Meet the B.C. man who builds his own fully-functional submarines – BC

It’s not usually somebody’s pastime units private data and helps with scientific analysis, however that’s simply the case Hank Pronk of Fairmont Scorching Springs, B.C.

Pronk builds his personal fully practical submarines, and not too long ago completed his newest and best submersible, the E3000.

“It’s the world’s deepest-diving do-it-yourself submarine at 3,000 ft,” Pronk informed World Information. “Constructing a sub to 1,000 ft is pretty primary however going to three,000 ft may be very, very critical,” Pronk defined.

Pronk’s submarine has been stress examined by professionals, however his private finest is 335 ft in native lakes — so for essentially the most half, this distinctive pastime is pretty secure.

“I feel my spouse would really like it if I collected stamps,” he stated.

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Thankfully, there have by no means been any shut calls, regardless that he does exit so much — no less than as soon as per week for 2 or three hours — down into his large private aquarium.

“Generally I simply take the sub out on my own. I cruise out into the lake and I dive. I’ll simply sit and watch the fish and eat my lunch,” he stated.

Pronk strikes houses for a residing, and discovered all the engineering abilities for his submarines on-line.

Identical to trying up the right way to repair a leaking faucet, Google can present you the right way to construct a private sub, he stated.

“Most of it comes from the web and a gaggle referred to as peacesubs.org,” he added.

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Interactions on the dock are all the time memorable. It might probably trigger fairly a stir when somebody rolls up with a submarine.

“Half the folks say you couldn’t pay me to get into that factor and the opposite half of the folks want to go for a trip,” he stated.

After they ask, Pronk has to say no, because it’s a legal responsibility subject — though he has donated time in his subs for scientific analysis, and he offered one to a non-public purchaser for $75,000.

However the E3000 is the final one he’ll ever make. Perhaps.

“Nicely, I say that and I intend that, however chances are high I’ll get bored. There’s simply no manner of understanding.”

To contact Jay Durant with a narrative thought for This is BC, e mail him particulars and call data at thisisbc@globalnews.ca