Merman Marinus SLOW Extended Tail Project

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Originally Posted by GulfMerman101

This is just a suggestion. Why not use a neoprene Interior inside the foot pocket, it's smooth enough, light, and won't trap more water than there's already gonna be inside the suit.

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It's a good idea But Im worried the so much neoprene in one place may cause my tail to float fluke first I'll have to test that. Plus there will be a drainage tube from tip of toes to center base of fluke so no water will stay trapped inside the tail.

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Originally Posted by Trident True

You can get urethane's that have the hardness but not the flexibility. for a piece like this fiberglass is the better option, Yes once cured it's hard but it does have flexibility even under heavy loads unlike urethane. if you like i can PM you a photo of what i have done.

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Not sure what u mean. I don't need the urethane or fiberglass for the "extension fin" its only for the foot poket. And my main concern is having to drill holes into it.

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Originally Posted by Merman Marinus

It's a good idea But Im worried the so much neoprene in one place may cause my tail to float fluke first I'll have to test that. Plus there will be a drainage tube from tip of toes to center base of fluke so no water will stay trapped inside the tail.



Not sure what u mean. I don't need the urethane or fiberglass for the "extension fin" its only for the foot poket. And my main concern is having to drill holes into it.

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Ok, are you looking at screwing your extension to the foot pocket? if so urethane is not the way to go imo. most urethanes are hard and you can get some with a softer shore A. Unless the pocket is completely solid then in most cases it will crack upon movement, especially if its a ''shell'' pocket. meaning the pocket is thin and hollow which is basically what your going for.

Fiberglass is a better option as once its cured its hard and can withstand a lot of pressure. you also don't need a lot of it to create a durable casting and its light in the water.

this is what i have come up with. a pair of crocs, so, so comfortable on the feet. will not decay or go mildew.
Attachment 39277

Wow crocs are a good idea. I can't say I have used them in a mermaidy way, but I have been leaving a pair of camo crocs outside in the Florida sunlight for 7 or more years now for when I go into my aviary and need to put on shoes that can get dirty. I keep them right by my aviary outside. They are still in good condition after all of those years of being outside in the heat, rain, etc. :)

Yo Crocs float, did you know that? Thanks for all the useful info.
Thin is not what i an aiming for I would make it at least 1 inch thick with the urethane but if drilling it is not a good idea then. But drilling fiberglass would be bad two.

really? crocs are made with a thermo plastic not foam, yes they are light weight but they shouldn't float. once encased in fiberglass then the extension added to that which is dense, then the weight of the fluke, i doubt i will be risen. Once I test mine i will let you know. yes fiberglass is ok to drill.

PS. i have to wear weight belts in the water. i place them around my ankles. also the suit will have places were the weights will be added.

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Originally Posted by Trident True

really? crocs are made with a thermo plastic not foam, yes they are light weight but they shouldn't float. once encased in fiberglass then the extension added to that which is dense, then the weight of the fluke, i doubt i will be risen. Once I test mine i will let you know. yes fiberglass is ok to drill.

PS. i have to wear weight belts in the water. i place them around my ankles. also the suit will have places were the weights will be added.

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I don't think it will be that big of a issue with all that, but they actually do float...I have worn them in the lake and let them sit on top of the water...


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True yes.. But remember the fluke is going to have all the weight so it should pull it down?? No??

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this solution if any will need to be tested. what I liked about the crocs is that they were comfortable, light and it had the low cut profile i was after. As they are made with a plastic floating didn't cross my mind.

Now depending on how people wish to make their tails will depend on whether this is suited to you. Most people that have swam in neoprene will tell you that they float. i don't know if this is for everyone but on this note i float without it, so wearing weight belts should counteract any floating of the crocs, please don't dismiss the idea because the crocs float because most likely there is a way around it.

Ps the mako tails float in water but the fluke end is more submerged due to the weight.

Yeah, they always say in the behind the scenes videos that the H2O tails aren't neutrally buoyant. I've seen images of the actresses wearing a (weight?) belt before.
Crocs definitely float--my sister uses them when swimming or wading in the lagoon because they're easily retrieved, but I imagine in a heavier tail, it won't be much influence.

Ok ive just done a test with my 1.5KG ankle weight belt it holds it under. i used two of these while swimming. please keep in mind that this is simply a test, however so far so good.
Attachment 39288



http://mernetwork.com/index/attachme...id=39292&stc=1

I don't think there's a chance for your tail to float with the extension, my extension alone weighs way too much so like I wouldn't be worried about floating at all

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Alright thanks guys thinking about it the crocs dont affect anyrging. After deliberating within my self ive decided to use sheet metal. There's a manufacturer next to my house they sell thin and bendable sheets which the cut into any shape I want. There so good i was cosidering using that istead of lexan for the extension but i have to consider waight.

Are you going to be insulating it in any way? So th metal doesn't rust?

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It wont ever get wet because it's inside the silicone and the inside is also going to be silicone for comfort, so as you say insulated I'll test it firts.

I see so if it's encased in silicone essentially then it should be fine that's how I did mine

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Yeah Lili yours should be fine:D

ok here is a Q. how are you going to get the silicone to stick to the inside of the pocket? is the silicone going to cover the front and back of the pocket, then a piece connected from the outside to the inside so basically its all in one.

also one thing to remember is, metal will add weight to that area of the tail.

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Originally Posted by Trident True

ok here is a Q. how are you going to get the silicone to stick to the inside of the pocket? is the silicone going to cover the front and back of the pocket, then a piece connected from the outside to the inside so basically its all in one.

also one thing to remember is, metal will add weight to that area of the tail.

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Q1. The same way would with the monifin (glue powermesh to metal and silicone sticks to powermesh.
Q2. Yes once the extension piece is screwd in to the footplate tge silicone will be added.
I know that but the matal um usind is thin sheet metal so it wont be heavy but i will test this method first.

I can now finally finish sculpting my fluke. :dance: :bulldozer:

Attachment 39320

looks :jawdrop: