Horsecollar BCD ?

[Rxtuner(fc3s)]

Hi,

I will be starting my certification process w/ scuba lessons in about 2 weeks. I have a question tho. I own a mint condition Seaquest Deep Water Horsecollar BC. I would like to get trained on how to use it if the instructor thinks that its alright and safe to use. It has no signs of wear or dry rotting, discoloration, or leaking bladder. It looks as if its only a couple of years old.

I know they aren't the popular choice of BC's to use by many, but I just want to learn how to use it and possibly just use it occasionally. I will use what is recommended for my open water dives obviously but would like to at least try mine out once or twice.

any thoughts on this?

pictures:

 

[Stu S.]

That one is in great shape. We learned with those in 1977. Do you have a back pack? For the tank. Wherever you dive, you are going to have to take one, as they are no longer common. The horse collar has some advantages. If you get in trouble you ditch your weight belt, then (if you must) ditch the backpack, tank, and regulator. You keep your buoyancy on.

We would do just that getting on a boat, as boat ladders were not the stairways they are today. We would remove the weight belt, hand it up on the boat, and then do the same with the backpack and tank. Then we got on the boat.

A disadvantage is you don't get those D-rings that divers like to attach things to these days. You get one big pocket.

Diving vintage gear is a whole hobby inside of SCUBA. You will find plenty of advice here. You will probably want to train like everyone else, then give the horse collar a try.

 

[Rxtuner(fc3s)]

thanks for the quick reply. I really want to learn how to use it for diving and buoyancy control. At least just to say that I have learned how to. I do not have a backpack for it, I know I will need one tho. I noticed the dive shop where I am going to get certified had a couple laying in the floor beside the counter when I spoke w/ the owner.

It is in mint condition tho. No dry rotting or discoloration. That is why I really like it. Who knows, I may actually enjoy it and use it occasionally but I will just have to see for myself. Thanks for the reply.

yeah, I think maybe bringing it up after the training would be better as well. Can't hurt to ask.

 

[spectrum]

Ten we got on the boat.

A disadvantage is you don't get those D-rings that divers like to attach things to these days. You get one big pocket.

Not a problem....

Just put the D rings on the tank harness, I have some similar horse collars and use a plastic campack with a hog harness. With D rings on each shoulder and each side of the hip I do not lack attachment points. Even the shoulder rings are surprisingly accessible.

Rxtuner(fc3s)... A hog harness is short for Hogartian and is a simple 1 pc web harness with a waist buckle. If you have been scoping out vintage gear for so long the you probably know what I mean.

Pete

 

[spectrum]

Hi,

I will be starting my certification process w/ scuba lessons in about 2 weeks. I have a question tho. I own a mint condition Seaquest Deep Water Horsecollar BC. I would like to get trained on how to use it if the instructor thinks that its alright and safe to use. It has no signs of wear or dry rotting, discoloration, or leaking bladder. It looks as if its only a couple of years old.

I know they aren't the popular choice of BC's to use by many, but I just want to learn how to use it and possibly just use it occasionally. I will use what is recommended for my open water dives obviously but would like to at least try mine out once or twice.

any thoughts on this?

pictures:

I don't want to burst your bubble (no pun intended) but be careful. Those horse collars can look great if stored clean and away from light. What happens to many of them is that the bladder delaminates and blows out at the seams. Looking at your photos I can see that it does have the connection for a low pressure hose. What you want to do is have your instructor connect it to a regulator set and inflate it numerous times until the over pressure valve releases air. It may even blow out if you get all red in the face doing it orally.

If it does prove to be solid then you can go do as you wish, especially if your instructor is familiar with these and is willing to accommodate your desire. When diving with mine I quickly forget it's there. The bubble tends to concentrate high on your body and the surface properties will lean you back as you inflate it. It's entirely manageable but can be surprising the first time, especially if you are already accustomed to more contemporary gear.

The vintage stuff is a lot of fun. Be sure to visit the Sea-Hunt Era here on the board. As well as Vintage Double Hose. You will be surprised to find that there is a whole community of vintage dive dear enthusiasts.

As for your training process I think staying with contemporary gear may be the easiest thing for you, your instructor and the buddies you will be drilling with. Knowing your buddy's gear is part of safe diving and you will be introducing a curve ball.

Have fun, good luck and keep us all posted.

Pete

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Ditto what Pete said.

The harness on an old style backpack and a one piece harness used by GUE/DIR divers are very similar in terms of harness arrangement and stainless steel keepers and D-rings are very common as they are widely used by technical divers.

I use a horsecollar from time to time when using a double hose reg and it tends to be very streamlined underwater compared to a modern poodle jacket BC.

 

[Rxtuner(fc3s)]

Thanks again for the responses. I will have the instructor test it out and give it a really good look over. If he approves, then I will just set it to the side for after I get trained on the gear for class and see if it'll be a problem or not after my certification is complete. All I want to do is just try it out and to say that I have tested one for my personal taste to have its own say. thanks again for all the help.

I'm really looking forward to getting certified!

 

[herman]

Your other source of trouble may/could be the LP inflator. Some had odd sized connections making finding a hose difficult. Also, the Orings in it can give problems having set up for a long time....I had both problems with an old Dacor I was given. Not problems too difficult to overcome but likely things not worth dealing with during training.

 

[Stu S.]

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[james croft]

I use the HC a lot. Make sure to put a CO2 cartridge in the detonator to plug the hole. It may also be plugged with a 3/8" port plug as it may leak otherwise. Once you use this type of BC you will find they are very streamlined and work well.