Towable Dive Sled

[2Dive4fun]

I want to build a dive sled that can be towed behind a boat. It could be simple or complex with spare tank and sheild. I want to know if anyone has experience with any towable type dive platform or sled?

Scott

[FredT]

They did a tow sled in about 1970 ('68-'72 range) that worked well. It took about an hour and under $20 in todays $s to build. Paint drying time not included.

FT

[Bob3]

I made one out of an old drop tank (aircraft). It was pretty slick, the tanks are getting hard to find now though.

[mddolson]

I drew up a concept a number of years ago, for tow sled made from 8 inch dia pvc drain pipe. The cylindrical shape should make it tow straight. I sized it about 7- 8 ft long.
Tow rope would connected to an eye bolt thru the top of the tube wall at the front end.
There would be an adjustable pair of dive planes on the front connected to a joy stick to control depth .and fixed rudder and ailerons would help keep it towing straight.

Kind of like riding a sonar tow fish with depth control.

There was a large D handle by the joysick to hold onto, and the diver lays on top and stradles the tube with his butt up against a saddle.

An angled deflector screen coulld be placed infront of the diver to reduce water forces on him.

Roll would be controlled by the divers fins.


Mike D

[seahunter]

I have probably 100 hours on a tow sled. We made dozens years ago (Underwater World 1968 - 1978) and used them a lot.

We found many wreckages (as opposed to wrecks) in Tobermory using tow sleds. Some of the guys built very interesting sleds that would almost carry the diver along on a seat and that broke down to fit into a car trunk but the most popular was a 2' by 4' piece of plywood. You put 2 handholds near the edge and 1/3 the way down the short side (when you hold it it is 4' wide across your body).
The tow rope MUST be very long (100'+) and the boat MUST go very slow. Make a rope 'Y' with a ring or loop at the y and tie the loose ends to a hole on each side of the tow very slightly behind the handholes. That way you can hold the tow level and turn it up or down to rise or descend. Turns are managed by tilting and using your fins. If the rope is tied to the front edge of the tow, you cannot lift or lower it.

Couple of more tips:
Wear a good suit. You are down longer than normal 'cause you don't use much air plus you always have cold water coming at you.
Get a computer or watch your gauges very carefully. Contary to popular old wives tale, you can exceed your NDL on one tank when you're not working hard.
You cannot let go or even turn your head to check your gear or gauges. Hold the console under one thumb so you can read it without turning your head.
If you see something or are about to hit something, simply let go. You stop almost instantly because of the water resistance and the boat operator will feel that you've let go too so he can come around for you. Even a big boat (Mamie, Lark, etc) can really feel the difference when you're no longer on the line.

That's enough for this post. There's lots more and lots of funny stuff. That's one thing for sure -- tows are a lot of fun and there's no better way to see a lot of bottom.

[Bob3]

My little "sub" had fixed tail fins, the 2 diving planes in the front were used to control depth & roll, you could even turn the thing a bit to the left & right by rolling to the side & pulling back on the 2 sticks. Worked very well except I had no ballast in it, it was negative & a fair amount of headway was needed before it got to flying. It also had a curved plexiglas screen (cut off the end of a broken boat windshield). You definately wanted to stay hunkered behind it while underway at about 3 kt. Tow line needed to be 3 - 4 times the water depth.

[2Dive4fun]

Thanks for the responce. I like the PVC idea. The flat board sounds simple enough too. Please send me any pictures or drawings.
I would like to hear more about pro's and cons to any design.
DeckCo@aol.com.

[Bob3]

We used the plastic/plywood "dive plane" for scouting bug bottom, looking for holes, ledges, etc. Things would get tiring hanging on to the board for several hours at a pop so we'd make a little "T" seat from a piece of line & an 18" piece of 1-1/2" PVC, sit on the critter like a swing sort of, took the strain off the hands & arms.
I have one of the plastic slabs here yet (no handles), don't see them in the catalogs any more.
I'll fire up the camera tomorrow if I can find the batteries.

[2Dive4fun]

Thanks Bob3

If you send them to my E-mail directly, please indicate dive sled as title. I tend to delete most unwelcome mail or undisclosed sender.

DeckCo@aol.com

[Bob3]

I got another batch of batteries in, they're in the charger now.

[whalerkyle]

Im fascinated by this scuba sled idea. I will start to build one asap. If anyone has some home made sleds with pictures, I would love to see them.
Thanks for this fantastic idea!!

