Tanks?? New/Used or Rent???? Which is better?

[Cali_Rec_Diver]

Ok, so here is my question. I am fairly new to diving and figured I would ask those that have been around for awhile. I am purchasing a boat in the near future and will be diving at least once or twice a month. My question is would it be smarter to purchase a couple of tanks and have them filled each time there needed or would it cheaper to just rent a couple of tanks. I dont know how much tanks run so I am not sure as to which would be better. If anyone could shed some light on this for me I would be most grateful.

Also if you happen to know how much a new or used tank would run me or where I can find a good deal in southern california.

 

[red_infinity]

I wanna say it's better to get your own....rental adds up fairly quickly, especially if you dive a lot. I know you're only diving once or twice a month...but still, if you're gonna go out on a boat, you'll need multiple tanks. Best to buy your own and just get them refilled each time.

Check with your LDS, they may have some used tanks for a cheaper price.

-Francis

 

[victor]

A big advantage of having your own tanks is spontaneity.
Keep them filled and you can go dive at the drop of a hat.
Be first out to the dive site, no need to wait for the shop to open.
I would but my own in your situation.

 

[FishDiver]

Its also easier to get your weighting and trim dialed in with your own tanks. The purchase price is amortized very quickly if you are doing much local diving.

If you plan to buy a boat, I say buying tanks is a no-brainer.

 

[Cali_Rec_Diver]

I was thinking that it would be smarter to purchase tanks, but now I need to find a good place to purchase tanks. Is there anything that I would need to look for on a tank other than hydro and typical damage. This is assuming that I am going to get used and they "should" be cheaper. Unless anyone out there can tell me a good place to find an afordable new tank.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Unless you can find a really good deal on a used tank, you're almost better off buying new. You can get an AL80 from ScubaToys for $135 plus shipping - $16 to me in AZ. A new tank won't need a hydro for 5 years. It also shouldn't need a VIP but some shops will make you do it anyway.

Most used tanks will run you about $80-100 plus shipping - typically in the $30-40 range on ebay. If the hydro is current, it's usually going to be due in a year or 2. Hydros can range anywhere from $25-40 depending on how and where you have it done.

So, as you see, the new tank will run you less money.

Now, own v. rent. If you rent 2 tanks twice a month, it will cost you anywhere from $7-10 each. At $7 a tank, you're looking at $336 for a year. If you own, you pay for fills - $4-5 each. At $5 a tank, that's $240. About a $100 difference. You also have to pay for VIPs every year - about $15 each. So $81 less per year means you start making money on your investment in just under 4 years. Looking at the 5 year cost, you're better off financially owning your own tanks, including the hydro cost. Not to mention that you do have the convenience of always having tanks sitting at home ready to go.

 

[Wildcard]

Watch the papers for deals. Lots of people get out of SCUBA and have gear to sell CHEAP! A used tank with a current hydro should cost no more than about$75. Expect a couple of years left on the hydro. Tanks with expired hydros are worth no more than $50 IMHO. Vis is no big deal. If you stop using the tanks, you can always sell them and recoup your money. The pure convenience of owning is worth buying even if you don't resell them. You can visit the LDS at you leisure and not when you want to dive then after the dive when you want to go home.
I recently purchased 4 tanks filled, current hydro, vis, boots, caps and nets for $275.
Watch the paper or place an add. Good luck!

 

[Wilson]

Check on E-Bay as well, or even a local pawn shop. I personally bought mine new.

 

[SeaWorthy]

Cali Rec Diver,

After a few years of renting, I finally bought a brand new Al80 tank last month at an LDS in Orange County for $130 plus 7.75% sales tax. Sport Chalet and other LDS have the same tank for $20 more. I'll PM you the name and location of the LDS. Also, I have buddies who bought used Al80 tanks with no operating issues. I would check out local LDS - there are many in SoCal - before looking at mail ordering, to avoid shipping charges.

 

[TSandM]

I don't know about California, but around here, you can easily pick up an Al80 for $75 from somebody who's decided to upgrade to a steel tank.