dredging weight belt

[bigalathenstn]

heres my question im 210 lbs how much does my weight belt need to weigh to keep me down on the bottom?

 

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[Hoser John]

Depends on fat , current of the water, and type of wetsuit. I'm 5'6" and wear 55 lbs to help hold me in place BUT I wear a nearly new wetsuit,Harvey with new style rubber that has a high air content. Keeps me warm in freezing water.When in stiff current,second belt goes on with another 20lbs too.Tons a au 2 u 2-John

 

[aarthrj3811]

I don't think there is an answer to that. It depends on how deep you are and the amount of water flow. It also depends on your body shape and how well it floats. You also have to adjust to the size of the nozzle you are using. I use only enough weight to keep me on the bottom without holding on to something...Art

 

[cosmic]

I'm the same, with a 7mm wetsuit between 60-80 depending on current..

 

[bigalathenstn]

well im pretty chunky lol so i float at the drop of a dime, the water is less than 5 feet, not too swift,im really new to all this, its my 1st dredge a keene 4 inch that I restricted down to a 3inch,i have a sterns wetsuit but i just wore blue jeans and a t shirt when i went, so I imagine a wet suit would make you float more,all that said Im just trying to figure out how much weight to start out with just a ball park idea, but man its pretty under water with all those fish,I love it,it was my 1st time actually diving in the wild and not a pool, thanks for the replys

 

[cosmic]

Without wet suit, 40lbs.. Any less and you'll be spending more energy trying to stay put then working the nozzle..

 

[bigalathenstn]

ty i have 80 lbs of lead, does anybody know where i can find a mold to mold the weights?

 

[Nashoba]

ty i have 80 lbs of lead, does anybody know where i can find a mold to mold the weights?

You could just make a sand mold. Works great actually and costs nothing. I have worked some deep fast water where I had to use over a hundred pounds to stay down, and I normally sink like a rock. The answer to your question has so many variables that there is no single answer.

Best of luck to you with your gold prospecting.

~Nash~

 

[eathan]

Sand casting could be a good way to go, but if you're looking retail, check Alaska Mining & Diving Supply:

http://www.akmining.com/cart/hookah_diving_gear.htm

I'd offer, but none of my current suppliers carry molds.

Good luck!

 

[russau]

Keene enginnering also sells thier molds.

 

[treasure diver]

I bought some nylon bags that are made to fit on your dive belt at a dive shop that you fill with bird shot. The are a lot more comfortable.

 

[Jeffro]

Save ya some money and fill em with old copper cents. Or the lead fishing weights you dredge up!

 

[EggyOG]

Buy one weight and make a plaster of paris mold from it. Make sure the mold is dry before using it. You can pour at least 20 shots before the mold wears out.