Scootering at Stoney

[Al_Star]

I'd arranged a day off work yesterday to go for some dives at Stoney Cove. For the first dive we were diving with Jan an instructor from Wittering Divers. The dive was to be Clare's guided dive for her divemaster course. Vis was fantastic 10m odd and there was no silt kicked up anywhere.

We set off for a tour of the features, cockpit, bus, stangarth, blockhouse etc. With such stunning vis it really was good fun. The HID lights cut through the gloom easily and I had a thoroughly good dive. An easy, no drama bimble to 20m odd is just great.

With that dive done Adam turned up to deliver Clare's new toy - a Gavin scooter! Adam gave us both a rundown of how the scooter worked, what components did what, how to use trim weights and how to change a relay. He also talked us through some inwater skills and made some suggestions about tow cord length etc.

We took in the Gavin and I took a bottom stage of 32% (well I've not tried scootering with stage yet). We stuck to the 6m ledge and I found the Gavin quite tricky to get to grips with. I guess I'm more aware of team position and light signals now. Trying to keep near the person who was without a scooter meant a lot of turning! We also tried towing a diver and also swimming with the scooter clipped off. Quite a few things to learn on the dive but it was a good start.

Third dive of the day and I was back onto back gas and left the stage in the car. I found the scooter much easier to manage on this dive and had a few moments where I really did start to get the hang of it. Apparently Clare reckoned there was a moment where I was totally trimmed out, perfectly positioned and was making it look effortless. Admittedly it last all of about 10 seconds but I was starting to get better Clare seemed to be getting on with it before the end of the day and is now planning to work on it over the winter, but neither of us would want it in the ocean with us yet.

We also managed to fit in a few drills such as a valve drill etc and a comparison of backup lights. Clare has photon torpedo's whereas I have Peli-lites. Inside the blockhouse they were pretty much identical which was good news as I'm planning a switch to photon torpedo's shortly.

Overall a good day out - thoroughly enjoyed it.

Cheers
Al

[andy_chesney]

Ah the joys of scootering, I've a go on a gavin scooter a couple times now and can admit they take some getting used to with the weight etc, but boy are they fun.

[tom]

Originally Posted by Al_Star

Clare has photon torpedo's whereas I have Peli-lites. Inside the blockhouse they were pretty much identical which was good news as I'm planning a switch to photon torpedo's shortly.

Quick question Al - if they're identical, why do you want to change? Are there other differences (burntime, construction etc)?

[wilbo]

also have a look at the Lenser Frogman too..

[Al_Star]

Originally Posted by tom

Quick question Al - if they're identical, why do you want to change? Are there other differences (burntime, construction etc)?

Main reason is the peli's have a protrusion on the body which catches when trying to deploy them. I'm going to keep them for the missus setup for diving abroad as they are perfectly good lights, I just fancy less faff on my kit. There are a few design differences that make the photon's a bit better design and having spoken to a few cave divers (as you do) they like having very good backups.

(I expect Phill to appear shortly as Divingniknaks sell them!)

Cheers
Al

[tom]

Originally Posted by Al_Star

Main reason is the peli's have a protrusion on the body which catches when trying to deploy them.

Makes sense. I've not actually played with a Peli but I'd heard they were decent lights so I wondered what the rationale was.

[Tim Davies]

The Gavin must be one of (if not THE) most coveted bit of DIR kit, aside from maybe the RB, no?

WRT the Peli-lights, there are some other reasons why they aren't particularly good backups:

1. Replacement bulb assemblies are not so easily sourced
2. There is a small check valve which leaks
3. The lighthead itself is quite bulky
4. The battery tray is prone to breaking and when using certain batteries with recessed neg terminals, the 'compartments' prevent decent contact between each cell.

There are quite a few 3-C cell backup options on the market now which are much better than the Peli's and cheaper than the Scouts: the Photon's look really good; I can attest to the quality and build of the Solaris....etc etc.

Talking of covetousness (?) has anyone got/seen/used the Heser backup light?

cheers
TD

[dry suit diver]

Originally Posted by Tim Davies

WRT the Peli-lights, there are some other reasons why they aren't particularly good backups:

1. Replacement bulb assemblies are not so easily sourced

TD

Yes they are available easily Peli products UK located in Glossop will deliver next day.
They are a super company

[Tim Davies]

Fair do's, but pretty much every dive store carries the SL4 assemblies for the Scouts etc...

[RichW]

Originally Posted by andy_chesney

Ah the joys of scootering, I've a go on a gavin scooter a couple times now and can admit they take some getting used to with the weight etc, but boy are they fun.

They should be pretty much neutral in the water. However, if you don't get the tow cord the right length, they can be a real handful. When it's set right, you can drive it with two fingers.

Cheers,

Rich