Spearfishing Float/Board

[Salehthefish]

What i use usually is a car tire and i have the driver for removing its valve i use rope and a rag to close it from down side then i can put inside it anything i want. When i go out the sea i am using the driver to release air from the tire tube then its easy to carry on land...

U can add any flag u want on top
I am not sure if it is practical way to do that but this how i do it... Hope its helpful

 

[ulysses]

I am using the DIVE HUNTER for some years when going fishing from shore. IMO it is the most convenient, stable and safe float, that easily carries the weight of a diver and quite a lot of equipment.

Two points of interest / mods:

If you buy 2 clipp-on straps like those for a rucksack/backpack you can carry the DIVE HUNTER hands free on your back outside the water.

The velcro attachments for the guns are not ideal. I have replaced them with a very simple system.

I had mine punctured a couple of times, but that was easily repaired.

As an alternative to the DIVE HUNTER have a look here (youtube presentation): The SUB-MAGIC!

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRs_wUxKtyA]YouTube - Planche SUB MAGIC[/ame]

On sale at:

chasse-sous-marine.net

Cheers, ulysses

 

[hudasmt]

Very neat float,thou i cant understand what the hell they are saying hehehehe...but 100 euro for it:head plus shipping...I need to dive for sunken treasures:crutch

 

[liberte]

personally i think its best to make your own float from a boogie board. mine is a full sized board that i ran two pieces of bungee line though to create strap for guns, etc. they run across the board from left to right about 2 feet apart and make a length of line across the top of the board on either side. you can use the wrist strap that comes with the board to tie onto kelp. i have several other clips tied off to my board for catch bags or stringers. i don't use a flag since there are hardly ever any boats where i dive.
i'd say that i spent about $50 for everything for my float. i can even fit my fins into the bungee straps. i carry everything down to the beach strapped onto the board then the only extra thing i have to carry on the way back up is my catch.

 

[flying_spanner]

Hey guys I recently went to a spearfishing comp at the weekend (Exmouth), and quite a few people had in essence bodyboards, which held guns, anchor line and stuff, and they seem more effecient for swimming, as you can keep your head out of the water.

I was just wondering if anybody knew where I could order one?

I have a slight suspicion the name was something like Seymour Dive Master, but I had no luck via google.

I would appreciate any help!

Joe

http://forums.deeperblue.com/diy-homemade/74012-diy-boogie-board-float.html

Here's a link to a thread I posted ages ago. I use a boogie board witjh a bungee net that's made up of bits and pieces to suit my needs. It works great. Means I can keep my fins, mask, snorkel, gloves, floatline, and float in a single compact, tidy package when boat diving etc

The float also works as a great resting point if I need to adjust my mask etc while diving.

This may suit your needs. And best thing is because you're building it yourself as apposed to buying something off the shelf. The concept can be easily changed to suit your individual needs.

I have been diving for over a year now. In that time I've upgraded most of my gear. (New Beuchat 5.5mm wetsuit, C4 Fins, New Gearbag) but I haven't found anything better than my old boogieboard.

I was going to buy a smaller rigid float (Ronaston or similar) but to be completely honest it wouldn't be as useful. Not only that my new gearbag is bloody huge! I can fit the boogie board inside along with all the rest of my gear. So the only issue I had previously has disappeared.

 

[ekinoderminator]

I'm just about to start production on a board float disigned to make ab diving/spearfishing more enjoyable. I have a boogie board and it just doesnt fulfill all my needs. The board I am making will be rotomolded like a sit on top kayak. It will be equipped with straps for packing it and securing down gear etc. It will be ready in about 3 weeks. I am in Stockton, CA.

 

[cmburch]

Hiking the cliffs with a Boogie board is good. In the water, I could use something about half again as big for more flotation. I also favor the Boogie board when kicking over kelp.

Please keep us updated on how it works out.

Here is a new build by Diablo Loco

My New Ab Board - Spearboard Spearfishing Community

 

[Mr. X]

Noticed a leak in my trusty tough single skin Seatec torpedo float this weekend (after 2-3 years of use). I'll try to fix the puncture but it's got me thinking of floats again. What I really need is a lightweight, inflatible float, so that it is easy to carry walking in [I already have a very good Rob Allen solid 11 litre float for diving when I don't have far to walk.] Some higher end inflatibles look good but I've heard of disatisfaction with some (didn't last v. long) and others (like RA which have a replaceable bladder) have schraeder valves and I don't want to be dealing with pumps.

