Removing tank boots?

[kelemvor]

In my part of the world, I hardly ever (if at all) see a single tank without a boot. And I hardly ever (if at all) see a twinset with boots.

What's interesting is that most of the twinsets I see have scratched bottoms, often with some rust. I still haven't seen or heard about a single that has had to be scrapped due to rust under the boot, even if I don't doubt that those things do happen. But ISTM that if one is reasonably diligent about rinsing the tank(s) after diving in saltwater, rust under the boot won't be a significant problem.

I'm surprised you haven't seen it. I've only been diving for five years and I've seen a fair number of tanks with rusty spots where the boot used to be. Maybe it's a function of you not seeing the singles without the boot - you don't see what's under the boot. The rusty (or whatever you call the white corrosion on al80 tanks) tanks I've seen have all been sitting in dive shops waiting to recieve (or be picked up from) vip or hydro. It's just a common enough problem that I've seen it numerous times in passing. I can't say whether or not the corrosion is anything other than a cosmetic problem. Maybe it just doesn't matter.

 

[Marie13]

If you see nothing but negatives after numerous people sharing their experience and suggestions with you, what is it you are asking about tank boots?

The biggest danger I've seen in having boots on tanks is it encourages people to stand tanks upright. From that position they tend to fall down. This risk to both self, equipment, and people's toes and dignity nearby needs considered.

Increased maintenance requirements and potential for rust/undetected damage and entanglement are the other common disadvantages to adding a boot.

People have not shared their experiences with me. I listed the negatives as I see them. I’ve simply been told to remove the boots. That’s it. I think most of these folks are cave divers, though.

 

[northernone]

People have not shared their experiences with me. I listed the negatives as I see them. I’ve simply been told to remove the boots. That’s it. I think most of these folks are cave divers, though.

Might be interesting to have some conversations with them, see what they have learned that is the reasoning for making a gear recommendation for your dive environment.

Whenever I'm new to an environment I try to listen to those who have experience there and see the reasons for why they do what they do. Especially if they are willing to share their knowledge and offer advice on how to better adapt.

Cameron

 

[Marie13]

Sent a couple of messages off. People were just parroting what they do, for cave/cavern/salt water - for reasons of entanglement and salt under boots. They didn’t stop to think I’m not doing cave/cavern nor diving salt water.

So, in other words, not applicable to my situation.

 

[Storker]

The rusty (or whatever you call the white corrosion on al80 tanks) tanks [...]

Well, there's the rub. I don't see Al tanks around here, only steels (with the exception of the occasional stage or deco tank, which usually is an Al80. Without a boot, I'll give you that). And while Al tanks aren't surface treated, Faber steels are. An intact paint layer protects metal pretty well against corrosion.

And just to nitpick, rust only happens to steel, never to aluminium.

 

[BoltSnap]

I have been using steel tanks only for about 30 years now. I never removed the boots for single tanks and never had an issue at all. I always rinse my tanks properly and even let them soak for a while in the fresh water barrel. I remove the boots usually when rinsing them and replace them after the rinsing is done. Same thing for tanks used in our dive school. They stand against the wall in double profile in the storage room. For double tanks, you'll need to remove the boots otherwise they won't fit. Cavers have their own special rules that don't apply to the average recreational diver who isn't cave diving.

 

[Octopusprime]

My steel LP 112 tanks have a boot on them that has a tab on them that bumps out. There is a notch in it as if you could hook it on a line. It does not cause a problem on the doubles, However, I just them up for side mount and the tabs scrap the sides of my legs.

Does anyone know what they are for? I was thinking of removing the boots or grinding off the tabs to make them smooth. Thoughts?

 

[tbone1004]

My steel LP 112 tanks have a boot on them that has a tab on them that bumps out. There is a notch in it as if you could hook it on a line. It does not cause a problem on the doubles, However, I just them up for side mount and the tabs scrap the sides of my legs.

Does anyone know what they are for? I was thinking of removing the boots or grinding off the tabs to make them smooth. Thoughts?

post a picture of the boots. Not sure what boots you have

 

[Octopusprime]

post a picture of the boots. Not sure what boots you have

Here is a picture of my tank boot. I hope it shows up well. I am thinking about grinding off the tab but not sure what it is for?

 

[Bob DBF]

How old is it? It could be for a j-valve actuating rod, if so you probably won't need it unless you dive vintage.



Bob