Used Tanks

[gussys]

Hello Im so new at this that i havent even got it to a class yet(the next class starts soon). I was looking through the paper today and there is a add for 3 used tanks for sale. Ive been lurking around here for a while and surf the web for every bit of info i can get my hands on so I gave the guy a call. He told me that the tanks are a 70lb and 2 80lb tanks he didnt know if they were alu or st and the visuals were done on them last year . he is looking to get 35 and 40 for the tanks . Something in this deal sounds not right 1st he didnt know if they were st or alu and 35 for a used tank ? I was thinking about calling the LDS to se if they were missing any tanks. If they look like there in good shape is this a good price? I know i should rent untill ive got the experence to know a little bit more but ive never seen a deal like this before
Thanks

 

[Quarrior]

See if the guy will let you come by and leave a deposit, not the whole amount, and take them to your choice of LDS and have the tanks checked out. If they're good, grab them.

Oh, I'm usually the one that shouts the loudest that a person that should rent for a while, but you're right, sometimes deals come across that you just can't pass up.

 

[Gomer Piles]

Wow that's a steal of a deal if it's on the level... I agree, have em checked out before you give him the full amount... If he doesn't trust you enough tell him to roll out with you when you're getting them checked...

 

[pasley]

You should know by reading all the threads here that the stamplings on neck will tell a lot. Date of MFG, Compositon (steel or AL and what alloy), working pressure, Hydro date stamps etc. Natually just as important as the Vis is the Hydro stamp.

A search here will tell you about the issues with older AL tanks, particularly made by Walter Kiddie and Luxfer. Catalina never used the suspect alloy. But, in short, if these are AL tanks made before 1998, I would pass regardless of price. For steel, well, just make sure they are in good shape and free of rust.

I do agree with others, something is not right. Either he is clueless about the tanks, which then beggs the questions as to why he has them and how he came to own them. Ask the questions, why he is selling them, and how he got them.

 

[scubapro50]

use several different styles of tanks before you purchase anything ....... different sizes : 50, 67, 72, 80, 100's and different materials (steel or AL). See what you like first .... I use AL 80's but my wife uses AL 67's. Another thing is how often will you use them ...... most charterboats in dive resorts furnish tanks because it's too expensive to fly them anywhere. i own 6 tanks and use then for trips in the Gulf ...... I have have been known to "loan" them to buddies for the weekend as long as they are returned filled >>>>>>>> by the way ... did you ask the guy why he was selling the tanks and what was his answer.

 

[DandyDon]

You know that about the only place you mihgt use them is in that resevoir up there. Almost impossible to fly them.

When you travel to dive, you'll use their tanks, whether in the deal or extra rentals like they do in Calf.

He doesn't know what he's got, or what they're worth. It's a small risk to just buy one and have it vized, if you really want one.