Kyle

[Turn2]

If you can find a copy of the July 1967 issue of Popular Mechanics, there is a plan for a simple, cheap sled that i built and have used for about 20 years. Yeah, I have rebuilt it lots but you get the idea. Two great things about this design are that you hold on with your legs so your arms don't get tired, I have lasted just over an hour on the thing, and it breaks down quickly into a narrow form. This makes it good for small boats. I might be able to scan and send the plans...they may not be easily readable (poor copy)

[mddolson]

If you want to scan it and pm me with a copy in jpg form I can clean it up and post it.


It'll take me a few days though, unfortunately I have to attend a funeral tommorow.

Mike

[diverrick]

I work with a guy who has built a wonderful sled.. He works in plastic for a living, so of course it is made of plastic. It has a clear windshield (or should I say water shield) and a release latch for the tow rope. it is formed plastic, and the diver kinda puts head and shoulders into it, fins help with directional control, and it has planes on each side for ascent/descent. He has loaned it out to a selected few who wanted to film Dolphins, but couldn't go fast enough under water until they used his machine. He would love to market it, or find someone who'd by one. I'll see if I can't borrow some pics from him to post.

[mddolson]

we must have pictures.


Mike D

[diverrick]

here's a pic, lets see if it works. A caviat, this sled is patented, the owner is seeking ivesters, as well as buyers, if anyone is interested. He is currently working on making it more comapctable, for travel.

[diverrick]

Can I e-mail these to someone who can post the pixs? I can't seem to do it.

[diverrick]

OK I attempted to upload two pixs of the sled, but I cannot seem to make it work. Can I e-mail them to one of you guys, and let you try. I have made two different posts, as well as attempting to upload those photos. I don't know if the files are too, big, if I am doing something wrong, or we are having problems with the website.

[whalerkyle]

OK I attempted to upload two pixs of the sled, but I cannot seem to make it work. Can I e-mail them to one of you guys, and let you try. I have made two different posts, as well as attempting to upload those photos. I don't know if the files are too, big, if I am doing something wrong, or we are having problems with the website.

Email it to me, Ill see what I can do.
seemehack@hotmail. com

Kyle

[2Dive4fun]

Can I e-mail these to someone who can post the pixs? I can't seem to do it.

DiverRick

I would like you to send me some pictures too. I would like to see this sled. I might even be interested in buying one. Please send me more information.

DeckCo@aol.com

[diverrick]

The problem ,I think is the size of the file. Maybe if I sent it in an e-mail?
I'll try when I get home tommorrow if I can find the time.

DiverRick

I would like you to send me some pictures too. I would like to see this sled. I might even be interested in buying one. Please send me more information.

DeckCo@aol.com

[2Dive4fun]

I got the one picture. Thanks for the info. Send me a PM or E-Mail me with more information. How is it constructed. How much does it cost. Weight? , Size, etc.

[2Dive4fun]

Here is a smaller file of the picture.

[mddolson]

Here is a smaller file of the picture.

Wow! Buck Rodgers move over!

Mike D

[2Dive4fun]

It reminds me of Buzz Lightyear. To Infinity and ....

[diverrick]

If I send you the other one would you post that too? It show the sled out of water.

[SeaJay]

Definitely... I want pics too! :)

[2Dive4fun]

If I send you the other one would you post that too? It show the sled out of water.


Diverrick E-mail the picture and I will post it for you.

DeckCo@aol.com

[2Dive4fun]

Here is a croped picture of the Sled.

[sailor025]

I've heard in years!!! I'm up to this challenge! I'd like to see the Popular Mechanics version. I go out in the open Gulf--this thing would be a blast in really clear water. The only problem is will the fish be able to distinguish between me and bait??

Sailor

[diverrick]

I had a chance to speak to the inventor today..
he said it had a wingspan of 6'
Length 6'
Height 39
weight 89 Lbs
he said he is currently rethinking how to make it more collapsable, and lighter.
He is working on using different materials that might make it lighter product.
He said that as it is now, it will plane down to what ever depth, and stay there if there are no control inputs from the diver.
Any one interested in this product, either to buy, or invest in can contact him at:
davejankaufman@aol.com
He can give you more information as required.
It was used for a IMAX film project to film dolphins, as it goes fast enough to kinda keep up, something a scooter could never do. He is interested in doing something with this product either by either selling them, or getting some financing to market it or whatever pops up. He also makes cool clear plastic childrens cribs and other stuff out of plastics.
Again, it is patented, just to remind you per his instructions.