I think it might be worth trying one of the popular "double bladder" floats (i.e. a single white bladder plus an orange nylon outer shell). Several companies sell a model with looks nearly identical (Imersion, Beuchat, Omer, Escalpez, Picasso) - for around £15-£26.50. Some images are better than others but the product looks the same to me. (The Beuchat version looks a good deal from Scubaland.fr, esp. at members price - although shipping is a little higher than most UK outlets):

I bought a v. nice torpedo float like those above but v. big from Portugal a few years ago for travellingwith but ended up selling it unused. I regret not keeping it now. Anybody use/recommend/don't recommend any of the above?

I saw this new Imersion mini planche float on the Apnea.co.uk, like a less expensive version of the Omer Atoll might be worth a look (it appealed to a family member) but thought it might be a little fussy for my needs. Although I did rig my current float with bands for carrying a spare gun (used only once though) and I like the idea of being able to carry a second gun on top (rather than vulnerable underneath):

Then I remembered the two dissatisfied Atoll owners on this thread. I'm wondering if the problem was the quality or the design (sounds like both)? I'm thinking the flipping-over issue could be resolved with a little lead underneath (as I currently do on my Seatec torpedo float) and/or a spare gun on top - do you think that'd be enough? I wondered if, being flat & wide, it would drag more in the water than a simple torpedo? I don't expect to swim on top of the float - I don't really understand the point of that, I like to keep my head in the water so that I can see & spear fish - the whole time that I'm in the water.

I'm tempted to go for something really simple & inexpensive as most of the inflatables available don't seem built to last, so it doesn't seem worth investing a lot of money in them.

I'm quite happy with a cheap, simple torpedo. So maybe some like this £10 one (from Omer/ Apnea Online Store ) would do?

BTW I think 2 of those above have a chamber that can be filled with water for ballast underneath - clever.

 

[spaghetti]

I'm tempted to go for something really simple & inexpensive - as most of the inflatible available don't seem built to last, so it doesn't seem worth investing a lot of money in them.
]

You may consider the new Mares Apnea. Looks like a miniature RIB boat. It's as big (or just slightly bigger) as any standard balloon or torpedo float, but it has a pocket for storing stuff in (bottle, food, spare mask, whatever) and nice attachments for two spare spearguns.
Mares Apnea Buoy. Accessori Boe, Scubastore.com, Comprare, Offerta, Immersione Subacquea
It's three or four times cheaper than "technical" floats like Besthunter Okipa or Omer Shardana or Seatec Island, so don't expect the same quality, balance and sturdiness. But for 15/20 euro I think it's a good choice.

 

[Mr. X]

Wow, that is an interesting and inexpensive alternative. Although I don't really need the pocket - handy for those carrying a phone or water though. The thing I liked about the new Imersion Mini Planche are the straps to carry a spare gun on top - also the colour, I heard that the Portland Helicopter rescue "spotter" say that lime/yellow is easier for them to see than the traditional "emergency orange" colour. I'd like something fairly robust too and was thinking the shell + bladder designs would be good until I read the MilkMans review; I see that you can buy spare Omer bladders at Scubaland.fr (that will fit most buoys) but if the shells start falling to pieces then that's not much use.

I'm surprised no manufacturers use the excellent super-tough, fabric-reinforced stretchy, shiny/slick, waterproof, plastic material that I have on my fluoro-yellow removable wheel covers (from triathlon racing days), which is also used in my "Dutch fisherman's" black waterproof trousers from REI which are by far the strongest waterproofs I have come across (important for glissading).




It would be the perfect material to make float shells from - bright, slick, stretchy, tough, tear resistant, sew-able, glue-able. Probably the same material as these - "Made from oil resistant PVC/Polyester on a woven base,hard wearing,weight 600gm/sq.m."

 

[Mr. X]

I managed to fix the leak in my float with 2 applications of superglue - it's solid, even under pressure! I also stuck one of those clear plastic self-adhesive bike tyre patches on for good measure -- they're surprisingly good. Good for another year or two! Anybody using one of those Imersion Mini-Planche?

