Looking for advice on dual purpose SMB/Safety sausage

[Code Monkey]

Okay, I want a single device that I can use as a safety sausage in case I get lost at sea and as an SMB so that I can do a drifting safety stop and keep roving boats from turning me into chum when I surface. Therefore, I want something that I can inflate at depth but, at the same time, top-off orally at the surface.

I've been doing my research and I believe I need either a semi-closed unit (if I understand correctly, this has an open bottom with a one-way valve to keep air from leaking out) or a closed unit with an adapter for a low-pressure inflator. As far as I can tell, the semi-closed ones (like the Carter personal float) would be more expensive but would be easier to inflate at depth. Both should have an oral inflate tube and an overpressure valve.

So this leads me to the following questions:

1) Is it reasonable to get a single device that does both jobs?
2) Exactly what is the configuration of a low-pressure inflator adaptor? I haven't seen a picture of one.
3) How hard is it to inflate an SMB using a low-pressure inflator?
4) Is there anything else I should be asking about this subject?

Thanks, all!

 

[miesemer]

Have you seen the Zeagle signal tube?

http://zeagle.chainreactionweb.com/..._Tube_Deluxe_Detail_Page&category=Accessories

I use it for both of the reasons you've listed. The duck bill valve keeps the air in on the surface and easily allows you to fill it underwater with a second stage.

 

[Diver Dennis]

I have the Zeagle one and use it for both purposes as well. I use it virtually every dive.

 

[BigJetDriver]

Okay, I want a single device that I can use as a safety sausage in case I get lost at sea and as an SMB so that I can do a drifting safety stop and keep roving boats from turning me into chum when I surface. Therefore, I want something that I can inflate at depth but, at the same time, top-off orally at the surface.

I've been doing my research and I believe I need either a semi-closed unit (if I understand correctly, this has an open bottom with a one-way valve to keep air from leaking out) or a closed unit with an adapter for a low-pressure inflator. As far as I can tell, the semi-closed ones (like the Carter personal float) would be more expensive but would be easier to inflate at depth. Both should have an oral inflate tube and an overpressure valve.

So this leads me to the following questions:

1) Is it reasonable to get a single device that does both jobs?
2) Exactly what is the configuration of a low-pressure inflator adaptor? I haven't seen a picture of one.
3) How hard is it to inflate an SMB using a low-pressure inflator?
4) Is there anything else I should be asking about this subject?

Thanks, all!

Carter lift-bags makes a tall "safety sausage" with a 100 lb lift capacity. It has an overpressure valve and will not dump its air on the surface if it is turned over.

Try: www.carterbag.com

As for the low-pressure inflator, people usually just hold their octo under the bag, hit the purge valve, and put some air in that way.

Triton, and Global both sell the low-pressure inflators, which look like the air fill chucks at old-time filling stations, and fit on the end of your BCD inflator hose.

 

[seagrave]

I currently use a Carter lift bag for what you describe.I dump air from my BcD into the bag to maintain bouyancy.Hook it to a reel and send it up.

 

[Code Monkey]

That's exactly what I was looking for, thanks!

I guess I do have one more question. Since it looks like the Zeagle deluxe tube is larger than will fit in a BCD pocket, where do you mount this? I was thinking on my tank strap but I'm not sure.

Thanks, again!

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Wade,

Putting your SMB and spool in a thigh pocket works best. These can be installed on either drysuits or wetsuits.

There are other options (besides leaving the things dangling off your rig), which include pockets placed on tank cam bands, X-shorts, or some divers attach them to their camera housings or scooters. In general, however, cleaner is better. Seek to avoid convoluted attachments which leave either your SMB or spool hanging free anywhere, as they tend to become line magnets and eventually will entangle, snag, unspool, or otherwise bring you grief.

Best,

Doc

 

[johnnyseko]

....I'm still shopping for one of these....anyone know where I can pickup that Zeagle online? I searched and didnt come up with anything except what looks like an older model with only the oral inflator valve. I'd just prefer to get the right one the first time around...

 

[Code Monkey]

I think they're supposed to have both -- an oral inflation nozzle and an open bottom (with a valve, etc.).

I found one at:
http://www.piratescuba.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?page=PSWS/CTGY/FAF

What I can't find (even on the Zeagle site) is the difference between the deluxe and the standard model.

 

[johnnyseko]

Yeah, that's the one I found. Doesnt look like it has the purge valve on the side and nothing mentioned about the duck-bill valve at the bottom so I'm assuming it doesnt have it.

Not much info on the Zeagle site, either.

I may just get the one from DAN, seems like a decent one.
https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/catalog/products/641-1000.html