weighting distribution

[Gator Diver]

Just wondering what everyone would
recommend in terms of weighting to achieve
neutral buoyancy.

I dive a Seaquest Balance so I was wondering
how much weight I should put in the trim
pockets and how much I should put in the weight belt (or
integratd weight pockets in this case).

[JimC]

First, I don't dive a Seaquest Balance, or BC for that matter.

However, I do carry no dichable weight.

5lb SS Backplate
7lb Channel weight in the plate
Steel tank

But, between my wing, drysuit and liftbag I have redudant boyancy devices.

[donacheson]

newbie-in-fl once bubbled...
Just wondering what everyone would
recommend in terms of weighting to achieve
neutral buoyancy.

I dive a Seaquest Balance so I was wondering
how much weight I should put in the trim
pockets and how much I should put in the weight belt (or
integratd weight pockets in this case).

Your first task should be to determine the minimum amount of weight you need. Then you can begin to experiment with its distribution between trim pockets, weight bely, and possibly elsewhere.

The minimum amount of weight you need is that which keeps you neutrally bouyant at about 15 feet with an empty BC and a near-empty (say 500 psi) tank(s). The minimum amount will depend upon the tank(s) you're carrying, the wet/dry suit you're wearing, and probably upon how inexperienced and anxious your are (which affects your brreathing).

As for reaching this goal, the simplest way is at the tail end of a dive where you can sit on the sand at about 15 feet, empty your BC, and remove weight until you're neutral. Keep in mind the fact that air in your tank(s) has significant weight. For example, a full Al80 holds about 6 pounds of air, so it's still got 2 lbs when it's at 1000 psi. There are similar techniques which can be done in a pool, but an adjustment for the different densities of fresh and salt water must be made - about 2.5% of your total (you + all your gear) weight.

[roturner]

newbie-in-fl once bubbled...
Just wondering what everyone would
recommend in terms of weighting to achieve
neutral buoyancy.


Not too much, said papa Bear.

Not too little, said mamma Bear.

Just right, said baby Bear.

........

Just kidding, of course :)



I dive a Seaquest Balance so I was wondering
how much weight I should put in the trim
pockets and how much I should put in the weight belt (or
integratd weight pockets in this case).

The trick is to find a place to put everything that allows you to hang horizontal and motionless. Fiddle with it for as long as you need to find the sweet spot. You'll know it when you feel it but it might take a few dives so ask your buddy to be patient and to help you.

R..