Weight Distribution

[mccabejc]

I've got a Seaquest Pro QD+ weight integrated BCD, and I've almost got my weights distributed exactly how I like it. However, the only difficulty is that I tend to nose over when I'm hovering with no forward motion. My guess is that there is too much weight in the non-ditchable pockets on the back of the BCD, and that extra weight is forward of my center of gravity, causing me to pitch forward.

Is it true that those weights are generally located forward of the CG? I realize that everyone's different, but I assume that the BCD's are designed using basic assumptions of weight pocket locations relative to the CG...

 

[donacheson]

I've got a Seaquest Pro QD+ weight integrated BCD, and I've almost got my weights distributed exactly how I like it. However, the only difficulty is that I tend to nose over when I'm hovering with no forward motion. My guess is that there is too much weight in the non-ditchable pockets on the back of the BCD, and that extra weight is forward of my center of gravity, causing me to pitch forward.

Is it true that those weights are generally located forward of the CG? I realize that everyone's different, but I assume that the BCD's are designed using basic assumptions of weight pocket locations relative to the CG...

Your pitching forward is the result of your (you and your equipment) center of gravity being forward of your center of buoyancy. Shifting lead weights toward your feet will move your center of gravity closer to your center of buoyancy.

FYI, your center of buoyancy is the center of gravity of the water you displace.

One last comment: remember that your center of gravity will shift a bit during the dive toward your feet as the air in your tank, which weighs about 6 pounds in an Al80, is depleted. This will be compensated, at least in part, by reducing the amount of air in your BC needed to remain neutral.

 

[fmw625]

Lowering your tank slightly might help. I have just the opposite problem, I am feet heavy when hovering with no forward movement. I use an aqualung maverick bcd. Tried everything that I can think of short of tank weights.