ScubaPro (Farber?) 95's 2400psi? Value

[AcDriver]

I have a chance to buy a ScubaPro (farber?) 95 painted steel tank. It's about ten years old. Looks in good shape. No rust I can see or bumps I can see, especially around the boot.

It's had a visual every year since new. It needs a visual and a hydro now.

I think the tank is a 2400 psi tank? It's got a red sticker near the top that says something like 2446.

So, how do I tell if it's a 2400 psi tank? Does $225 seem a fair price for this tank? Will I be happy with this tank if it IS ONLY a 2400 psi tank?

Thanks!

 

[scubafanatic]

...well, a new Faber LP 95 seems to run about $ 325 these days.....if you pay $ 225 and then add in a visual/hydro, you're approaching the price of a new one...shipping costs may be a factor too...and sales tax if applicable. Be careful, you need to have it hydro'ed at a place that is equipped to renew the "+" rating...not all hydro facilities can do this.....getting the "+" rating makes it legal for 2640 psi fills, otherwise you'll only get it legal for 2400 psi...... (this tank is 95 cu. ft. of gas @ 2640 psi/but only 86 cu. ft. @ 2400 psi.)

Karl

 

[divenutny]

To me, price is high, especially if you need a hydro. Plus, I prefer galvanized steel over painted. To find the size and pressure rating, you need to review the markings on the tanks. This link should help you read the tank markings
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-128175.html

Below is a link that lists tank specs, you may find it interesting reading.
TECHDIVINGLIMITED.COM

Hoe this helps - Tom

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Steel tanks needing a vis and hydro are something I'm interested in. The most I've paid is 100 bucks for one. After all it could dump the hydro.

I love lp tanks, I'm sure you would too.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Faber made the tanks Scubapro marketed. They came in galvanized and later white and black paint with various graphics. The paint Faber uses is extremely durable, so I would not worry about the painted finish.

As indicated above the service pressure is 2400 psi and with a "+" rating they can legally be filled to 2640 psi. In cave country and a few other places you might be able to ge them overfilled to 3400-3500 psi with a capacity around 120 cu ft, but on the other hand for the same size and weight of an LP 95, you can get a 3442 psi tank with the same 120 cu ft capacity and get it legally filled anywhere. Alternatively for less weight and bulk you can get a 3442 psi 100 cu ft tank.

Either way a new 3442 psi steel tank in the 100 cu ft range will run you around $325-$350. LP tanks seem to sell for a bit less, so $225 for a 10 year old out of hydro tank is too much. It is doubtful that the tank will fail (although that is a possibility if it has had a history of being overfilled to 3500 psi, and I would not buy a used LP tank out of north Florida just on principle) but I'd be more comfortable buying it at that price with a fresh hydro test.

 

[616fun]

I just bought 4 10 yr old Faber LP95's, brand new "+" hydro (4/08), O2 clean, and vis for $170 each shipped to me.

$225 sounds expensive.

 

[AcDriver]

Thanks to all who took time to respond! What a great resource this board is.