 

[Mr. X]

Following one of Spaghetti's links on another thread I came across this interesting float from Merou (who I used to think was French but are actually Italian):

Merou - Passione profonda - Boe Segnalatrici

I like the look of the simple, tough design. The inclusion of a top mounted gun holder is a key feature for me. The pocket is a nice addition, a bit small but perhaps intended for a small digital camera?

 

[shrek]

here's what i use because it was cheap and simple to make not to mention that there are no local supliers with comercial products herefile:///E:/AaronDocs/My%20Pictures
a%20Exports/diy%20spearfishing%20gear%201/
i hope this link works and gives you some thoughts to ponder

 

[Mr. X]

Hi Shrek, nice try but that's a link to a file on the E: drive of your Windows PC. If you have an image (jpeg/gif file) try editing your post above: choose "Go Advanced" to bring up the full editor and then look at the "Additional Options" section at the bottom of the page and then press the "Manage Attachments"-button. Press "Browse" to find file and then press "Upload" - voila!

BTW Did we mention this new Sporasub Overcraft float yet. Very clever (solid & soft float options) but rather "bitty", "plasticky" and cheap looking considering its extraordinarily high price, £165. I would have seriously considered it at 1/10th of the advertised price here, at that price, for that kind of money I'd be looking for a used SOT kayak:

https://www.apnea.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=1123

*** SPORASUB 2009 WEBSITE ***​

Although I much prefer of their simpler more solid looking boogie-board style Sporasub Eva float more:

But again, incredibly expensive for what it is. Also, I don't like the float line reel concept. It may work brilliantly but I suspect it is just a plastic gimmick (let us know) and I would rather stick to my cheap but effective Rob Allen Olive/"Thai Green Curry" polypropelyene float line & homemade line-winder.

Favouring the Imersion & Merou "flat" inflatibles at the moment though.:hmm Anybody know where you can get Merou gear? (ESS used to carry it).

 

[Mr. X]

Not a float but I think this Imersion crab bag is innovative and elegantly simple:

Filet Pour Coquillages Imersion Sac-Bagage​

It solves 2 of the 3 problem with crab bags:

1. Opening & closing them quickly, smoothly & simply
2. Stop crabs (esp. spider crabs) entangling themselves in the mesh before they are in the bag.
3. Stop the bag hanging down to far causing excessive drag​

.
The last point is not addressed but I find that by adding a small loop of string to the end of the crab bag I can hook the end up on the carabiner/"krab" that holds the bag, thereby halving the length until the volume of crabs/scallops requires more than half of the sack. Simple but effective.

 

[scottwilson]

good thinking Mr X

I collect crabs and scallops mainly in the winter months (due to the no take zone) and find the best float for the job is the Divehunter, It actually has less drag than my atoll float and is/was a lot cheaper than the overcraft which I cant help but think looks like 2 dive floats strapped to a milk crate

the eva float on the other hand looks great, sleek and practical design with everything above the water line so less drag........very nice....................DAMN IT MR X Im going to have to buy one now

 

[scottwilson]

I had a closer look at the eva float, looks like the finished product of the float in the video ulysses posted on page 2

 

[Mr. X]

Useful insights Scott. I'm with you on the milk crate + 2 beach toys strapped with side. A similar idea occurred to me before and somebody posted a picture of their float of the forum several years ago which was a catamaran made from two torpedo floats, but too big & complicated for my needs. Yes the Sporasub Eva is pretty but it is basically a boogie board float, which can be made relatively cheaply - its also very similar to (but sleeker than) than the much cheaper (but still expensive) Omer Shadana float:
Omer
Omer Shardana Surface Board. Accessories Buoys, Scubastore.com, buy, offers, scuba

How about this one? Balise double enveloppe OKIPA Divers Balise Parachute

I'd only carry a single speargun though and that would be on top, not underneath - that's asking for trouble IMHO.

 

[Mr. X]

The model for the exclusively priced Sporasub EVA float - $9.95?

Wet Products Water Bullet Slick Bottom at SwimOutlet.com

 

[Tunny]

Hi All,

I own an Omer Shardana and after only the second dive it had started to take on water :head, this was bought from Subprof mail order to UK and cost me in total £100. I have emailed them many a time but they want me to send the float back to them which is going to cost more because it has taken on a fair bit of water!

Does anyone either have a contact for Omer where they speak English or a solution for fixing the float?

It is solid red plastic in construction.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Ryan