Breaking Wire and Machining a Capstan

DougLathe & Machining, ROV, Steel Boat, Winches

That second capstan has been siting in the lathe from over a month, and Doug Stout a retired machinist showed up and not only completed the bore but showed us some really nice tricks.  Tomorrow is the final fit up.  The rest of us spent the day stretching and breaking ROV cable.  Very surprising is how crappy Cat5 is and … Read More

Open House 2016 – Thank You!

DougSteel Boat

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! About 50 folks showed up for last week’s open house and we got a year’s worth of good vibes. Seeker is more that a boat, she is a crew and a following of people that love making things, building a better world and who love life. Thanks for sharing your love! Special Thanks to … Read More

7 years in 27 minutes

DougSteel Boat

Some ideas take root and grow faster than the weeds.  SV Seeker is one of those ideas that started from a chance conversation about building a boat and getting it to the ocean via the Arkansas river.  That was about 12 years ago and the though of sailing a boat I built across the oceans was something that scared me.   … Read More

Low Cost ROV Tether and more…

DougROV, Steel Boat

  Do-It-Yourself ROV tether for 21 cents a foot, (69 cents/meter) and 300 pounds (1300 Newtons) of load.  SCORE!   And we are looking forward to your suggestions for improvements.   Thank you for your assistance!              

The New Plan

DougSteel Boat

The old plan was to have to ROV in the water this weekend and on display at the Tulsa Maker Fair in two weeks.   ….I hate that plan.  Deadlines suck the enjoyment out of most everything.  I understand the need for them especially when other people are counting on you, but that is not the case.  This was self … Read More

ROV Sonar Part 5 and Hull Tool

DougROV, Steel Boat

   The ROV the internet built!  We got a lot of great ideas for out ROV Hull Tool.   You can see them on our last post: ROV Hull Joint Tool but the one recommendation you don’t want to miss was from Eddie DaGrouch.   We are not accustomed to things working on the first try.  We often use the motto “We build it … Read More

ROV Hull Joint Tool

DougROV, Steel Boat

You’re only as dumb as the smartest person in the room.   And the internet makes for a really big room.   Yes, you have filter out some trolls, and inflated egos,  but what is left is a great cross section of humanity and experiences.   There is definitely a need to make presenting an idea safe as there is … Read More

ROV Wiring, Sewing, and Trucking

DougROV, Steel Boat

This ROV is going to be a remarkable tool for Seeker and anyone else looking to explorer beneath the waves. It’s not just another ROV with lights, cameras, and thrusters. This ROV as side scan and forward scanning sonar and can go to 3000 ft! ROV Overview