact on deliverying air to you as a diver.

You would also want to make sure you used a "continuous duty" compressor instead of one that's meant to cycle on/off with an accumulator tank.

By the time you bought all the stuff(compressor, kayak, regulators, hoses, etc) I think that you'll find the scuba gear is cheaper and more practicle.

 

[Damselfish]

The problem with putting a compressor on top of a Kayak is that it will be top heavy on a somewhat narrow platform. A wave or wind could flip the kayak (with compressor). over which would have a noticable impact on deliverying air to you as a diver.

I would hurt like heck if it fell on you too. :bonk:

 

[willydiver]

What does "SNUBA" stand for??? Surface something underwater breathing apparatus?

WD

 

[MSilvia]

I haven't tried making one, but I don't see any reason it wouldn't work. Personally though, I'd design it to be towed behind the kayak instead of mounted on it, so that the compressor wouldn't be compromised by the kayak rolling, and the kayak wouldn't be destabilized by the weight of the unit.

 

[Web Monkey]

I haven't tried making one, but I don't see any reason it wouldn't work. Personally though, I'd design it to be towed behind the kayak instead of mounted on it, so that the compressor wouldn't be compromised by the kayak rolling, and the kayak wouldn't be destabilized by the weight of the unit.

I'd be worried about the compressor sucking up CO and various other nasties from the engine exhaust.

Terry

 

[Damselfish]

What does "SNUBA" stand for??? Surface something underwater breathing apparatus?

WD

I think they just crossed the words snorkeling and scuba, rather than the letters standing for anything.

 

[DennisS]

Just curious as to why you want to do Snuba. It takes just a little practice to use your Kayak as a Scuba diving platform. Check out

Mark Theobalds site
http://www.kayakdiving.com/

Jim Spears site
http://www.kayakdiver.com/kayakdiving/topics.htm

Brownies has a hose kit if you really want to go that way

http://www.browniedive.com/hosekits/index.shtml

 

[MSilvia]

I'd be worried about the compressor sucking up CO and various other nasties from the engine exhaust.

Terry

Terry, you must have a much fancier kayak than I'm used to. Call me old fashioned, but I assumed it would be paddled to the site. I've seen hundreds of them in use, but never with an engine.