Question on used tanks

[CabezonBD]

Hello,
Last week I got certified. I was actually about 40 years ago, but really happy to get certified again. Anyway we are now retired and living on a retirement income. We live on a sailboat that has a " garage" which is a compartment at the stern of the boat. I would like to purchase a couple of used 80 cu ft or less tanks and store them in the garage. I do have brackets tostrap and hold the tanks in a vertical orientation. Know that the garage can get hot and is subject to constant "bouncing" or movement.

So....now the question. I have read about tank issues, l.e. Alloys of certain aluminum tanks. What are some other concerns I should have? Steel vs. aluminum, age, valve, etc? They may stay in the garage for a few months under full pressure. I would appreciate your comments.

Thank you

 

[Chip Elliott]

First, welcome to ScubaBoard!! Second, read this thread and it will give you a good start on what tanks to avoid.
Is my cylinder made from the "bad" alloy aka AL6351?

 

[boulderjohn]

You would have to purchase a pretty darn old aluminum tank to have an alloy problem. Steel tanks have a lot of advantages, but they also have the disadvantage of being subject to rust under the right conditions. For most occasional divers doing basic OW dives, aluminum works fine. I use mostly steel for my primary tanks, but for what you describe I would have no trouble choosing aluminum.

 

[guruboy]

TL;DR

Buy a tank that was made 1990-present

 

[Doby45]

Buy Catalina aluminum tanks as they never had "bad" alloy. Get a couple of 80s with yoke valves and be at peace with the Ultraverse!