Neptonic's Kelp Float Approved for all Horizon Boat Trips

[Tino Bernazzani]

I talked to Josh the other day at Neptonic Systems, and he confirmed that his new Kelp Carrot float can be used as your float (required for all divers to use) on all Horizon dive trips. This means no more issues with your Riffe type or Sporasub inflatable getting tangled in the kelp, or with other divers. There is nothing more frustrating than taking your last breath before you slip down, only to get pulled from behind by another diver crossed up with your float.
If you have ever been on a dive boat or tried to manage 75-100' of float line with a float on the end, this is the way to go. A perfect no tangle, low cost option that does not affect your visibility with the boat.
http://www.neptonicsystems.com/kelpcarrot.htm

[Seacidal]

Looks great! "Bugs" would be proud!

Neptonics is putting out some high quality, sharp looking, creative gear, and this is yet another example. These guys are thinking.

I hope it includes the "garage" for a longline snap, and it'll be all set to go.

Good going!

[Nate Baker]

That's a HUGE plus. I know a few guys the dive off the Horizon at San Benitos, and the float rule, while obviously necessary, no doubt keeps people from working the kelp. I'll bet there will be a lot more wsb shot on those trips now.

[el_guapo]

Originally Posted by Seacidal

Looks great! "Bugs" would be proud!

Neptonics is putting out some high quality, sharp looking, creative gear, and this is yet another example. These guys are thinking.

I hope it includes the "garage" for a longline snap, and it'll be all set to go.

Good going!

Unfortunately no garage. But you can still attach a clip to the end of a float line behind it.

[Tino Bernazzani]

Chip,
I use something similar right now, and find that I have learned to deal with towing all the kelp around. I look forward to not having to worry about where my float is before I make my dive.
The Horizon has strict float rules for offshore diving and unfortunately the home made type are not really allowed. Josh worked hard to show their staff the benefits of his new float. I am really looking forward to using mine for my upcoming Cortez trip. I will keep you all informed of how it works.

[FishFighter]

This is great!!! Josh I'll be picking 2 up over the weekend. Thanks el_guapo and Tino for these 2 threads. I was stressing on just using an egg float coming up in July when I tie off my float to the kelp.

[Mariner]

Is the way it's shaped what keeps it from getting tangled?? Living in S Fl. I dont have a clue about diving in kelp....

[chuam]

Anyone have the general dimensions on it?

[Man-O-War]

2lb "lift"

[Seacidal]

I use something similar right now, and find that I have learned to deal with towing all the kelp around. I look forward to not having to worry about where my float is before I make my dive.

Sonny,
I'm not sure I understand which rig you were referring to. Which float is your current rig similar too?
The float in my post is approx. 1.25" dia. and I never find I'm towing kelp around. It doesn't hang up, slips through kelp easily because it's almost neutrally buoyant, and works well for me.

I have found, that by incorporating the clip "garage" in the tail end of my float, the clip can't snag on anything, and is not able to "jingle" and make noise. Yet it's still readily accessible if I need it.

I think most divers, particularly those who don't want to go to the trouble of making their own float, will really benefit from the floatline carrot. It's really innovative, and looks very cool, plus it signals your presence in the kelp. And that's a difficult feat in itself.

Regarding diving from the Horizon: I understand that, in their business as a charter vessel, they have standards that they establish and require passengers to obey. There are other boats (mine included ) that have different requirements. I don't believe that it's a CG requirement. Unless there are some new regs on the subject, but I thought I would have seen that announced in the CFR. I am curious though if the Horizon specified any particular colors for floats (eg, hi-vis yellow, international safety orange). I wonder how visible some custom float colors would be?

The guys at Neptonics are really innovative and thinking. I understand their gear is well made, and I appreciate that they are always pushing the boundaries and finding new equipment to offer divers.

I can't wait to hear your report and maybe get a chance to see this carrot in action.

[black pearl]

Josh works really hard on making sure all the gear is top notch. He not only designs it but also makes sure it really works in the water. Great stuff
Tim

[Van Smooth]

What about the bullsh#t float has to have a flag issues on the Horizon? To find this out after I sourced out a float from Hammerhead, is really frustrating, though the Hammerhead float is a really good compromise between a larger Riffe or RA float and my small pool lane buoy float.

[Bill McIntyre]

Originally Posted by Stringer Bell

[IMG]

2lb "lift"

My first reaction was "who needs to fight 2 pounds of lift," but then I suppose that by the time you were pulling it under water, you would be negatively buoyant and welcome the help.

Hmmm? But most of the time, you are not pulling it straight down. You have gone under some kelp and come up on the other side, and you are trying to make it follow you.

I'll have to think about it.

[David Deman]

I just ordered the "Monterey Bay Tritons" model. I'll let you guys know how it turns out!

[LabMan]

I've been diving off the Horizon in Benitos for years. Attention to safety is one reason that I like the boat. So floats AND flags are required. They even wanted a blow up scuba sausage at one time.

I like the cool Neptonics floats but I don't see how without a flag the divemasters will keep track of you.

I want to be highly visible that I made my own. It has its drawbacks. Additional (but not much) drag. I pull it through kelp. It will eventually get snagged in kelp but no more so than if you need to pull a flag.

The my RA 11L float can also be used as a platform if you need to rest, fight off a cramp, tie off fish, climb onto to get a higher perspective of the water about you and to signal chase boats, etc.

Brian Ishida