filling your own tanks on a small boat

[spoolin01]

You should be able to get a compressor for much less than $5K, but probably not much less than $2K, and you might have to spend some time looking. See if you can find a used electric RIX SA-3. They're a decently small package, should run on 11A of 220V, and ongoing maintenance costs are pretty low as they are oil-less. I picked one up that I'm holding for eventual installation on a cruising sailboat.

There are lots of expensive things you don't NEED on a cruising sailboat - dinghy, SSB, autopilot, chartplotter, even engine - that nevertheless most cruisers wouldn't want to go without. If they enhance your personal experience of the trip, you make the investment. The money for the most part is a capital expense - it adds to the resale value of the boat. I'm like you - though I've never been cruising, I intend to, and a compressor is high on my list.

On the other hand, have you really looked at your assumptions about availability of rental tanks and air fills? Are you sure that a half dozen tanks wouldn't cover you between fill opportunities over most of the route you plan to sail?

 

[spoolin01]

A nice looking Rix SA-3 electric just sold for $1650 shipped, on eBay. That seems in the ballpark for the few of those I've seen.

 

[ams511]

Have you thought about a Hookah system like a Brownie's third lung?

 

[rsingler]

I did exactly what you want to do. I used a gas powered RIX SA-3 which I hoisted on deck and ran the intake up a halyard to get it away from any possible fumes. The RIX was marketed 20 yrs ago just for that purpose. Weighs about 80lb. Footprint 1ft x 1ft x 3ft. I filled tanks for months with never a need to do it in port. Only downside is less than perfect moisture removal in the separators. That just means you need your tanks rolled once a year.
3 cu ft/min fill up to 3000 psi. Perfect. 30 min to fill a tank. Runs on unleaded gas. The Briggs and Stratton is 4-cycle so no oil in the gas - easy to obtain. I just pulled mine out to start using in my shop, and the B&S started on the third pull after 20 years in storage. Refurbing the rings now.
Look for a used RIX. Above comments about the money it will take are correct.

 

[tanksforthememories]

I use an Alkin W31 with a Honda motor I was nervous about fumes from the motor getting into the air intake. So the only thing I would add is get good filters and possibly a CO detector.

 

[frogman62]

Of course everyone knows I sell compressors and provide free advise. The converted military Kidde compressor provide excellant small size,weight and with gas engine 4.2 CFM to 4500PSi continuous duty. A number of scubaboard members have my units and at $3100 with grade E air -- tough to beat.
Jim Shelden
< sheldensportinggoods.com >