DI_Guy
Contributor
Hi all:
I wanted to make an inexpensive dive flag and float that comes apart easily.
I got the idea from a dive buddy (Brian P.) (Thanks Brian)
Here is what I used to make it.
- replacement tent pole made of fiberglass sections (comes in 3 sections)
- A piece hard and durable styrofoam (from a shipping crate) shaped to a cylinder
- a piece of gas line hose (had it kicking around)
- six small hose clamps
- some large stainless steel flat washers
- a stainless steel eyelet ( to connect line to )
- 2 pound lead weight
I did not want to weaken the fibreglass rods by drilling them, therefore I used the hose bits and hose clamps to hold things in place. I used the flat washers to hold the styrofoam in place. I braised the SS eyelet onto a large SS flat washer to allow free rotation of the connector to the rope on my reel. I slid a stainless sleeve over the fibre glass pole to protect the pole from the cutting action of the forementioned flat washer. I used a 10" bungee cord to hold the sections together and hold the dive flag tight. The real was an old fishing reel I picked up. It has 100' of 1/8" diameter nylon line on it.
In the end, I am very happy with the design and it has virtually no drag if you have to pull it along during a dive.
Have a look at the pics and see what you think.
I wanted to make an inexpensive dive flag and float that comes apart easily.
I got the idea from a dive buddy (Brian P.) (Thanks Brian)
Here is what I used to make it.
- replacement tent pole made of fiberglass sections (comes in 3 sections)
- A piece hard and durable styrofoam (from a shipping crate) shaped to a cylinder
- a piece of gas line hose (had it kicking around)
- six small hose clamps
- some large stainless steel flat washers
- a stainless steel eyelet ( to connect line to )
- 2 pound lead weight
I did not want to weaken the fibreglass rods by drilling them, therefore I used the hose bits and hose clamps to hold things in place. I used the flat washers to hold the styrofoam in place. I braised the SS eyelet onto a large SS flat washer to allow free rotation of the connector to the rope on my reel. I slid a stainless sleeve over the fibre glass pole to protect the pole from the cutting action of the forementioned flat washer. I used a 10" bungee cord to hold the sections together and hold the dive flag tight. The real was an old fishing reel I picked up. It has 100' of 1/8" diameter nylon line on it.
In the end, I am very happy with the design and it has virtually no drag if you have to pull it along during a dive.
Have a look at the pics and see what you think.