new dive assist board

[echinoderminator]

I designed this for shore divers that hunt. It will be made in San Francisco, California. Please let me know if you have any questions.
John Banks

 

[OceanObsessed]

I have a pretty big tandem kayak that tows through the water easier than my large floating dive flag and I have always thought it would be a good idea to have a miniature version of a kayak for carrying a dive flag, drinks, catch bag, etc. This is pretty much what you have. Its hard to tell from the pictures but it looks like it might tow pretty easy. It looks like you can fly a larger sized dive flag with this, which I prefer because of the boat traffic in SE Florida, and it flies it nice and high out of the water. It looks like you can carry a bag of lobsers, camera, or a couple of small fish in the well. Ideal for freediving!

 

[echinoderminator]

I have a pretty big tandem kayak that tows through the water easier than my large floating dive flag and I have always thought it would be a good idea to have a miniature version of a kayak for carrying a dive flag, drinks, catch bag, etc. This is pretty much what you have. Its hard to tell from the pictures but it looks like it might tow pretty easy. It looks like you can fly a larger sized dive flag with this, which I prefer because of the boat traffic in SE Florida, and it flies it nice and high out of the water. It looks like you can carry a bag of lobsers, camera, or a couple of small fish in the well. Ideal for freediving!

Thanks OceanObsessed! I have gotten this response from lots of kayakers. It seems there really is a true need for a tow pod for kayaking. I feel this product does not qualify simply because if I were to design a product from scratch with that it mind a few very key features would not be the same and those features are not easy to modify for a alternative mold. Your response only further compounds my thought that a kayak tow pod must be made! I am seriously on it. THANKS.
John

 

[OceanObsessed]

Perhaps I did not explain myself well but I was referring to towing it on a shore dive as you had intended it to be used but towing it behind a kayak for extra storage is not a bad idea either

 

[echinoderminator]

Perhaps I did not explain myself well but I was referring to towing it on a shore dive as you had intended it to be used but towing it behind a kayak for extra storage is not a bad idea either

YES. I agree. You mentioned kayaks and towing and I had heard that so much that I failed to read. My understanding about Florida is that 99% is boat based dives because the reefs are 20 miles out. I want Florida as a market but it seems slim unfortunately. They will however be available in Florida as I have gotten several requests and have a couple of potential retailers.

By the way - if there is any way you think I can make any improvements on this for the Florida market I am all ears. Thanks again.
John

 

[OceanObsessed]

In Southeast Florida the reefs are swimming distance and shore diving is very popular, ideal for your product. On Floridas West coast and in Northern Florida (East Coast) some of the reefs are very far offshore.

 

[fdog]

Very nice.

It sounds like you've finalized the molds, but a couple of grab holes along the top of each side would be nice - like a couple toward the bow, where your hands would naturally fall when you lie on top, and, another at the stern (shoulder width apart).

Very nice, though. What's the weight?


All the best, James

 

[echinoderminator]

Very nice.

It sounds like you've finalized the molds, but a couple of grab holes along the top of each side would be nice - like a couple toward the bow, where your hands would naturally fall when you lie on top, and, another at the stern (shoulder width apart).

Very nice, though. What's the weight?


All the best, James

Thanks James. In the front the rail kicks out and up allowing fair gripability. The nice thing about polyethylene is that add ons are easy. I think with my own I'll add a 4" dry storage at the bow opposite side to the flag holder. I like the idea to have something to hold onto at the stern as well. Thanks again.
John

 

[echinoderminator]

as it is finally nearing completion it is evolving to have multiple attachment points for hand holds, tie downs for guns and more. Last count each part can potentially get as many as 44 molded in inserts (these are basically just little stainless nuts with a bit of a backdraft). Inserts are the best way to go with rotomolded parts and are more scarce these days due to corner cutting practices. A north coast board needs to be extra durable. I am patiently waiting for my tooler to complete a couple modifications to the molds.

All this is sloppy in the photo but basically I'll be using band material (same as is used on our guns) for optional connections. The beckson deck plates fit great. The floatline attachment will be stainless steel 3/8 16 thread X 1" long female thread molded in insert in the bottom 1/3 back from front and it will be super strong.