Securing tanks

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Greetings,

I know I am a bit late on this thread, but being new to the Capt forums thought I would add my .02 on the tank rack issue.

Like most of you I have used the roll control brackets and on several boats over the years. For the most part they have worked really well with the addition of the bungee cord backup. For this latest boat I decided to make some custom racks instead. I have seen so many different rigs in the last few years that making them all work in the roll control became a bit of a pain.

The custom racks work really well and the customers have no problems with making it work either. The boots fit into the base of the rack and the design keeps them from working free. No plastic invovled and only bungee to replace periodicly. The side racks sit on the deck so it keeps the CG low. I can also add additional strapping like James does if the seas require it.

I also made a center dressing bench with room to secure tank rigs on it as well. There are roll control tracks on either end so I can add some there if I need extra spots. They are all made out of 2x2 alum angle and are light and strong. The bench has a top of Trex so there are no splinters or maintenance to worry about. I made some small alum plates that are bolted to the deck and the bench secures to them. This allows it to be removed in minutes if needed.

I do not have any close up pics to post, but if anyone really wants to see will put some up.
 
My boat was primarily rigged for big game fishing. I have a fighting chair in the center of the deck. Most seasons this chair lives in my garage as it takes up so much deck room. Last year I started strapping the tanks to the chair's pedestal. This year I want to fabricate something to slip over the pedestal and maybe a few well placed bungees to lock them in. The center of the deck is a great place for the tanks leaving all gunwales free.
 
So, I ended up making some custom benches for each side of the boat with pvc tank holders. The benches are made of plasteak, starboard, and 2x4Basics legs. The pvc tank holders can be removed in the event that someone with other than AL80s decides to bring their own equipment. I'll take some pictures next time I am down at the boat.
 
Would love to see some pictures of these custom racks you guys have made- just upgraded to a much larger vessel and am looking at some custom racks for tanks and could use some ideas.
 
I'm not quite picturing what kind of setup you are planning, but I can tell you that there are an infinite number of different sized tanks out there, so unless you will always be furnishing the tanks, there will always be a fit problem. We also used the PVC pipe rings to secure the base with a row of bungees to secure the valves. What we ended up doing was leaving an open space between each ring. This allowed larger tanks/boots to fit in between the standard sizes, but the pvc rings on either side will still prevent the base from sliding too far sideways. Unless you are catering to the tech divers, doubles are rare these days. I don't even let my crew handle them. too heavy and subject to valve damage. I like the roll control too except that crew and customers tend to injure themselves trying to yank a tank out of one that is tight. Maybe it's just my own clumbsiness, but I've managed to bash my knee several times.
 
Any updates on pictures - looking to build something for the new boat and could use some ideas.
 
tankrack.jpg

divebench.jpg


Both the rack and bench are made from readily availble 2x2 alum angle and some plating for the gussets. The top of the dressing bench is trex or similar plastic decking - no maintenance or splinters. The tank holders are simply bungee into drilled holes in the 2x6.

The racks are sized to fit my gunnels and bolt to them with 3/8 SS hardware. The 2x2 bottom holds the foot of the tank and they do not kick out even in heavy seas. Any tank size and BCD works. CCR units can sit on the bench safely. This works for my boat very well as I do not need to have divers sit at their gear during the trip as there is plenty of cabin space with seperate seating. Your needs may differ but you get the idea from the pics.
 
Thanks for the pics- is the bench attached to the deck or do you find that it stays in place alright?

That set-up looks very nice.
 
Yes, it is firmly attached to the deck. Made up some small plate out of alum and they are through bolted then the bench os bolted down to them with 3/8 hardware.

It you do not bolt it down it will become a movable object. Gravity is not a means of attachment at sea.
 
I figured it was bolted just could see how from the pictures. Thanks for the description we may be doing a version of it for our boat over here.

Anyone else with some pics???
 

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