Scout question

[torch]

I own a Zeagle Scout BC which I've used on trips down south to Bahamas and really like the lack of clutter and except for the crappy rental jackets during my cert its all I've known. I dont carry toys clipped to it save for a camera, so thats not an issue. Now I decided to try a few dives in Lake Ontario and check out a few local wrecks. Apart from having to wear a weight belt to compensate for the thicker wet suit is there any real reason shouldn't wear this in the colder water as I realize its a 'warm water' BC ? I only plan to dive rec type dives to keep my hand in while saving for the next trip south and with the 35 lb lift it has and a single tank I can't really see this being a problem or am I being naive ? ( I have a blizzard reg setup and reg freezeup seems more important to me than the BC ,not that I intend to dive in 40 F degrees anyway)
Cheers

 

[caveseeker7]

Use the 'search' function, you'll find plenty of threads dealing with lift capacity and weighting.

The lift you need depends on the weight/negative bouyancy you carry. Steel tanks tend to be negativ when used, alu tanks positive. How much lead you need to compensate for your suit. 35lbs. might be cutting it too close ...

Out here in SoCal temps go down into the 50s during winter, I have several friends who dive either the Scout or similar sized 'travel' bcs with 7mm one piece suits and 7mm hooded vests. However, they all use the little Scubapro 72s (single tank) which are very negative when empty.

If you decide on a bigger (next size is 44#, the Ranger's wing) bladder, you need to stay with Zeagle as your bc doesn't have grommets to accomodate wings. However getting that wing shouldn't be a problem, every Zeagle dealer can order it. They're pretty expensive though.

 

[torch]

Thanks for the info. I've had a browse thru this sites search and checked my log and found I used 22 pounds of weight with a two piece 7mm in fresh water during my cert bouyancy check so I'm going to give it a try. I dont think I'd bother increasing the bladder size, as you say the costs are probably not worth it, but if I like what I'm doing I may invest in a more suitable cold water BC.

 

[VTernovski]

I used the original scout (the one that had weight integrated pockets) with both Still OMS LP112 and OMS 125 tanks, in north east... oh, did I meantion I also had a pony bottle (rigges as a stage bottle) AL30 hanging on my left side? ..I had to modify the BC though to include a hip D-ring on the left side though... Anyway, the 35lb of lift was plenty for a single tank diving. the only problem with diving those large 8" diameter steel OMS tanks was that the Scout's strap was too short... it was barelly holding the tank on less than an inch of velcro left... but... I dove it like that, and no problem, never had the tank come off. Now.. Iam not saying that was a smart thing to do, and I have switched to a Back Plate/Wing setup, but nevertheless, Scout is an excellent BC.

any questions, PM me.

-Vadim