Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Launch Retrieval Transport

Yes, I can see the attractiveness of the cable on a fairly steep ramp....simplicity and a potential winch backup I suppose.....not bad!

But, my ramps here in S Florida, are shallow angle, ....in real shallow water. Run out of ramp, and you could get mired but good. Another solution is to get slung in each time..($$$). The tonque extension technique is probably not long enough here.

Joe

From: Cliff Redus <cliffordredus@sbcglobal.net>
Reply-To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Launch Retrieval Transport
Date: Sat, 4 Nov 2006 08:29:24 -0800 (PST)

I helped Gary Boucher load and unload his boat, Vindicator. He used the same technique of a long cable between trailer and truck. This seemed to work OK except it was a bit slow compared with a conventional boat launch.

Cliff

Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.
Samuel Johnson

----- Original Message ----
From: Nomdae Plume <nomdae@hotmail.com>
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Sent: Saturday, November 4, 2006 10:07:32 AM
Subject: RE: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Launch Retrieval Transport

Hey Joe:

Pat Regan had an interresting solution to the problem: He attached a 50 foot cable to his trailer and was able to keep his van high on the launch ramp while moving his sub into deeper water. You can see this in action at:

http://www.vulcaniasubmarine.com/TESTING%20THE%20NAUTILUS%20MINISUB.htm

The draft on my sub is going to be less than three feet when surfaced, so I'm not too concerned at this point.

-- NP

From: "Joseph Perkel" <joeperkel@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Subject: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Launch Retrieval Transport
Date: Sat, 04 Nov 2006 15:31:31 +0000

I would like to open a discussion for the group to brainstorm a common problem.

In discussions with several members recently, the issue of trailer launching a 2 ton deep draft submersible is weighing a bit on my mind. The image of backing the thing in far enough to "get stuck" and still not float free, or worse...launching the vehicle as well, has real potential.

One member has mentioned to me recently, that as little as 12" decreased draft, would really make a tremendous difference. Saddle tanks alone, may not be enough to do the job.

So...some folks in Hawaii, came up with the LRT barge........

http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/nurp/nur07523.htm

A rather ingenious. but impractical solution for psubbers as it requires diver support, and fully submersible would require increased complexity.

However, it did prompt me to think of these little guys...........

http://www.springsdock.com/images/springs/SpringsNewPontoonBoat_M.jpg

These are available on the used market in various states, but our interest would be the floats, and possibly the deck. But, putting a two ton submersible on this deck would make it unstable, so my thoughts are to...reverse the deck (under slung)... cut flood ports in the bottoms, and attach flotation topside...essentially turning these pontoons into MBT's. Blowing to be accomplished by battery powered centrifugal blowers.

This could be potentially used only for launching and retrieval in the calm waters of the ramp area, then reload it onto the trailer and tow the sub conventionally.

Here are the problems that I can foresee here, and would like discussion on improvements or otherwise unforeseen circumstances.

1) Width limited to 102" for legal towing without permits.

2) Width limit may limit usable space between pontoons in the described configuration.

3) Road towing stability

Sometimes the simplest solutions elude you, so I'd like to see what the group can come up with here.

Joe

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