[SeaJay]

Over the weekend in Hollywood, FL, I saw a sled at Outdoor World - although admittedly a very simple version of what you see here. It consisted of a simple wooden plane with handles on it and a hook to tie to a line, which would be towed by a boat. I didn't check price, but certainly it would be under $20.

I thought it might be somewhat dangerous for a diver to use... With a flick of the wrist, you could send yourself up or down very fast - not to mention that you're really trusting the pilot of the boat to keep speed at trawling speed.

It seemed a great idea for snorklers, though. And I guess for scuba divers, too... But the potentially lethal mix of compressed breathing gas and quick controls could get you in trouble in a hurry - even if the line was only 30' long.

Done right, though, it sure could be a lot of fun.

The sled in the above picture looks like even more fun. You'd have to really watch yourself, though.

[SeaJay]

He is working on using different materials that might make it lighter product.
He said that as it is now, it will plane down to what ever depth, and stay there if there are no control inputs from the diver.

That's interesting.

Is there a way to set the depth and have it ascend/descend slowly from there?

I'd be really interested in working with this guy. I'll give him a shout...

[2Dive4fun]

Rick, Please let me know how to contact the designer of this sled. The mail address does not work for me.
Scott
DeckCo@aol.com

[SeaJay]

Me neither. Can someone help?

[diverrick]

davjankaufman@aol.com

I hope that one works Oh .. and BTW, if any of you buys one, I get a free ride!

[SeaJay]

Thanks a lot... I've sent an email.

[Bob3]

We used the plastic/plywood "dive plane" for scouting bug bottom, looking for holes, ledges, etc. Things would get tiring hanging on to the board for several hours at a pop so we'd make a little "T" seat from a piece of line & an 18" piece of 1-1/2" PVC, sit on the critter like a swing sort of, took the strain off the hands & arms.
I have one of the plastic slabs here yet (no handles), don't see them in the catalogs any more.
I'll fire up the camera tomorrow if I can find the batteries.

HEY!
I finally tripped over a pic of that little dive plane I was talking about.

http://eopen.gmcscuba.com/eOrder/assets/product_images/63050.jpg

[TraditionalFlee]

DId you find any drawings or photos of this dive sled idea ?

Robin



I want to build a dive sled that can be towed behind a boat. It could be simple or complex with spare tank and sheild. I want to know if anyone has experience with any towable type dive platform or sled?

Scott

[TraditionalFlee]

ANy photos of your dive sled idea, I need to build one !

Robin


I have probably 100 hours on a tow sled. We made dozens years ago (Underwater World 1968 - 1978) and used them a lot.

We found many wreckages (as opposed to wrecks) in Tobermory using tow sleds. Some of the guys built very interesting sleds that would almost carry the diver along on a seat and that broke down to fit into a car trunk but the most popular was a 2' by 4' piece of plywood. You put 2 handholds near the edge and 1/3 the way down the short side (when you hold it it is 4' wide across your body).
The tow rope MUST be very long (100'+) and the boat MUST go very slow. Make a rope 'Y' with a ring or loop at the y and tie the loose ends to a hole on each side of the tow very slightly behind the handholes. That way you can hold the tow level and turn it up or down to rise or descend. Turns are managed by tilting and using your fins. If the rope is tied to the front edge of the tow, you cannot lift or lower it.

Couple of more tips:
Wear a good suit. You are down longer than normal 'cause you don't use much air plus you always have cold water coming at you.
Get a computer or watch your gauges very carefully. Contary to popular old wives tale, you can exceed your NDL on one tank when you're not working hard.
You cannot let go or even turn your head to check your gear or gauges. Hold the console under one thumb so you can read it without turning your head.
If you see something or are about to hit something, simply let go. You stop almost instantly because of the water resistance and the boat operator will feel that you've let go too so he can come around for you. Even a big boat (Mamie, Lark, etc) can really feel the difference when you're no longer on the line.

That's enough for this post. There's lots more and lots of funny stuff. That's one thing for sure -- tows are a lot of fun and there's no better way to see a lot of bottom.

[Ironman RA]

Does anyone have any plans for building an inexpensive dive sled?

[diver-greg]

Just a reminder for those of you that talked about the simple dive sled, I'd love to see a picture, or a diagram, or even a rough sketch. We need to do some exploring for dive sites on the island and this would be perfect.

