Bungee for DSS Suunto SK-7 Compass Boot

[Daryl Morse]

I ordered a DeepSeaSupply Suunto SK-7 Compass Boot in the mail. Very nice piece of engineering. (I also got a couple of DSS Delrin Thumbwheels, which are very easy on the fingers compared to SS wingnuts.)

I started off having a heck of a time getting the 3/16 bungee threaded through the holes. I tried cutting the bungee off and burning the end to keep it from fraying, but the bulkiness of the burnt plastic wouldn't go through the holes. I managed to make it easier by wrapping the end with scotch tape, then cutting it and wrapping it again. Then I dipped the end in dish soap and it threaded through very easily. Definitely the way to go.

Now that I have the 3/16 bungee installed, it seems so stiff that it will be difficult to pull over the sleeve of my drysuit. I'm wondering if 1/8" bungee might be better because it has much more "give". Has anyone found the same thing with 3/16" bungee? Wondering if perhaps the 3/16" bungee I have is just too stiff.

 

[Boogie711]

Definitely go with the 1/8th. I'm not the expert on these things like Tobin is but I distribute his boots for him in Ontario. In fact, I'm surprised you got the 3/16 through there at all. Save yourself a lot of hassle and just throw some 1/8th through there.

 

[koi]

Those boots look interesting. Just out of curiosity, is it easy to disassemble the stock SK7? And do people usually go with the "straight" boot or "tilted" one?

 

[Daryl Morse]

Once I came up with the idea to wrap the end with tape and lubricate it, it was pretty easy to install the 3/16" bungee. It only took a few minutes. That said, it's way too stiff so I think I'll give the 1/8" bungee a try.

My SK-7 came apart quite easily, but apparently that isn't always the case.

I installed the 3/16" bungee with the lubber line at 90 degrees, but I think I'll angle it when I install the 1/8" bungee.

 

[cool_hardware52]

Once I came up with the idea to wrap the end with tape and lubricate it, it was pretty easy to install the 3/16" bungee. It only took a few minutes. That said, it's way too stiff so I think I'll give the 1/8" bungee a try.

My SK-7 came apart quite easily, but apparently that isn't always the case.

I installed the 3/16" bungee with the lubber line at 90 degrees, but I think I'll angle it when I install the 1/8" bungee.

Daryl,

Your tape / lube trick sounds great. I might just have to sneak that into the next version of the instructions.

What I usually do is heat the end of the bungee, and before it cools roll it between my fingers. If you do it quickly it only hurts for a little while

Leaves the ends no larger than the rest of the bungee.


I have found the angled mount to work best for me.



Regards,



Tobin

 

[crpntr133]

I to had a slight problem with the 3/16" bungee but made it through by twisting it while pushing it through. For the little bit of difference, I would have gone with the 1/8". Mine isn't too stiff.

I didn't have an troubles getting the compass apart. The bezel and ring came off fairly easy by hand. For the compass I started it by hand at the window and then put a small flat blade screwdriver through the window and under the module.

One problem that I have had is the compass module spinning when I turn the bezel. I think what happened was that it was out in the sun for a few hours and the boot expanded just enough. It didn't do this when I first put it together.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

I just got one on Friday as well, and used 3/16". The ends on my bungee that were already melted were 'mushed' out too wide, so I had to cut them off, and melt the outer wrapping only, so as to make a narrower end. Then by using a flat tool from my multitool, I managed to press the ends down into the holes far enough to grab with pliers. To keep them in, I put a ziptie around the end and tucked those up into the little recess on either side.

As for disassembly, mine was in a console mount. I soaked it in very hot tap water for a while, and the bezel and ring came right out. However I couldn't for the life of me get the compass part out. Finally I just got some small wire cutters and cut a notch in the left and right side where the material is thinnest. Problem solved, out came the compass.

http://www.scubaboard.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/25082/cat/533/page/1
http://www.scubaboard.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/25081/cat/533/page/1
http://www.scubaboard.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/25080/cat/533/page/1
http://www.scubaboard.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/25079/cat/533/page/1

 

[Daryl Morse]

I ended up going with the 1/8" bungee and I angled the mount. I dove with it today and it works great. What an improvement over the factory mount!

Nice design, Tobin.