More progress, and the reason why this is so important for all of us.

Powered Hose Reel Needed

I sent off some specs for a custom hose reel, but perhaps you have an idea or know of a used one laying about?

Hose:

450 ft bundle of two live hydraulic hoses and a Cat5 communication cable.
1 – ¾” R1 and 1 – ½” R2, as well as a ¼” Cat5 cable, bundled together with plastic ties.
Maximum bending radius: 6 inches. One hose exit in the center of the hub on each side. Connections can be hydraulic quick connectors made once the hoses are deployed and disconnected prior to hose retrieval. I would like the option of using hydraulic rotary unions. 1 – 3/4″ and 1 – 1/2″ in the future.

Reel Size / Strength:

There is a good chance that the hoses will occasional twist on retrieval. I think a reel with a 14″ diameter drum, 30″ diameter flanges, and 30″ between the flanges will meet our needs, and fit the available space on deck. Weight of hoses, wire and hydraulic oil is 650 lb. And there will be considerable shock loading, possibly to 1200 pounds, when deployed over the side but we do not plan on trying this in seas greater than 3 ft. Aluminum construction is prefered due to the salt water exposure.

Mounting:
Fixed. 4 – 3/4” bolts on 2’ X 2’ pattern on the base. That matches with mounting nuts build into Seeker’s deck.

Drum Design:

The drum will need to allow access to it’s interior. I can be solid with a hatch, or preferably formed by a number of smaller pipes in a circular pattern. A battery and wireless communication unit will need to be stored inside drum. An opening in one end of the drums needs to be at least of 2″ x 3″ to allow access to the electronics when the hose is on the drum.

Powered Rewind:
We will mound and install a hydraulic motor. The unit needs to include an ANSI #60 roller chain sprocket.

Important lessons learned. And that’s why you don’t quit when there is still a path forward.

The friends you keep will shape who you are. Choose good ones, and Live Life to the Fullest.

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So the story goes that some Mega Yacht filled up with 10,000 gallons at the IGY marina in Savannah recently and the purchasing manager got a good deal on diesel when he restocked, and they were gracious enough to pass the savings on. We paid $3.81 a gallon. Compared to the $4.80 in Charleston, it’s well worth the trip into Savannah. And yes, three years on the water the cheapest fuel is normally on shore or at a small marina where Seeker can’t reach because of her draft, so this was the first time going to a fuel dock. The last dock we were at was in New Orleans. I was less concerned with Cape Hatteras.

New things are always nerve wracking. …until you do them. And then they often go so smoothly that you wonder what all the fuss was about. That’ growth.

Lesson: turn off the screen, get out of the house, and do something that gives you a little anxiety. It’s the best cure for anxiety.

Huge thanks to Betsy for suggesting we check the price in Savannah — we saved $1,400. We’ll burn that fuel sampling nanoplastics again and documenting whales in the Caribbean.

If you’d like to support that work, please consider becoming a paying supporter at patreon.com/svseeker.

And if you already are — thank you. You’re helping increase our understanding of the oceans and making the world a better place.

“Have the courage of your conviction.”