Greg

[Thomas H]

I was hoping someone could help me with my problem. I am trying to create my own underwater toe sled for spearfishing with scuba equipment. I am not looking to build anything fancy with wings and a sheild, just something to get the job done. I would buy one, but all the ones on the market are junk. Do you know of any good ones? If I were to create my own: Does anyone have a good sketch or plans? What dimensions should I use? What type of material, wood or plastic? How much rope from boat to sled? Should a buoy be used to bring sled up upon release? If so, what size of a buoy? Where should buoy be placed on towline? Should a weight be used in conjunction with buoy? If so, where should weight be placed? What ounce of weight? Please feel free to write Thomas of Tampa, FL at tjh_tb_bucs@yahoo.com (Those are _ (underscores) in-bewteen spaces in my email) - THANK YOU for any help you can give me!

Add in: I went to the USF (Univ. of S. FL) library and found the July 1967 issue of Popular Mechanics and that design is for an aquaplane. An aquaplane well not work for my purposes because it is too big and will not allow for quick release when a bug or grouper is spotted. I am just looking for something to hold onto with my hands that will enable me to quickly let go when needed. Any help would be great!

[marek]

I want to build a dive sled that can be towed behind a boat. It could be simple or complex with spare tank and sheild. I want to know if anyone has experience with any towable type dive platform or sled?

Scott

Visit www.slediver.com

[Flyin_Grebel]

Im fascinated by this scuba sled idea. I will start to build one asap. If anyone has some home made sleds with pictures, I would love to see them.
Thanks for this fantastic idea!!

Kyle
Not a towable sled, but back in the '80's I built a scooter that worked well and had the advantage that I could stop and look around. I buiilt a normal "torpedo" style that you hang onto behind, but it would pull your arms out of their sockets after awhile. So i built a shorter one that would ride in one side of a doubles backpack. Worked great until I loaned it to a friend who was using it to pull another friend and got the rope tangled in the prop. Power was the head of an electric trolling motor with two motorcycle batteries in a pvc tube that mounted in the backpack. Partial cort nozzle for efficiency. HEAVY to get to the water when set up with the tank and wearing a weight belt (Oregon coast), but slightly bouyant in the water.

[SteveKL]

Like others who have posted to this thread, I have been researching existing designs for a tow sled. I found an extremely detailed report covering existing designs, ergonomic challenges, load calcs, etc.

http://www.gratisweb.com/aeronautico/proyecto/project.htm

Armed with this info, I've designed a simple sled that eliminates the major flaw of existing models (i.e. the necessity for the diver's arms to provide both the control and the "hanging on" for the unit). I'll post a photo and sea trial results once the unit has been built and tested.

[sailor025]

That is intriguing. Be sure to post your results. That may be fun to build.

Rodney

[critterc]

I had a chance to speak to the inventor today..
he said it had a wingspan of 6'
Length 6'
Height 39
weight 89 Lbs
he said he is currently rethinking how to make it more collapsable, and lighter.
He is working on using different materials that might make it lighter product.
He said that as it is now, it will plane down to what ever depth, and stay there if there are no control inputs from the diver.
Any one interested in this product, either to buy, or invest in can contact him at:
davejankaufman@aol.com
He can give you more information as required.
It was used for a IMAX film project to film dolphins, as it goes fast enough to kinda keep up, something a scooter could never do. He is interested in doing something with this product either by either selling them, or getting some financing to market it or whatever pops up. He also makes cool clear plastic childrens cribs and other stuff out of plastics.
Again, it is patented, just to remind you per his instructions.


diverrick, anything new on this sled ??

[meekal]

wow. this thread might go on forEver, but it is certainly fascinating.

steveKL... any news on your seatrials?

[Tom Winters]

I used to use a Fortress FX-7 aluminum anchor to tow people underwater especially at night when we were looking for the Mahi on the leeward coast of Oahu and we couldn't see the landmarks.
Those were some brave people riding down there in the pitch blackness. No HID wonderlights to light up the abyss. I thought a lot about attaching a big meat hook on the outside of their tank - I figured that if a big tiger shark ate them, we might as well get some fun out it. I could never quite figure out to bring up the subject, and I was always grateful that I had to drive the boat and not get dragged around in 200' of ink.
When I had customers on day trips, sometimes on the second shallow dive off Waikiki, I would just rig up a big long giant waterski towrope with a few weight belts tied on and just cruise them down the reef for a couple of miles. If anyone dropped off, you would feel it instantly in the way the boat jumped. They got a nice long run without too much work - perfect for tourist dives.

