Renting Pony Tanks in Cozumel

[OMyMyOHellYes]

Yeah it's a hassle but I gave in long ago and check 100# each way.

Second checked bag ... And related fees. Or upgrade to first and the limit goes to 70# per bag.
Unless you're going to Honduras. Then it stays at 50#.

Found a Goldilocks pony to carry. Not too big and not too small. Juuuuuusssst right. S17. 15 years old. New hydro and VIP as of today... gotta put the straps back on.

OMMOHY

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

I think that many of the dive dedicated destinations like Coz do not want the added liability of providing an additional opportunity for extended bottom times and potential deco scenarios. My opinion is that 80 aluminums by design and volume are kind-of a general "safety" for typical tourist divers and typical tourist diver locations.

 

[rmssetc]

My guess is that a year's storage at Cozumel Scuba Repair would cost about the same as excess baggage, one-way, once. Or, if you're been using the same dive op for 20 years, leave the pony with them.

 

[DandyDon]

Or, if you're been using the same dive op for 20 years, leave the pony with them.

I have considered leaving gear including pony on the island, but then I would have missed it in July when I joined a group going to Roatan. I like to keep options open.

 

[Rob9876]

My guess is that a year's storage at Cozumel Scuba Repair would cost about the same as excess baggage, one-way, once. Or, if you're been using the same dive op for 20 years, leave the pony with them.

Hey, this is pretty good -- did not know about this: Storage Policy and Guidelines.

$120/year to store a full set of gear and also includes a regulator service (not parts), and for $20 they will deliver to you. Not too bad.

 

[KenGordon]

Just use an 80 as a pony?

 

[Rob9876]

Just use an 80 as a pony?

No thanks, I would use Spare Air before that. Per my original post, would prefer 40cf or less, ideally 19cf or 13cf.

 

[Soloist]

Cheaper in the long run to bring your own. I’ve packed a 13cf in my checked luggage for all our trips to Coz. Like @DandyDon said, you may have to dive a day (or three) without it before it’s filled, but you can always whip it. I install the valve before handing it off to the dive op, so a light tap is all that is required to remove it.

 

[DandyDon]

Cheaper in the long run to bring your own. I’ve packed a 13cf in my checked luggage for all our trips to Coz. Like @DandyDon said, you may have to dive a day (or three) without it before it’s filled, but you can always whip it. I install the valve before handing it off to the dive op, so a light tap is all that is required to remove it.

Well, there is no excuse for taking more than a day to get it filled. My Op gets it filled overnight and on the boat the next day, but he doesn't use the main fill station. Once drained at the end of a trip, it should be easy to remove the valve, but so often the fill shacks over tighten them and you need a valve wrench. Every Op should have one and be able to bring it on the last trip out. I have been using 2" electrical tape to cover the hole for transport and fold the ends back for easy inspection, but I recently acquired some screw in plugs.

 

[Soloist]

I have been using 2" electrical tape to cover the hole for transport and fold the ends back for easy inspection, but I recently acquired some screw in plugs.

Beware, TSA confiscated my tank four years ago in Atlanta when using a threaded plastic tank plug. Since then I secure a clear quart size freezer bag over the top of the tank with bungee.