Maclanahan's Tailmaking Quest for Science

[Maclanahan]

First off I know I hardly ever post here, other than posting some art a while back I didn't really have a reason to.

Now I have a reason.

In the effort to make a good looking, yet durable tail, and a little less than a week I have come up with this monstrosity (Frankenstein's Sea Monster?). She's made of thick Polyester-Spandex base, Neoprene Scales, and a Foil monofin with vinyl extensions.

Here are a few pictures from a swim in 50 degree F water yesterday.

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And a few close ups of the tail during construction.

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In terms of how well the tail performed for the fist swim: I think it went well, but it was my first time swimming with a tail and the water was extremely cold that once I dunked my head I had to call it quits to avoid hypothermia.

The thing I did learn from the test is that I need to figure out how to attach a belt to prevent the tail from ending up around my ankles.

I'm probably not going to be able to test it again until early June at the very soonest because of work, but I am planning on starting a new tail around then for my wife, hopefully with significant improvements considering what all I learned from this one.

Feel free to let me know what you guys think!

[Maclanahan]

Also shout-out to Wesley and Anita for all the tips and pointers on making this tail! And also all the lovelies who have been posting advice and resources on this forum!

[AniaR]

you rock so awesome! yay mermen!

[Mermaid Lieke]

Cool tail! I love how creative you got with your supplies! Btw, I totally get the problem with tails ending up on your ankles. Lol

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[moomer]

This looks awesome!! I love seeing other spins on tails. Totally digging the red and black combo.
If you wanted to add some more dimension to the scales, while you can't swim, why not use a fabric paint/dye and shade the 'tips' black?
I have a similar colour scheme for my current tail, which is a scuba-knit and (hopefully) silicone accent fins. Maybe some sequins, and lots of painting!!

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[Maclanahan]

Thank you guys!

@Lily: I didn't realize how easy the tail would slip down without even noticing.

@moomer: I have been considering painting the tail, however my work requires me to be out of town and sadly won't be able to paint it. :/ But I wish you luck with painting your tail!

[moomer]

Well it still looks killer!! Great job! Thanks for the inspiration :D

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[Mermaid Wesley]

I am loving all your pics. I think it was a creative success!

[Maclanahan]

So low and behold I have finished tail number 2!!! This on I made for my wife because she is super supportive and is mer-curios. I'm still using the same neoprene scale method, but her tail took maybe a quarter of the time to make than mine.

Some process pictures.

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And the all finished pictures:

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She makes a pretty stinking cute mermaid in my humble opinion.

Overall, I am happy with it and I have several ideas on how to improve the look and increase the time it would take to make. My wife also plans to paint her tail eventually, so i will update this thread when that happens.

Also we are doing a small little meetup for a first swim today which should be exciting!

[Keiris]

Maclanahan, you did such a nice job on the tails! I love the serrated edge and black contour on her tail and the striking red on yours. Very creative use with the neoprene. Have fun at your mermeet!

[WaterDragon]

I love how you did a different design on the front and back of the fluke.
Now you need to go have a photoshoot together ;)

[Maclanahan]

Maclanahan, you did such a nice job on the tails! I love the serrated edge and black contour on her tail and the striking red on yours. Very creative use with the neoprene. Have fun at your mermeet!

Thank you and we had a blast at the meetup!


I love how you did a different design on the front and back of the fluke.
Now you need to go have a photoshoot together ;)

Actually we had a photoshoot at the meetup so there will hopefully be more pics in the future!

[Maclanahan]

Here are a few pictures and videos from my Instagram showing off my wife's tail in motion:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BViy4HTFT7Y/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVi2hdglUPa/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/BVi2hdglUPa/) <--- this one is a slideshow

[Maclanahan]

Because I am actually curious, if I were to start making and selling tails, how much would you guys be willing to pay for one? I've got a ballpark idea, but I am curious.