[PSUBS-MAILIST] Psubs Barge

Fri Sep 5 18:02:58 EDT 2014

Or even if we could just find a couple of nice, big aluminum tubes or
fiberglass hulls to work with, that would give us a major head start on
designing the rest of the system.

Before we do anything else though, I think we should consider weights and
sizes. Do we want to be able to handle two subs at once, or just one? Or
maybe an option of one large sub (5000lbs.) or two small subs (2500lbs.
each)? A sub is a fairly dense item so trying to handle two subs at once
may present issues with stability (i.e. after the first sub has launched
and the second sub is on one end of the barge, thrown in with a mix of wave
action... yikes! Launching two subs simultaneously is a possible solution
but would present its own challenges and dangers).

I'd love to say we'll just build it bigger, but I think it's important to
keep this project reasonable and road trailerable (even if in stages)
behind regular tow vehicles (and not tractor trailers).

Perhaps limiting ourselves to a single-vessel barge would be best (and
would conform to the KISS guidelines), but it would sure be nice to have a
two-vessel capability to get the most bang for our buck in terms of diving
per ocean trip. Opinions?

On Fri, Sep 5, 2014 at 5:42 PM, Cliff Redus via Personal_Submersibles <
personal_submersibles at psubs.org> wrote:

> That would be easier.  Maybe we should all be on the lookout for used
> barge that we could do a make over on.
>
>
> Cliff
>
>
>    *From:* "swaters at waters-ks.com via Personal_Submersibles" <
> personal_submersibles at psubs.org>
> *To:* Personal Submersibles General Discussion <
> personal_submersibles at psubs.org>
> *Sent:* Friday, September 5, 2014 4:38 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Psubs Barge
>
> Is there any kind of used boat we could buy and modify it?
> Thanks,
> Scott Waters
>
>
> Sent from my U.S. Cellular® Smartphone
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Cliff Redus via Personal_Submersibles
> Date:09/05/2014 3:57 PM (GMT-06:00)
> To: Personal Submersibles General Discussion
> Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Psubs Barge
>
> From a practical point of view, if we did build a PSub Launch barge, it
> would have to be fairly simple and follow the KISS principle to get it of
> the drawing board and built by a committee.  I for one don't have the time
> to design a self powered ship.  I am thinking a larger version of a typical
> pontoon boat that could be towed by the Boston Whaler.  We would need
> someone like Jon to be able to set up something like a dropbox account that
> anyone could populate with files, drawing, sketches, CAD files  etc.  We
> would have to collectively establish the overall capability of the barge (
> how many psubs, maximum weight of psubs, wench/davit system for launch and
> retrieval, auxiliary systems such as lights).  Someone that has a 3-D cad
> program like Inventor or Solidworks would have to agree to take sketches
> and ideas folks come up with and build out 3-D model that we could
> collectively critique and make suggested changes to.  Someone would need to
> do the basic
> stability calcs with loaded or partially loaded deck.  Some one would need
> to do some research on launch and retrieval systems, such as davits  or
> winches and bring forward a couple of recommendations.  Someone that is a
> welder (like Dan Lance) would need to review the construction drawing to
> make sure welding plan is workable.  Someone would have to figure out where
> you would store the barge when not in use.  Some one would need to figure
> out a coating plan for the barge.  Someone would have to take on looking at
> what regulations we would need to meet to use this in the Florida Keys.
> Someone would have to do a material takeoff off construction drawings and
> figure out the cost to build and establish a budget.  If we did build a
> psub barge, we would need to pole the group and see how many would be
> willing to split the cost to fabricate based on the estimated cost.  We
> would need someone to agree to fabricate the weldments and assembly.  We
> would need to
> figure out where to build it and what it would cost to transport it the
> Keys.  We would have to figure out how to register such a barge. Would
> Psubs own the barge or would it make since for Doug to own?  Are there any
> legal liabilities of having such a barge and if so who would be liable?  We
> would need someone that is not currently building a psub to agree to be the
> Barge Bulldog!
>
> Or if someone would agree to do all the above, maybe we just pass the hat
> and let them do it.
>
> Cliff
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Douglas Suhr via Personal_Submersibles <
> personal_submersibles at psubs.org>
> To: Personal Submersibles General Discussion <
> personal_submersibles at psubs.org>
> Sent: Friday, September 5, 2014 3:13 PM
> Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Psubs Conference 2015
>
>
>
> What a rig Brian, and a decomp chamber to boot!
> I like the idea of a group-designed and group-built support ship, my only
> concern being the logistics of coordinating a project of that magnitude.
> I'm sure it could be done well given the proper leadership and organization
> though, especially considering the diverse skillset we would share as a
> team from designing to fabrication. And I don't think anyone would complain
> about the benefits of a support barge.
>
>
>
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