Wing Size Guess

[gr8jab]

Hi All,

I'm moving from a SeaQuest Malibu to a travel BP/W. I plan on getting the basic AL H-backplate, single piece harness (no pads or extra insulation), but keeping my normal kit (light/reg/camera/knife stuff).

I've been using the Ulitmate Lift Calculator to optimize the wing size.

One of the quandaries I have is estimating my new weights. I'm very large, and have a lot of natural buoyancy. With a 3mm shorty, I use 14lbs of lead with the Malibu.

So far I assume the SeaQuest Malibu was +2lbs, and the new BP/W is -4lbs. I'm therefore assuming I could drop 6lbs (from 14lbs to 8lbs of lead). Are these numbers OK?

 

[swimlikethefish]

Numbers on the aluminum plate look a little high. Maybe realistically - 2 lbs. You could add a steel tank and drop another 6. Then you would need little to no weight.

Edit: or a weighted (blue H) sta instead of steel tank.

 

[rsingler]

Try the other calculator on SB. I think it'll give you what you need, especially with your personal buoyancy factor.

Optimal Buoyancy Computer

 

[dmaziuk]

So far I assume the SeaQuest Malibu was +2lbs, and the new BP/W is -4lbs. I'm therefore assuming I could drop 6lbs (from 14lbs to 8lbs of lead). Are these numbers OK?

Maybe, maybe not. I dropped 2 lbs going from rental jackets to Alu plate.

 

[johndiver999]

Maybe the answer is because you are gonna fly with it, but why not get a heavier SS plate if you are that buoyant.

 

[gr8jab]

Maybe the answer is because you are gonna fly with it, but why not get a heavier SS plate if you are that buoyant.

Yup. Flying. Al backplate, Al tank.