Thread for sewing to BC?

[Grajan]

I want to attach a couple of things to my BC (SQ Balance) and do not want to use grommets so I plan to stitch them on.

Is there a particular thread that is good for this application?

Thanks

[herman]

This is a pure guess, but it would seem logical that thread intended for the repair of boat sails would be acceptable. It would be strong, water and UV resistant. You should be able to find it in stores that handle boating items. West Marine comes to mind. They will also have the heavy duty needles you would need.

[Grajan]

Barring any other offers that is a darned good idea.

It looks so obvious that I don't know where my brain was...

Thanks for waking me up.

[PnL]

You should be fine with Nylon B69 or B92. I use B69 which has 10lb tensile strength, the B92 has 16lb tensile strength. What type of machine are you using? Most home machines do not have the tension to use thicker nylon threads unless you modify them.

Heath will know much more about this than I would, perhaps you should PM him.

[snipes287]

I also want to put stuff on my balance. what all are you attacing?

[Grajan]

Probably get some abuse here - whatever....

I am planning to put an inverted neoprene pocket just below the fixed weight pocket on the LH side to hold a small SMB and reel. That way it is under the wing and not creating more drag.

I am also going to stitch a cut off hose clip parallel to and at the bottom of the RH side - just behind the weight pocket to loosely secure a 7' hose without using a canister light or having the pocket out.

That's it so far. Any other 'custom Balance' ideas?

[snipes287]

no, Iam also really looking for a pocket mod. where did you get your pocket? how much was it?

[Grajan]

I have not actually found the right pocket yet (I'm going to sort out the hose clip first).

All the commercially available pockets I have found are too bulky. What I am probably going to do is get one made from 3mm neoprene. It is for a very specific purpose so I can size it exactly.

[PnL]

May I ask why you want to use neoprene instead of nylon cordura? If its just a pocket, plain 1000 (or higher) dernier cordura is plenty tough and won't have any bouyancy issues as with neoprene. Perhaps you want some insulating/protection from the neoprene?

[Grajan]

The reason I am thinking of using neoprene is to take advantage of the elasticity. If I make a tight open ended tube I will be able to stuff my marker buoy into it with the clip hanging out. Then, when I need it, I will just need to pull on the clip. At the moment I'm doing something similar with bungee cord but it is less secure.

If I use cordura the pouch will be larger and require a flap which will then require a catch of some sort.

[Diver Mike]

I make several different SCUBA products, tanks holders, jon lines, etc and we use bonded polyester.

The cheapest source is the Thread Exchange in NC. www.thethreadexchange.com.

Mike...