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Post by surflung on Apr 11, 2014 6:04:38 GMT -8
   - Sea Hunt Jerry asked me to post these pictures of the Voit Porta-Sub Restoration he recently completed. There's one more photo I'll post in a reply. Beautiful job, Jerry! - Hopefully he'll add his comments on how he acquired it and details of the restoration. |
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Post by surflung on Apr 11, 2014 6:05:37 GMT -8
 - Here's Jerry with his Porta-Sub |
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Post by nikeajax on Apr 11, 2014 8:05:20 GMT -8
Say, that's pretty swell! So, what does that thing weigh anyway: I'm guessing it's neutral-buoyant while in the water? Do we know what year it was produced?
Very nice,
Jaybird
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Post by diverdon on Apr 13, 2014 17:34:02 GMT -8
I wonder how reliable they are too. That would be an awesome project. You mean,you don't have one Jaybird? Its probably just a matter of time before one shows up at that thrift store you seem to find everything else at  Any chance of getting bigger pics? Don |
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Post by SeaRat on Apr 13, 2014 18:33:15 GMT -8
Don, I think it is just an electric motor, battery and assorted wiring. I would think it to be very reliable.
It would be great fun too. FANTASTIC!!! Great work there.
John
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Post by regulator68bj on Apr 14, 2014 1:46:06 GMT -8
Here is a add of the day which might have some of the answers as to the "SUBS" spec As the unit was featured in Sea Hunt my guess would be late 1950 early 1960 it came on the market.
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Post by diverdon on Apr 14, 2014 6:53:07 GMT -8
Hey John, I actually won a generic one (solid yellow-no name) at an underwater treasure hunt several yrs ago. Well, after a couple dives it died  It was a shore dive and dragging that thing back was a real crappy experience. Maybe a Voit with a new battery? I'd sure like one like that! Don |
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Post by nikeajax on Apr 14, 2014 7:13:53 GMT -8
Don, post some images: I'd like to see that one too. I'm wondering how hard it would to make one? Sounds as if your seals failed: wonder if'n it can be made to work again?
Jaybird
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Post by diverdon on Apr 14, 2014 11:05:42 GMT -8
Sorry Jaybird. This one got sacrificed to the SCUBA gods. Actually, I sold it off for parts on fleebay some time back. I sometimes wonder if the new owner was able to put it back into service. Oh well, I couldn't choose my prize and I don't miss it. Besides, I already "collect" too many things according to the little lady Don |
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Post by surflung on Apr 14, 2014 11:42:52 GMT -8
- Sorry I didn't get a chance to check back here and see there's some good discussion. I thought Sea Hunt Jerry was going to log on and give some details.
- Bigger Photos. These are full size as I received them from Jerry via email. I'll tell him you'd like more and better photos. He's very proud of this Porta-Sub so more photos shouldn't be a problem.
- Details on how it works: Jerry said it looked like it was running on a car starter motor. He was looking for a cheap battery to test it out (in case it leaks and wrecks the battery).
- Weight: I seem to remember reading somewhere that they were 60 lbs. Oops... The ad posted above has it at 66 lbs.
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Post by Seahuntjerry on Apr 14, 2014 12:44:37 GMT -8
Hi,
sorry couldn't get on this site,reset password.
My friend Rocky Kent Rockwell (now deceased)gave me this scooter.
This was yellow painted over red paint and did have the original red propeller and hand grips.
The manufacturer mad them yellow and on SeaHunt the word Porta Sub were on them.
Wanted mine to be a Voit model so had it painted and Voit decals made.
Currently looking for a battery and the n see if it leaks ,etc.
The June 1962 Skin Diver magazine shows a diver using a Yellow pota sub in color on the front page.
I have owned Farralon scooters,and some other cheap models ,currently use an Oceanic(Mako) scooter that has lots of power.
\
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Post by regulator68bj on Apr 14, 2014 13:52:25 GMT -8
Thanks Jerry for a bit more information, found the "Skin Diver 1962" you mentioned.
john |
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Post by Seahuntjerry on Apr 14, 2014 14:58:56 GMT -8
thanks for posting the pic
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Post by surflung on May 9, 2014 6:33:45 GMT -8
Sea Trial #1... - Sea Hunt Jerry texted me this photo from the first "Sea Trial" of his Voit Porta-Sub restoration. A pretty dreary day at Square Lake that got all dark and raining shortly after this picture. - Here's What Jerry Told Me: He found and bought a suitable battery, installed it and switched on the motor. It worked! He said the motor was kind of noisy but since it was a 1960's era automobile starter motor, that might be normal. In the water, he found the Porta-Sub to be a little more buoyant than he'd prefer (But that might be a plus if it breaks down). Visibility was only 3 ft so he said he was afraid to let go of it... It pulled pretty good and might get lost in the low viz if he let go of it (Sounds like it would float up to the surface though - Eb). - Caution with the Metal Prop... Unlike modern scooters, the Porta-Sub has a solid metal prop that might do some damage if you slip and stick your hand into it. - See the Porta-Sub Up Close and Personal... Jerry will be bringing it to the Wazee Lake Vintage Dive May 30-31. There can't be very many of these things around anymore and Jerry's is fixed up like new.
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Post by diverdon on May 9, 2014 8:02:36 GMT -8
Nice! One more reason to make the trip to Wazee! Thanks for the update. Thanks for posting general information in the regional interest section. I was just about to ask...
Don
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It was a shore dive and dragging that thing back was a real crappy experience. Maybe a Voit with a new battery? I'd sure like one like that!
