WTB Back up scooter

[kensuf]

Haven't waded through all 4+ pages of replies to your inquiry, so I hope I'm not repeating info previously stated. I also went to a "mini" scooter (Gavin) as a tow-behind backup. After using for only a few extended dives, I will be obtaining another full-size (my preference is Gavin) as a back-up. The mini has a tendency to sink in fresh water when you stop moving as they are weighted to be neutral in salt water. The full size Gavin tows pefertly and when trimmed properly is always directly behind you where it is suppose to be.

Unless George is doing things differently now, you should be able to fix that by removing the ballast. He usually has 1-2#'s of lead weight in the bodies as a trim weight; one of mine was so ancient it had a nylon nose cone, which swelled, and the weight was duct taped onto one of the bulkheads.

Additionally, IMHO, scooters should probably be slightly positive for salt-water so that if you have a run-away it'll float up for later retrieval.

BTW, Mako's are great and probably more than enough for the majority of recreational cave diving, but don't trust them below 130-150'. I saw one implode at 150' once, even though it had been deeper previously. If you can get a short body gavin/submerge for the same price, pick that up instead.

[PfcAJ]

Willylump, I'm not sure if you're talking about the NIMH "Mini-G" or just a shortbody SLA (18Ah) Gavins. I don't know anything about the mini-g, but with the SLA Gavins you can make them float by removing some bulkhead material with a small hole-saw. I had to do this with two of my PVC standard bodies (35Ah) to get 'em where I like 'em. Looks like swiss cheese, but it works.

I've got all my scooters balanced with no additional trim weights or anything. Its a PITA, but they ride perfectly.

[kensuf]

Good point on the holes in the bulkheads. That'd be a good way to take some weight out too.

[LiteHedded]

Good point on the holes in the bulkheads. That'd be a good way to take some weight out too.

mine is also missing one of the threaded rods.
anything to get it balanced...

[H2Ocaver]

Scooter on the way, still have two Makos left, Thanks JB

[willylump]

The "mini" scoot I was referring to is in fact a Mini-Gavin, which was developed for easier boat entry/exit while diving in the ocean, not necessarily to be used in caves. The difference in water density between fresh and salt water is why this dpv has different buoyancy depending on where it is being used. Thanks for the tip, but my mini does not have any extra ballast in it or obviously I would have removed it to get it neutral.

While considering which scooter to go with, imagine using whatever dpv you have as a backup and you have to tow youself and buddy out while several thousand feet back due to an ooa or dead scooter sitsuation.

[whodunit68]

Jeff @ Amigos is selling a scooter with 2 bodies...$1500 OBO. I created a post for him somewhere around here...check the Gear Exchange...right where we are ...

[jayc]

I know its at the high end price wise, but I have a SS viper I just picked up that for financial reasons I may need to part with. You said you liked SS.

[a64pilot]

I know its at the high end price wise, but I have a SS viper I just picked up that for financial reasons I may need to part with. You said you liked SS.

Actually I have bought two back-up scoots. Adam essentially gave me his Tekna, and I bought a Mako that I hope is in good shape, I'll let the kids play with the Tekna open water when we dive this Summer so I should be set for a back up scooter, but if I could get either an N-19 or Viper, Sierra etc. "right", then I'd buy it. How about PM me a price?

[kensuf]

By Tekna, what model are you talking about? A DV3x or a DV100?

The DV3X has a "port plug" on the nose that you can use to charge it.

The DV100 looks exactly like a Mako;they're the same, maybe the motor windings are different, but that's it. The top half-clam shell comes off to get to the batteries for charging.

The reason I ask is that I wouldn't let any kids near a DV3X. Those things had a nasty habit of collecting hydrogen gas and then blowing up when you charged them unless you vented them properly first.