Looking for a way to float a tank?

[muddiver]

Urchin divers use hooka systems all the time to dive near rocks and kelp. It really is not a problem if you pay attention to where you have been.

Another way to carry your cylinder around that I think is kind of ingenious is to strap it to a sea kayak and tow that around. Unless there is a really strong wind a sea kayak does not produce that much drag. This is what one of the snorkle outfits in Hawaii does and it provides a save haven if you get tired. Just pull your self up and climb on the kayak.

 

[Gdon]

Urchin divers use hooka systems all the time to dive near rocks and kelp. It really is not a problem if you pay attention to where you have been.
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Interesting.. I didn't know that.. What is the max depth one would use SNUBA for? Depending on conditions I could not see myself using it beyound 30 feet or so. (Im very conserative)

 

[iztok]

The reason is that I'm over 60 years old with a bad back and getting in and out of a boat with a tank is very hard on me. After doing a "SNUBA" trip in the Bahamas last yeat, I realized that I didn't have to give up diving if I had something like this.

Have you consider side-mounting?

 

[muddiver]

Interesting.. I didn't know that.. What is the max depth one would use SNUBA for? Depending on conditions I could not see myself using it beyound 30 feet or so. (Im very conserative)

SNUBA is typlcally limited by the hose to 20', if you buy a manufactured setup. The other limiting factor is the intermeadiate pressure that is being supplied by the scuba first stage at the surface is decreased by the pressure from the water at depth until you are close to the minimum pressure needed to operate a typical second stage regulator. Typically a first stage at sea level will provide 135 psi, subtract 90 psi as the minimum operation pressure for a typical second stage and you have 45 psi which is just about 70' of depth. If your regulator requires a higher intermedeate pressure, then your oprating depth will be shallower.

Urchin divers use a compressor so they can go a lot deeper. The basic hose and second stage regulator is pretty much the same, just longer.

 

[BarrelRoll]

The reason is that I'm over 60 years old with a bad back and getting in and out of a boat with a tank is very hard on me. After doing a "SNUBA" trip in the Bahamas last yeat, I realized that I didn't have to give up diving if I had something like this.

Good deal, I'd just never heard of the practice. Glad you've found a way to keep at it old timer!

 

[wejames]

I’m not too far behind you in age and frankly that sounds like an argument for having the air WITH you instead of on the surface with a long hose that can get tangled causing a lost reg. I have never lobstered but don’t you end up around a bunch of rocks and such where a SNUBA hose can get caught up? What about putting a weight integrated BCD in the water and then jumping in and donning it? Then you can remove it at the surface after the dive and have your buddy help you back on board and retrieve the BCD. Looks like you have more dives than me and of course you know your situation, but I have to agree it does not make sense to me so far.. good luck either way (I love lobster!)

I always do carry a spare air with me but the HOOKA system is great. I've never had a hose problem since it attaches to your waist and the regulator hose attaches there also. I've tried doning equiptment in the water but I've had a problem twice in rough seas like that.

 

[wejames]

Urchin divers use hooka systems all the time to dive near rocks and kelp. It really is not a problem if you pay attention to where you have been.

Another way to carry your cylinder around that I think is kind of ingenious is to strap it to a sea kayak and tow that around. Unless there is a really strong wind a sea kayak does not produce that much drag. This is what one of the snorkle outfits in Hawaii does and it provides a save haven if you get tired. Just pull your self up and climb on the kayak.

I'll definately look into that. I haven't seen a sea kayak but it sounds like just the thing.

Thanks

 

[wejames]

Interesting.. I didn't know that.. What is the max depth one would use SNUBA for? Depending on conditions I could not see myself using it beyound 30 feet or so. (Im very conserative)

I only go to 30 feet myself due to "COPD" and the Snuba system works great at that depth. Like was mentioned before, be sure you get an adjustable second stage regulator so you can set it for the depth.

 

[wejames]

Brownies makes this for floating 2 tanks.
Tooka? NEW!

I've already contacted them about this. Problem is, they won't sell you one!!! They are only being marketed to resort diving operations.

 

[divehookah]

Go to: http;//divehookah.com the best and cheapest price float on the market!