pescador775
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Boots are, like many things, are a tradeoff or plus and minuses. They will stand up in certain types of boat racks and are a great convenience when filling tanks on a boat. Also, some boots will prevent a horizontal tank from rolling. They allow the tank to stand up when attaching the regulator and BC. Also, some people rely on a standing tank for ease in donning. However, a tank with boot does not fit well into a horizontal rack, the type made from PVC tubes strung together. Also, they cannot be easily pulled or slid from such a rack. A boot entraps water and causes corrosion. I have seen painted tanks condemned because of rust under the boot.
From the viewpoint of the underwater swimmer, the boot adds length and minor weight biased to the bottom end. However, some boots accept trim weights and may be useful for those who need need negative trim. The boot increases the diameter resulting in some drag, especially with the larger tanks. There is a small possibility that something like fishing line could hang up on the boot edge.
Normally, I do not use boots. However, I install a boot on single tanks when I know that I will be filling these on board a boat. I don't recall noticing any difference in drag when diving a booted tank but this is relative. As has been said, the boot adds only a small percentage of drag, especially when only a single tank of medium to small diameter is used. I never use boots on double tanks. To compare the overall drag of a tank and place the issue in perspective, try diving without a tank.
Pesky
From the viewpoint of the underwater swimmer, the boot adds length and minor weight biased to the bottom end. However, some boots accept trim weights and may be useful for those who need need negative trim. The boot increases the diameter resulting in some drag, especially with the larger tanks. There is a small possibility that something like fishing line could hang up on the boot edge.
Normally, I do not use boots. However, I install a boot on single tanks when I know that I will be filling these on board a boat. I don't recall noticing any difference in drag when diving a booted tank but this is relative. As has been said, the boot adds only a small percentage of drag, especially when only a single tank of medium to small diameter is used. I never use boots on double tanks. To compare the overall drag of a tank and place the issue in perspective, try diving without a tank.
Pesky
