My (or other sourced) tank on a liveaboard

[TheDeuce]

Howdy all!

Got a question for you - especially the operators.

I typically use a lot more air than the average guy. Former offensive lineman-type build and holiday smoker, along with infrequent dive trips, all conspire to make the usual 80 cube tank a little tight for my taste. What I'd like to do is bring my own (or have the operator supply, at my cost) a 120 cube steel tank for my week of diving. It would add so much to my dive week to have the extra air on my back.

Is this something that a typical operator would look kindly upon? I know that I should work on getting my SAC down (only on a scuba forum will I ever use that phrase) but in the meantime I want to be able to enjoy my diving without the regimented air consumption control techniques that I typically use.

Thoughts?


Thanks,



m.

 

[Wookie]

I don't care, we allow you to bring whatever you like. With that said, we only supply al-80's. The only dive shop in town that routinely has steels doesn't rent them out. The Ultimate Getaway rents steel 95's instead of AL-80's.

Best is to call ahead and see what they have available for you.

 

[diversteve]

As an example: Turks/Caicos Explorer has AL 100's - I used one. Get there early - There was only 5 IIRC.

I'm pretty sure my buddy has been on a Dancer boat where they offered bigger tanks also.

As long as the 120 fits in their tank rack -

Spoiler

You'll have to pull the valve to fly with it. IDK what sort of inspection anyone will want to do prior to filling it at your destination also.

The problem with other sourcing - for example on Grand Cayman - Divetech has all sorts of tanks. But they don't let rentals leave the property. I doubt that you could convince them to let you take one on Cayman Aggressor for the week. Check with Eden Rock though if you're considering that trip - they have a 24hr. rental. I'm pretty sure I rented a 100 there also. Nice thing about that is they're 100 yds. from the public dock - where Aggressor is likely to pick you up. Maybe they'd let you.

 

[Akimbo]

Have you considered independent doubles? A large guy can pack the added weight. You can probably convince the boat to waive any policy against doubles by explaining your size and higher than average RMV rate if you agree with their max bottom time requirements. It requires that you bring your own travel bands and two regulators.

 

[jmsenger]

Some operators do carry larger tanks. Both of the liveaboards I've been on in the Maldives carry 15-liter tanks in addition to the standard 11 or 12-liter ones.

 

[victor]

I suspect he will need 2 tanks, 1 to dive while the other is being filled. Now thats going to use his airline travel limit real quickly.
Twin independant Al 80's sounds like the best solution, but he would still need to confirm the diameter of the tanks/manufacturer to verify the bands would fit or get a backplate built to mount independant twins with single straps. Might be a bit of a pain on the boat as only one tank will fit in the rack. Still would be a good option. Need some training to be comfortable with the switch.
Maybe sling a 40 on a sidemount, still have the issue of filling it between dives.
Just some thoughts on a sunny morning in the UK where I would prefer to be diving rather than sitting in an office.

 

[kwinter]

Have you considered independent doubles? A large guy can pack the added weight. You can probably convince the boat to waive any policy against doubles by explaining your size and higher than average RMV rate if you agree with their max bottom time requirements. It requires that you bring your own travel bands and two regulators.

I used to do exactly that in the old days (before the sidemount craze). I have a lightweight twin mount that I would bring with me and use two 80s, but would not keep them balanced. Left tank was for descent, ascent and any deco/safety stops. Right tank was for bottom time. After the dive, just swap the right tank. I would get 2 dives out of 3 tanks, or 4 dives out of 5 tanks, etc. All without having to refill a pony or end dives early. That twin mount was one of the best products Dive Rite ever made. Ideal for travel if you use a BP/wing setup.

And yes, I would sell mine if anyone is interested since I haven't used it in years.

 

[Akimbo]

…Twin independant Al 80's sounds like the best solution, but he would still need to confirm the diameter of the tanks/manufacturer to verify the bands would fit or get a backplate built to mount independant twins with single straps….

Cylinders that are 7¼" in diameter are pretty universal on boats that provide them — mostly Aluminum 80s. Bringing your own travel bands ensures that the BC will fit. The same rig can be used locally with owned or rented tanks. There aren’t a lot of travel bands around, but they are available.

I was on the Turks and Caicos Explorer about a year ago and they provided two Aluminum 65s to a guest who requested them, but it sounds like double independent 80s would be fine for TheDeuce.

The biggest problem is some day boats, especially the Newtons. They have tank racks that aren't doubles-friendly.

 

[TheDeuce]

Independent doubles would be overkill for me, methinks. My air consumption isn't that over the top that I need 160 cubes with me. In fact 100 cubes would do the job but IIRC the standard 100 cube AL won't fit in the typical tank hole on a typical dive boat. Hence my idea of going with a 120 steel (which by pure coincidence is the tank I'm planning on investing in here at home). It has the same diameter as the standard issue 80 AL.

There are two wrinkles I came up with on my own and one that this thread has put into mind:

1. The operator won't allow it.
2. Airline weight limits make it cost prohibitive (and I'm sure there's some rule about having a scuba tank in your luggage).
3. What Victor said above: "I suspect he will need 2 tanks, 1 to dive while the other is being filled."



#1 can be solved by shopping around until I find a willing operator. #2 is more complicated. I'd see if I could UPS my tank beforehand if the operator is willing to help out on the receiving (and return) end. I'd be willing to compensate them for going the extra mile so maybe that's not such a big problem.

#3 is something I'd not considered. Are fill times that much greater on a 120? Having to swap tanks for every dive would be a pain indeed (and makes me wonder how the fill times for the suggested doubles setup would work).



FWIW I want to do the Caymans again. I did the Cayman Aggressor almost two years ago and found it it be fantastic. The only problem is that we couldn't do the crossing and I did my wreck cert so I wasn't able to properly enjoy my Kittiwake time. I'll make the proper inquiries with the Aggressor people but given their indifference to their customers shown in the Red Sea Aggressor and Caribe Dancer fisascos I'm not optimistic about how willing they will be to go the extra mile.





m.

 

[Wookie]

3. What Victor said above: "I suspect he will need 2 tanks, 1 to dive while the other is being filled."

A 13 CFM air compressor makes enough air to fill 40 80 ft3 cylinders in a 2 1/2 hour surface interval. I'd be shocked if any liveaboard has you bring 2 cylinders. We don't allow doubles because there just isn't room for everyone to have a set.