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  

Lights, Cameras, Stitch.

DougROV, Steel Boat

It’s lovely being back to work on the ROV and enjoying the air conditioning in the shop.  Bart has reworked the LED light section so we can easily route the wires through it.  I have the aft camera installed and more of the wiring harness and Betsy has been working out our sail plan and sharpening her sail sewing skills … Read More

Gears, Capstan, Decking and more

DougLathe & Machining, Steel Boat, Winches

I’ve been listening to “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” lately, ….actually I’m on the second time through it.  There will likely be many more times.  Habit #1 is be proactive.   In short:  Work.  Work on the things you can work on today.  Do something every day to make your goal happen.  Make work your habit.  I suggest … Read More

Sailmaking: Cotton or Polyester? – Boating tips for begginers

BetsySails, Steel Boat

As the time counts down until we hit the water, it’s time to start working on the sails.      It’s a massive undertaking even for someone who has an above average ability for sewing and stitchery.   But despite my public school 7th grade Home Ec course, this is far and beyond the first pillowcase my grandmother taught me to sew … Read More

Capstan Progress

DougSteel Boat, Winches

Many thanks to Cody Allan Rydell who spent a last weekend cutting gears and a day at the lathe. The bore is over 7 1/2 inches and had to be cut back almost a 1/4″. A huge job for our Grizzly lathe. Lots of chatter and heat with our 1″ boring bar and to top it off, this capstan did the strangest thing. … Read More