[olsburk]

Hi guys!

I am interrested in this subjecy as well, but looking for something smaller to be used
with a snorkeler.
I intend to use it for visual scanning of large lake bottom areas (depth 1-6 meters) searching for specific plants within the Swedish´National Environmental Monitorring Programme.

FIY, the Swedish Marines used something bigger, translated as a "search dragon",
when searching for mines. See this movie for a PADI course in Swedish lake Vättern:
http://oxyorebro.no-ip.com/galleri/video/drake512.wmv
If you find it interresting, I could write down a brief translation from Swedish.
Another BIG DIY model could be found here:
http://www.dykarna.nu/photoAlbum/album.asp?userId=1455&albumId=3207

Anyway, I would very much appreciate if anyone send me pictures and plans of a smaller handheld tow board.

Sincerely
Anders Olsson
Freshwater ecologist, Gothenburg, Sweden
olsburk@yahoo.co.uk

[Rookie_J]

http://www.foreshore.ca/toad_sled.html

[2Dive4fun]

On my last dive trip to Sitka AK, I had a chance to try AK Divers Sled. I was surprised at how well it performed being made of solid plate aluminum. With a few personal modifications, I would build one myself. With the large wing span the sled would navigate well at depth while under tow. The owner, Dave, has the rope secured to the sled that makes it surface if you let go of it while in tow. Being all metal it will sink if the boat stops. My dive time was limited due to depth, but the experience was fun.

[diversteve]

This one looks relatively simple. I've not used it myself.
http://www.divekite.com/

[zoom]

Anyone ever heard of the UV-1? It is a lexan tow sled designed by a plastics engineer in Sarasota, Florida. He was selling them about 10 years ago for $1100. I wanted it but the future ex would not go along. I built one out of aluminum lawn chair. It worked ok but was bulky. I am still very interested in one of these things. If I cannot find a UV-1 used I will try and build one out of aluminum. They need a com system (simple buzzers) to talk to the boat for safety. You are able to cover miles and miles of bottom with one of these. The UV-1 would disassemble and go into a canvas bag. It had breakable plastic screws for the ailerons as you will run into stuff. It also had a small buoy on the tow lline so that when you got off in coral or rock it went vertical and sat on the bottom ready to take off again. For treasure hunting he had a bracket that mounted a u/w metal detector. You could fly inches off the sand. The designer really thought of everything. He enclosed the wiring for the buzzer system inside the tow cable so it was all one piece. Anyone ever seen or heard of the UV-1 or has any plans for a simple sled? All the one's I have seen are big, heavy, bulky and expensive. To go on a boat it needs to breakdown into small parts for storage. And it needs a windshield, otherwise you freeze to death even in warm water. Also sleds do not attract sharks. If one is nearby you are on and kind of in the vehicle and between the two you are pretty big Of course when you get off to spear or are dragging fish thats another story. Appreciate any help of thoughts.

[Bob3]

Gee, original posts from this thread started back in 2003!
I guess that means there's still a fair amount of interest in the subject.

http://eopen.gmcscuba.com/eOrder/assets/product_images/63050.jpg

Ya can't get much more basic than the dive plane offered by Global pictured above.

We had a piece of line about 4'- 5' long extending back from under the tow line attachment point that terminated in the center of a 16" piece of 1-1/2" dia PVC pipe.
Stick it between the legs & sit on it like a "single-line swing".
It allowed the weight to be off the arms & a person could ride around for hours, even using a hookah.

[Gary D.]

There are pics in my gallery of a couple I have. I also have one small one I keep with my gear in my vehicle 24-7.

Gary D.

[Rick Inman]

There are pics in my gallery of a couple I have. I also have one small one I keep with my gear in my vehicle 24-7.

Gary D.

Really? Maybe you could tow me around the lake to find the missing you-know-what. :D

[Gary D.]

Really? Maybe you could tow me around the lake to find the missing you-know-what. :D

Yea, especially sense I’m still grounded. :(

Wobbles tripped over one of those cement parking stops that was snow covered and has 15 stitches on her forehead and a concussion.:shakehead:

It pays to know people in ER. She came in by ambulance. We were 17th in line and were out in an hour twenty.

Gary D.

