Storing equipment for long time

[knfevg]

Next year I wont be diving so I need to store my equipment for some long time. I have a full set including: BCD, regulator, 2 wet suits, fins, masks, boots, etc.
What is the best way to store it? Should I use some drying poweder (like magnezium)?

[w ripley]

All you really need to do is to thoroughly dry everything and store where it's not too hot, because most of it is made from some kind or rubber and heat is unforgiving to it.

Put regs in something that will keep dust out but can breathe. Plastic bags tend not to let moisture out and, if closed, can allow mold to grow so use with caution. You can put your wet suits on hangers in your closet, if the hangers are "thick" enough to support the neoprene, or you can just fold them up. Masks should be put in a hard container so that they don't get crushed. If you've got the foot pocket inserts that came with your fins you should put them back in (or push in some crumpled newspaper), but it's not critical.

If you are ambitious you can unscrew the over pressure valve (OPV) on your BCD and flush with fresh water (you should do this routinely, anyway, to keep nastsy stuff from growing in there). Shake out as much water as you can and put it on a hanger for a week or so to dry, shaking it ever so often. Reassemble the OPV and store on a hanger or fold, or put the parts in a plastic bag and put in the BCD pocket until you are ready to go diving again.

If you are sure that everything is really dry you can put lots of your gear in the large plastic bins (with tops) that you can get anywhere (Home Depot, etc.). It's a great way to store gear and, if you buy the clear ones, you can see what's in each bin without having to open them. They're also great for moving a lot of gear quickly, like when your packing for a road trip to a dive site.

Your gear is pretty robust. Just use common sense in how you fold it, store it, etc., and it will last.

Bill

[scubafanatic]

If space allows, I like to store gear in a climate controlled area (not the attic/garage) away from heat/ozone. Remove batteries from all items. Throughly clean/dry everything prior to storage to avoid mold. Use dedicated BC hangers to hang up wetsuits/BC's. I'm a big fan of those large clear plastic storage bins so I can see easily see the contents of each container and keep everything dust/bug free, and allow enough room so things like reg hoses have plenty of room so they're not crimped/folded too tightly.

[knfevg]

Should I also remove the battery from the computer?

[vladimir]

Sell it! Or at least consider it. People who stop diving for an extended period of time usually don't resume, in my experience. In the meantime, equipment deteriorates, depreciates, and takes up space. Without knowing your particular circumstances it's impossible to say, but if you sell it now, invest the proceeds in Indonesian sovereign debt at 8.25% for eight years and come back to diving when your toddler goes off to sleep-away camp, think of the spiffy new dive gear you'll be able to buy! ;)

Wetsuits probably do the worst in storage, but they're also probably the most difficult piece of your gear to sell used. I'd be worried about the bc bladder after long storage. Regulators are pretty bullet-proof if properly maintained. Yes, I'd remove the battery from the computer, which should do nicely if you don't mind not having the newest gadgets.

[knfevg]

Vlad, I'm sotring it only as I will be relocating to France for 1 year and I'm not sure that I will dive there (altought in another topic I openned, people eplxained me that there is alot of diving in France too)....

[knowone]

Storing neoprene folded will cause creasing that remains forever which negates insulating properties prevents air circulation and looks like you store your suit folded. It is bad for zippers.

Storing a bc folded unless only flat like from the manufacturer is bad.

Taking things apart and storing them apart may result in parts loss or inability to correctly assemble which is worse.

If you store regs with hoses tightly wound, when you come to unwind them they will remain partially wound mostly in the wrong direction.

Take your stuff with you.

[Spimon]

If you store it in any sore of enclosed area, maybe include one of those 'moisture traps' just to make sure it all stays dry and mould free...

[Bob DBF]

Take what you need with you. Ya gotta love the idea of diving in the land of Jacques Cousteau, gonna hate yourself in the morning if you don't.

What you leave behind, heed the advice above.


Bob
---------------------------------
I may be old but I’m not dead yet.

[FritzCat66]

You didn't mention tanks, but maybe that's in your "etc.". You definitely want to drain them down to minimal pressure, just enough to keep moisture out, and keep them upright, especially if they're steel - and if Nitrox, you might consider replacing with just some plain air.

There was a recent detailed thread about tank corrosion in stored tanks (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tanks-valves-bands/260189-scuba-cylinder-long-term-storage-fact-fiction.html) [-]that I can't seem to find just now[/-], but it seemed like just a little water in a tank could get really, really bad in just a few months, especially with steel, especially under pressure, and xtra especially with nitrox.

[knfevg]

Well, I"m still trying to decide either to take the gear or not (and no, I dont have tanks as we have TONS of diving shops here which rent tanks for nothing). If I will take it, than it will be only the reg, BCD and the 5.5mm wetsuit. I will leave the summer suit (3/2mm) and the weights here. The problem is that, as I"m going to France to study, I'm not sure how much time I will have to dive. And as I will be coming back to Israel for vocation on the summer, and will dive here for sure, it dont want to be carrying my gear back and forth.

[vladimir]

I have relocated abroad on a few occasions. Leave the equipment in Israel. Since you're going as a student I will assume you don't have a fat allowance for relocating; luggage space and expense is probably a consideration and you will have other priorities, like clothing for 4 seasons in France. Coupling that with the fact that diving in Israel is much better than in France (not that I've done either) and you will probably not miss your gear.

If I had a year in France I'd use my spare time to pursue...French girls. ;)

[knfevg]

Vladimir, I dont think my wife will like the idea of me chasing French gals :)

[rhino3201]

I left my gear stored for about four years in my closet. I washed everything inside and out, suits, BC, regs all of it. kept it in a climate controlled area, and when I resumed diving,it was all in gfreat condition. May want to use a little sillicone grease on the Orings of the BC. Inspect it all before using. I had a little yellowing of the mask skirt, but it was still soft. and don't forget the most important piece of gear, YOU. After taking a break, I feel it is a good idea to take a refresher course to clear those cob webs. I had to take a break because I really didn't have a dive buddy. Good luck.