Storing BC's

[mavjax]

Could not find anything by searching so here goes.... Living in Florida, closet space seems to be at a premium.

Is is ok to store BC's in the garage, hanging and partially inflated? Same question for wetsuits??

Thanks.

 

[gfisher4792]

Sure, just hang it upside down so any left over rinse water collects in the inflator hose.

 

[rescuediver009]

I would hesitate about that for longer periods of time due to mould and mildew from the humidity.

 

[crpntr133]

Put a cap full of mouth wash in the BC that will help with keeping the inside "clean".

 

[pasley]

Everything I have read says NIX on the garage as a storage site for your SCUBA gear. Somthing about the heat and the automotive fumes being bad for them.

The below is from http://www.123scuba.com/geartips.html
* Bad Garage, BAD!
The garage, the place much dive gear calls home when not in use. Ironically enough, it can be one of the worst places to store dive gear. Equipment store in a garage is exposed because most garages are not temperature controlled. High heat can melt (or warp) plastics, damage temperature sensors on computers and gauges just to mention a few. Cold extremes can also affect materials and sensitive instrumentation. Most importantly, the contents of car exhaust fumes actually accelerate dry rot. When concentrated in the garage, equipment life can be significantly shortened. In general, air tight/light tight containers are a great way to add protection.

 

[ScubaDadMiami]

... NIX on the garage as a storage site for your SCUBA gear.

Yep. Not the right place. Even if it does not get too hot in your garage, the auto fumes are bad for your gear. I have also read reports about insects crawling in things like regulator second stages, making them their homes.

I have dedicated one of my two bathrooms to a PVC built hanging device that I use for washing, drip drying and storing my gear. I also took away my dining room table and now have dedicated that room to the scuba equipment infection. My foyer closet has my oxygen and helium cascades.

Who needs clothes and furniture?

 

[mtnredhed]

I have dedicated one of my two bathrooms to a PVC built hanging device that I use for washing, drip drying and storing my gear. I also took away my dining room table and now have dedicated that room to the scuba equipment infection. My foyer closet has my oxygen and helium cascades.

Who needs clothes and furniture?

You're single, aren't you ;'{)}

Actually, petrol and many organic solvents, ozone from brush type motors, and temp. extremes are the big enemies. Basicly your gear is happy where you are.

 

[geodaro]

IMHO, I have been storing my SCUBA gear (all of it) in a wooden closet in my garage for the past 20 years and I'm only on my second set of gear (by choice). Now for the qualifiers:

1. I live in Florida (no real temp. fluctuation from season to season).
2. There are no cars in my garage...ever (too much other stuff).
3. I thoroughly wash and dry EVERY piece of equipment after use and store it in the same containers (or bags) that I take to the boat.
4. I dive at least 2 times a month so it never really gets to sit for a long period of time.

Take it for what it's worth....or just disregard it...it wont hurt my feelings.

Most importantly....dive smart, have fun, and your gear will keep you happy for years!

 

[DMDC01]

I have dedicated one of my two bathrooms to a PVC built hanging device that I use for washing, drip drying and storing my gear. I also took away my dining room table and now have dedicated that room to the scuba equipment infection. My foyer closet has my oxygen and helium cascades.

Who needs clothes and furniture?

Recreational divers can learn alot from tech divers!! lol I will guarantee you that if given the choice between the kids having a bedroom or ScubaDadMiami having his TRIMIX, the kids will be sleeping in the garage!! I know mine would

You have to remember one thing about your gear, it is your life support system. Do you want the exhaust fumes lingering around your regs which you are depending on for life underwater?? The heat, fumes, and humidity in your garage dramatically increases dry rot.

 

[NHColdwater]

Everything bad you see above about storing in the garage is true. Over time you'll pay the price.