Weight question

[hogfanreefer]

Leaving for our first saltwater dive this Friday.

One question. How much additonal weight will I need for the differnce between fresh and salt water? I am perfect with 8 lbs wearing a 3mm shorty which is what I plan to wear on my trip. I was thinking of adding 2 pounds to each of the weight pockets in the rear of my BC by the tank. This will increase me to 12 lbs. Is that enough or do I need to add two 3lb weights to those pockets?

 

[ace_92101]

There're lots of factors that can affect needed weight, most notably the divers weight, type of water, wetsuit thickness and type of tank. For saltwater, +4lbs-5lbs of what you need in fresh water is good.

For most divers, using aluminum tanks, 8%-10% of body weight is good in salt water. In my experience as a divemaster, most divers use too much weight. Where're you planning for your trip?

 

[hogfanreefer]

Ooops should have specified.... I'm 6'1" and weight 195. Thanks

We're headed to Cozumel for a one week trip.

 

[ace_92101]

Sounds like a nice trip. Let us know how it goes. I'm assuming you're going to do some drift dives. Should be fun.

 

[r-balljunkie]

Depends where in the world u are diving. i need 4 less lbs in the Andaman Sea (Thailand) verses the South Pacific. Your charter boat should have adequate weights to get you sorted out on the spot.
i wouldnt trim out any different than what you are used to, i.e. put weights in pockets you normally dont have them in, or you'll have a tough time planing out.

have a good trip!

 

[ace_92101]

Depends where in the world u are diving. i need 4 less lbs in the Andaman Sea (Thailand) verses the South Pacific. Your charter boat should have adequate weights to get you sorted out on the spot.
i wouldnt trim out any different than what you are used to, i.e. put weights in pockets you normally dont have them in, or you'll have a tough time planing out.

have a good trip!

Really? Outside of the Red Sea most places have a similar specific gravity. Ive dove Phuket/Krabi numerous times and i havent noticed the difference. Interesting.

 

[r-balljunkie]

Really? Outside of the Red Sea most places have a similar specific gravity. Ive dove Phuket/Krabi numerous times and i havent noticed the difference. Interesting.

yes.

31 psu salinity in the andaman, 35 here locally. i can actually taste it in the water

 

[Deinonych]

12lbs sounds about right, but do a weight check on your first dive (or do a checkout dive prior). For reference, I use 8lbs with a 3/2mm full suit in saltwater, 12lbs with a 5mm full suit. I'm 6'1" and 178lbs.

 

[shark2]

Whatever you do don't take reeferbills advice on weights. I saw a thread were he was trying to say weights aren't ment to move you down the water column. He might reccomend it as a life vest.:lolspin:

 

[snorvich]

12lbs sounds about right, but do a weight check on your first dive (or do a checkout dive prior). For reference, I use 8lbs with a 3/2mm full suit in saltwater, 12lbs with a 5mm full suit. I'm 6'1" and 178lbs.

Sounds about right with aluminum tanks.