freewillie
Contributor
Take twice the number tanks you need. Contact local dive shop in port you intend to stay for night. Drop off empty tanks in evening and pick up in morning when you depart. It takes more planning but definitely cheaper.
Filling your own tanks on a small boat
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lots of scuba in the places you mention, just go ashore fill your tanks and get back on the boat. in caribbean some docks have compressors right there.
You may have already gotten all the "answers" you need, but I thought I'd add some real world experience to to give you some perspective.
We ran our own sail/diver charter in the Bahamas from our 43' Hunter sailboat. We had a Bauer 8cfm compressor mounted forward of the mast outfitted with twin whips that we used to fill tanks. Usually, the tanks were kept in our 15' RIB attached to a custom-fabricated tank rack.
Basically, we would bring the RIB along side the boat, drop down the whips, and fill two tanks at a time. It usually took about 10 minutes to fill a pair of 80 cu' tanks (at least one of which was a hp steel).
The compressor was gas powered and the "snorkel" was kept well above any possible exhaust contamination by virtue of hoisting it up the mast about 20' or so...
FWIW,
Any examples for the electric powered ones? :s All I can find are really expensive gas powered ones -.-
Also prices seem quite hard to come by, for example the brownies YP25 seems quite nice, but impossible to find relevant pricing information...
Also prices seem quite hard to come by, for example the brownies YP25 seems quite nice, but impossible to find relevant pricing information...
I would ask people in the Compressors forum here.
Compressors, Boosters and Nitrox/Trimix Blending Systems
I know there are a few dealers that check there, and they could probably get you pricing or more compressor ideas.
Compressors, Boosters and Nitrox/Trimix Blending Systems
I know there are a few dealers that check there, and they could probably get you pricing or more compressor ideas.
Hank49
Contributor
How big is your boat?
Boat is 9m and will house me and one other person most of the time. I'm not very big on comfort or luxury, so that's alright. I've been thinking about the big cylinders to refill the tanks from, but on that size boat it would be too big a compromise on storage I'm afraid.
When in that area however 90% of the time we will be anchored in various places, but only going into port for groceries/gas/water/... I'm not sure yet how often that will be and how the diving facilities will be in those places but it's an option worth considering. Although it must be awfully painful to be on a sailing boat in some of the best dive-water in the world with all your gear there but empty tanks that only get filled once ever week or two
.
When in that area however 90% of the time we will be anchored in various places, but only going into port for groceries/gas/water/... I'm not sure yet how often that will be and how the diving facilities will be in those places but it's an option worth considering. Although it must be awfully painful to be on a sailing boat in some of the best dive-water in the world with all your gear there but empty tanks that only get filled once ever week or two
.skankpile
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Rebreather... dive all day/weekend & any depth with 2 faber 3L tanks on your back. Use your AL80 or whatever for topups between dives if you wish.
Hank49
Contributor
BAUER COMPRESSORS - Compressors - Breathing Air - Portable Compressors - COMPACT LINE - JUNIOR II
I have one of these at home. Mine is electic, 3 hp driven but the gas engine model is about the same size and weight. It's been really reliable. Take along a couple filters and engine oil if you're going to be out for a long time.
I picked mine up used for $2500 but I paid too much. A friend of mine got a nicer one for cheaper.
4 aluminum 80s and you're set.
I have one of these at home. Mine is electic, 3 hp driven but the gas engine model is about the same size and weight. It's been really reliable. Take along a couple filters and engine oil if you're going to be out for a long time.
I picked mine up used for $2500 but I paid too much. A friend of mine got a nicer one for cheaper.
4 aluminum 80s and you're set.
Dondon462
Contributor
Been sailing all my life and used plenty of Little Bauer Juniors that go forever...they are great....If short of $$ and you hear a compressor in the anchorage go ask for a fill...most boat owners are usually friendly..there is an interesting Chinese brand selling heaps of units local and export...just for fun I am trying a couple this year...$1000 in China!! and on paper they look good (use two Bauer too)...12ltr fill in 40 minutes, so not fast.....and only AC 220V..no petrol..so would need a little 2kva petrol gen...good luck....
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