Launching the Nautilus Emergency Buoy

[Guest]

Credit, and thanks, for design and development of this EBS (emergency buoy system) goes to the acclaimed Bob,(the builder) Martin. Additional thanks goes out to Ken Bauer airtech@verizon.net, the maker of the DT unit/timer used, and Rick Nelson the SC member who brought the minature DT timer unit to our attention several months back. While other larger and inferior timer units were used to develop this system it was the DT unit that made its way into this project. The timer is used in conjunction with a servo and when activated pulls a cable, releasing the Nautilus skiff/buoy in this case which is teathered to a reel of fishing line and located within the upper hull of the Nautilus. Test were conducted in approx. 4 ft. of water although continued testing in deeper water is intended. The EBS system is self powered thru it's own battery pack and on/off power switch, this in the event of complete and total loss of power, the system will continue to operate. The skiff at that point should go on to release at the pre-set designated time limit selected. The timer may be programmed and set to activate anywhere between (5 & 200 min,) and I have found that aspect of the timer to be very exact . I personally feel this concept to simply add an additional safety measure and means to hopefully protect ones hobby investment and may certainly be adapted to your very own sub should you so desire. Best Regards,

[bob the builder]

Re: Launching the Nautilus Emergency Buoy

The buoy launches at the 50 second mark if anyone wants to skip ahead, although you'll miss the beautiful water and the HUGE fish that are checking out the boat!

The Nautilus' skiff was hollowed out and filled with foam, but I think that the buoyancy should be increased in order to make a really effective buoy. Taking a mold off that skiff and casting it up from expanding foam might be the ticket. Could also look at slush casting the skiff to make it hollow with a thin wall. Fortunately, that is something that can easily be done at any time without messing with the Nautilus herself (other than having to re-trim the boat).

Great video, Al!