[Rick Inman]

Yea, especially sense I’m still grounded. :(

Wobbles tripped over one of those cement parking stops that was snow covered and has 15 stitches on her forehead and a concussion.:shakehead:

It pays to know people in ER. She came in by ambulance. We were 17th in line and were out in an hour twenty.

Gary D.
Ouch!!! Wish her our best for full and quick recovery.

We were on the bow of the Lois Ann in San Diego Sunday, and Priscilla tripped over the anchor Chan as the boat was heading up the swell and took a good fall. No stitches, but plenty of scraps and bruises and aches and pains.

Maybe they both need a sled ride (desperate attempt to tie hijack back into the thread).;)

[Gary D.]

Looks like we can't let them walk. A sled ride must be in order.

Gary D.

[couv]

Gee, original posts from this thread started back in 2003!
I guess that means there's still a fair amount of interest in the subject.

http://eopen.gmcscuba.com/eOrder/assets/product_images/63050.jpg

Ya can't get much more basic than the dive plane offered by Global pictured above.

We had a piece of line about 4'- 5' long extending back from under the tow line attachment point that terminated in the center of a 16" piece of 1-1/2" dia PVC pipe.
Stick it between the legs & sit on it like a "single-line swing".
It allowed the weight to be off the arms & a person could ride around for hours, even using a hookah.

I built one out of 3/4'' marine plywood that was very similar to the one in Bob's picture after seeing the movie, "Shark's Treasure." Rent the movie and you will see a very basic model that is easy to build. Attaching a line with a dowel rod that actually pulls you along like the button type snow ski lift is a nice addition for long tows.

Two things to be careful about:

1. After a bit of practice and you get real good and cocky with it, do not think you are going to "ski" along the bottom with it like someone who will remain nameless. Hitting the bottom at just a few knots tends to tear the mounting post right out destroying it and leaving the cocky diver to watch the boat leave him behind until the boat crew realizes it.

2. If you are on SCUBA, be VERY careful about ascending while holding your breath as when the diving plane is pointed sharply up there is a quick ascent rate. For this reason, get plenty of practice on snorkel first.

I found fins and booties to be more of a pain than a help when using the sled, YMMV.

This is tons of fun even on snorkel.

c

[philo]

Does any body recognize the attached tow picture.
If so do you know where I could purchase one?

[philo]

Send me pictures too!

[Warthaug]

Sleds are for sissies and old men ;)

Real men make these:

http://www.svensons.com/boat/pix/MechanixIllustrated/SportSub/tn.ssA.jpg

FREE BOAT PLANS, Boat Plans at Svenson's (http://www.svensons.com/boat/?p=MechanixIllustrated/SportSub)


Bryan

[oneshotshooter]

why can't I see the pics on page 3 of the sled?

[2Dive4fun]

I was asked to post some pictures of the dive sled. This is all I have. The designer lived in CA. I do not have his contact info anymore.

[DiverBizz]

I saw a sub for sale on SB just yesterday. The guy wants $3000. It looks like something from Warthaug's link.

[mike_s]

why can't I see the pics on page 3 of the sled?

not sure exactly which pics, but it's prob because this thread is SO OLD fROM 2003 that the site hosting the pics has changed since then.

If they were attachments to the thread, all "old" attachements to threads from several years ago were lost in the "great scubaboard server crash" of a couple years ago.

[NorthWoodsDiver]

GMC scuba sells one Underwater Tow Sled (http://www.gmcscuba.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=63050)

you can get it through any of their dealers, or you can use their design to build one.

[diverrick]

I was the one who originally tried to post those pics. Myself as well as the inventer were laid off our jobs a few years back. I have lost contact since then with more folks than him.. If someone is truly interested, I could do some phoning around and see if the old guy is still kicking. If he is, I would guess he is still looking for some way to make this dream of his a reality. He is a really great person, and a master at plastics.. His name is Dave Kaufman. Last I heard he was living in the bay area of California. If anyone gets ahold of him tell him Rick Dozier says hello.. and sent you.. Might help, might hurt..

[Tom Winters]

Hey diverrick - it's "illegitimus".

[oneshotshooter]

Thanks for the help. Our PSD does not have the funds for underwater sonar. I am trying to come up with the way to cover large amounts of territory using a GPS grid pattern on the surface for recovery. I like the idea of not having to hold on, and a full shield.

