Options for sail boat: Compact AL cylinder purchase

[halocline]

This is getting a bit far field, but we might consider HP80. Does anyone have any comments replacing the AL80 with the HP80.

The HP80 has a nickname "bowling ball with valve", and is likely to trim very differently than AL80s. I think you would definitely want to try diving with one before buying several.

 

[tbone1004]

I called them acorns. If they were truly bowling balls, they'd be super popular for the CCR guys right now trying to sidemount their units with the inconel spheres costing over $3k....

They are a completely different animal though, very short, VERY negative. Not bad, but they won't safe you any deck space because they're the same diameter as an AL80 and you have to have boots to keep them from sliding around. On top of that, if you have anyone over about 5'4" they won't be able to sit on the bench without falling backwards because the tanks are so short.

 

[luscioman]

I would suggest compact 80 tank. Most of them are 3300 PSI so be sure that the compressor you get is able to do that. I don't honestly think the few inches you are going to save is worth it on the tank. I would probably get a low pressure tank (2400 psi) so you small compressor will be able to fill it easier. The LP will be a bit bigger though.

 

[charlier]

Thanks for the suggestions. Given possible stress on the compressor in a remote location, lack of easy to acquire parts, and all the issues with ocean water sailing, I might suggest that we just stay with what I know best, Al 11 liter cylinders. My wife and I have countless dives with these cylinders, so trim and task loading is second nature with these tanks. Since I almost always use standard gas (e.g., 32EAN), I will have to change my behavior a bit for diving with air. If anyone is interested, I posted a few photos of us diving in the Pantar Straits, near Alor, Indonesia. A few of the photos were taken at about 25m and you can see the fantastic visibility. One day I will visit cave country - I would have to a lot to learn in a new underwater environment. I will keep everyone posted on what we finally decide to purchase with a few photos of the sailboat (Swan 61). charlie

 

[KevinNM]

You could get a membrane system to produce nitrox without needing blending.

 

[charlier]

You could get a membrane system to produce nitrox without needing blending.

At this point, we want to make sure the diving simple and safe with reliable and maintaince free as possible. As much as I like to use standard gas, a membrane will add to the complexity. charlie

 

[charlier]

Update on scuba and Chagos and and expanded sampling visit to Cargados shoals. Given the size of the sailboard, scientific gear, and deck space, he ordered 2 Faber 10.5 liter steel cylinders with DIN/Yoke valve. Plus a portable Bauer compressor (electric). Also ordered are Aqualung mircon regs and Zuma back inflate vests. I set the make depth for sampling at 18m. Another group will sample with a hookah at shallow depths. My wife and join only at the end of the voyage. Due to permits, time considerations, and trade winds, we will sail via Jakarta to Coco-Keeling Island to Chagos to Mauritius, and avoid the Maldives.

Leaving the regs and BCD for another discussion, what are your thoughts about diving with the Faber cyclinders compared to my experiences with Al80s. It's hard to get my head around diving without my well-used Halcyon BP/W and GUE setup.

 

[Fishpie]

I really like the skinny Faber/OMS 85's....my favorite do it all tank.
Not sure if the newer ones are still skinny.

Sounds like you are on a fairly large (40" plus) boat if you also have a generator that will power a compressor.
I am currently skippering a private 46" sailboat that I think has the optimal rig for this size boat.
Electric RIX SA6 with "soft start". I prefer this to other compressors as I am never going to poison anybody with "bad air".
Doesn't burp out a nasty smelly emulsion at every drain. Can be run without any filters if need be (with Al tanks). It is very easy to service. Downsides are cost of parts, slightly shorter rebuild interval and it is a bit noisier than some.

I would also take Al over steel tanks on this sort of excursion....one less thing to have to worry about (rust).

Sounds like quite an adventure.....fair winds and following seas to all.

 

[charlier]

I really like the skinny Faber/OMS 85's....my favorite do it all tank.
Not sure if the newer ones are still skinny.

Sounds like you are on a fairly large (40" plus) boat if you also have a generator that will power a compressor.
I am currently skippering a private 46" sailboat that I think has the optimal rig for this size boat.
Electric RIX SA6 with "soft start". I prefer this to other compressors as I am never going to poison anybody with "bad air".
Doesn't burp out a nasty smelly emulsion at every drain. Can be run without any filters if need be (with Al tanks). It is very easy to service. Downsides are cost of parts, slightly shorter rebuild interval and it is a bit noisier than some.

I would also take Al over steel tanks on this sort of excursion....one less thing to have to worry about (rust).

Sounds like quite an adventure.....fair winds and following seas to all.

Thanks for the positive and helpful post! The sailboat is 61' (Swan 61) kitted out for open ocean sailing. The captain/owner sailed the boat from Durban to Singapore a few years ago. The Faber 85's fit below in the deck storage. I guess efficient gear storage is more important than rust - we can always rinse the tanks with fresh water (we have onboard water making).

I have only used AL80s, either a single or doubles, so I have no idea how the steel 85s will affect my buoyancy and trim. For tropical waters, I use a AL Halcyon BP and wing, a 2 mm pant (more like leggings - see my avatar) with a thin freedive hoody top. With an AL 11 liter tank, one kg is perfect, with AL 15 liter tank, no wts are needed. Any insight into my transition from AL80/100's to steel 85's would be helpful. It hard to turn down this trip, it is an adventure.

 

[Fishpie]

The old 85's that I use are not as heavy in the water as some other steel tanks. About 5 lbs ish negative when full and just pound or two positive empty.....probably not too different to your AL100's.
The ones I use are almost the same size as an AL80 and the fact that your tanks were bought in preference to AL tanks makes me think that the new generation Faber 85's might be wider but shorter than mine and I can understand why the captain wouldn't want some ugly dive tanks cluttering up the topsides of a Swan).