Sand Dog Snark III

[SurfLung]

Sand Dog Snark III Silver

- This is the Nemrod Snark III Silver that I'll be giving away at the Sand Dog 2.0 Vintage Double Hose gathering in Ocala Florida this April 9-12th. I just finished working on it and it is not only beautiful to look at... It is a heck of an easy breather too! In fact it is so nice, I almost changed my mind about giving it away!

The Story... This is the 3rd of three Snark IIIs I got from Sea Hunt Jerry Lang for "Parts".
- The first one I repaired/restored for my buddy Rich "50,001 Questions". The second one went to our famous Scuba Guru Bill Antique Diver. And now THIS one will go to some lucky Vintage Diver at Sand Dog 2.0.

The Restoration... I'm kind of proud of the diagnosis and repair of this regulator. Original parts were all in very good shape except for the high pressure (HP) diaphragm. My goal was to simply restore it to good diving condition... Not something super tuned or anything like that. But when it was all done, I put it on the Magnehelic and it "cracks' at 1.3"... Which is VERY good. I know Bill and Vance can tune regs below 1.0" but this one is right up at the top of performance that I have ever achieved with MY rebuilds. WOW it breathes nice and easy!

- As mentioned, original parts were in very good shape. Diaphragm and exhaust valves intact and very flexible. 2nd stage seat rubber was good though the impression of the seat was visible in it's surface. The only part I HAD to replace was the HP diaphragm... It was actually hard like a plastic poker chip. Fortunately the HP diaphragm for a DA AquaMaster is identical so I robbed a brand new one from one of my parts kits (from Rob at Scuba Museum). Also available from Rob are exhaust valves, diaphragm, hoses, and mouthpieces if you need them.

Who Will Win It? Well first off, it WILL NOT be a Random Drawing. I'd like to award it on the basis of MERIT, enthusiasm, new-to-vintage diver, or some form of contribution to the advancement of Vintage Diving. Here's a question... Should the winner have to be present at Sand Dog 2.0 to win? Certainly, the winner will be announced at Sand Dog 2.0.
- It will be my personal decision as to who I want to give this to... But I'm open to suggestions and nominations...

[ScubaLawyer]

That's awesome Eb! Someone will be very pleased.

I'm currently dealing with some issues that will prevent my doing any diving in the next two months so it looks like I will not be making it to SAND DOG in April. Hope all you guys have fun!

I was really hoping to make it to Sand Dog and then follow up with a week of cave diving with a friend who lives in Florida Cave Country.

Mark

[swimjim]

In my opinion Eben, the reg should be awarded to someone who attends the event. I will not be able to attend, but I instigated this thing to help keep Vintage Diving a thing. I have been involved with double hose diving since 2004ish. Without Bryan Pennington's help and guidance I may have never figured out the rebuild/diving process of these fine regulators.
I asked and Roger and Allan stepped up big time to make this work! Even though I will not be able to attend I GREATLY APPRICIATE their efforts! Every carrot we can get to attract divers is a plus in my eyes. In my opinion the reg should be awarded to a diver who attends and dives the heck out of the event. Some one who asks a lot of questions and is seen to improve on diving double hose during the event. It would be a tough call. Perhaps you, Roger and Allan could be the jury. Lol.
Whatever you do, take LOTS of pictures and share them on this forum. Maybe that could be the kindling to restart the fire!!! Have a great time! I am already jealous!

Swimjim

[SurfLung]

Thanks for the input SwimJim! Even though you are younger than me, I consider you to be one of my "Big Brothers" of Vintage Double Hose diving. I will dearly miss seeing you at the Sand Dog event. I've been trying to use this regulator to generate some "BUZZ" about Sand Dog 2.0 in the diving community. Posting here, VSS, FaceBook, and sharing elsewhere while asking for suggestions and nominations. As usual, YOUR's is the best and most extensive response I have received so far. Thanks Buddy!
P.S. Thanks also to Mark... I appreciate you too Man! Hope you're feeling better soon.