[Bob3]

Here's the pic from the GLOBAL website again:
http://www.gmcscuba.com/images/Products/63050.jpg

Adding that little "T-bar" seat to it keeps the load off the arms.
My buddy used to drag me around for hours looking for new bug habitat to exploit during the commercial bug diving season down in FL.

Back when I was in high school I built a little tow sub from a belly tank of a P-51, one of those things that sometimes comes back to haunt ya, especially at EAA conventions & air shows. :shakehead:

[couv]

Here is a design that should be easy to copy.

YouTube - iqrayboard's Channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/iqrayboard)

[imwright1985]

i dont know how to post pics but mine is a triangular shape aluminum frame about 1/4 inch round then there is a 1/4 piece of plastic shaped like Home plate in baseball with 2 handles notched out of it, and its hinged about 1/2 way down the plate so plate can swing around the AL frame

[corman]

The "Dive Sled" is something I invented in 2001 to hold three tanks on the surface which I can pull around (using a tow line to my weight belt) while I am diving below using a air hose attached to one of the tanks. It is actually quite easy to tow and I find there is no real danger not having an air guage. When the air runs low in the tank the breathing becomes more strained but there is always plenty of air to surface safely on. The Dive Sled is an excellent vehicle to use off the beach giving the diver three tanks to use rather than the traditional one tank at a time scuba diving method. Also a Catch or Storage box can be built onto the Dive Sled which I have used for holding Lobbies and speared fish. The beauty of using the dive sled is I can stay out and under for upwards of three hours at a time just surfacing to switch out tanks. I generally put on 100' of air hose. See photos attached

[Charles Bart]

Looks cool and would like to test my skills building one . Any divers living in Southern Cal. who are interested P M me .

[zoom]

Here is the link to the ultimate towable dive sled. I cannot post urls yet so if you google UV1 dive sled or go to free patents online you will fine it. Or if you are interested then pm me and I will send along the site. Its the patent and is very detailed. This vehicle was produced by a plastics engineer by the name of Harold Manfield. His final version was made of lexan. Sadly there was very little interest and I dont think he sold very many. They did not attract sharks at all. Harold worked out all the problems and his sled was wonderful. One of the problems with these sleds is that when you stop especially in a reef or rocky area the sled lays horizontal on the bottom and its hard to get going again. Harold solved this by attaching a small fender buoy a little up the tow line. This buoy kept the sled afloat and upright when you tossed it into the water and still had enough buoyance to keep it standing vertically on the bottom so it was ready to take off without hitting rocks on the bottom. The whole thing disassembled and would fit into an LL Bean canvas carry bag. It was wonderful design. The tow rope that contained the communications cable just coiled up. He used a simple 12 volt buzzer system to communicate to the boat. I rode the sled one time and it worked flawlessly.
Wonder what ever happened to Harold!!! Very smart guy.

[corman]

There is a company called Marine Sports that manufacturers something called the "Towable Sea Sled #5568". I bought one years ago and I remember using it successfully even though if you let it go the boat operator needs to be watching you and it at all times so as to get back to you safefully. You can dive and surface with it simply by moving it down or up with your wrists and only limited in speed by your ability to keep your mask on your face. I see they are selling for about $70. Seems kinda high priced for a piece of plastic and aluminum bar but that's what it is. I could probably build one using a plastic large kitchen cutting board LOL . Here are some photos:

[Ben Dugger]

I built several sleds back in the late 50's and early 60's. They even put my plans in the Skin Diver Magazine. I believe it was about October of 63. They are a ball to fly. If anyone is interested send me their e mail and I will send you a sketch.

Ben Dugger

[superstar]

Ben, Thanks for the offer.

[Bob3]

... They even put my plans in the Skin Diver Magazine. ...I'm jealous; all I ever had published in Skin Diver was a recipe! :D

[bob549]

You guys are making it way to complicated. After 35+ years operating search areas with these, it has come down to the kiss principal.
3/4 marine plywood
Approx 3' x 2'
Tow line attached slightly ahead of center
Line has a quick disconnect, horse lead or even an old seat belt buckle
Elongated holes both sides for your hands
Off the tow line where it is attached to the board on the opposit side attach a line to a 2" piece of pvc pipe about 2' long for a bum board
This is simple, easy to transport and manouverable.
You can do cartwheels, fly upside down if you have the vis
Preferably your buddy is on his own sled right beside you.
Line signals to surface
One go faster, two go slower, three stop or go
The only way to search a large area
Marine operator uses gps for grid patern mowing the lawn
Have fun