What should one pay for a used aluminum 80?

[Rudebob]

I am in the market for 4 used aluminum 80's. I realize hydrostatic inspection needs to be factored in the value along with brand and mfg. date. However, is there a formula I should use, say hypothetically, a tank in good condition is worth $100.00 - less $10.00 per year from last hydro? So if the hyrdo was up this year it would be worth 50 bucks? Is this close?

Second, based on brand and age is the a generally probablility that a specific tank would fail hydro thus having a residual value of current scrap aluminum rates that should also be factored in?

Thanks,

'bob

 

[Hemlon]

Wow...you're really putting a lot of thought into this!

 

[muddiver]

No more than $40

 

[Scared Silly]

Someone just asked this - $80 is reasonable for a cylinder in hydro, current viz, and good valve (aka Sheerwood 5000). If a Luxfer make sure it was made after 1987 as to say yourself some head aches (Catalinas any date).

 

[CAPT HOOK]

I figure about $75 with a recent hydro.

 

[Firefyter]

Unless it was just hydro'd, I wouldn't give more than $50 for it. I've bought several for $50 or less.

 

[Skipper h]

If you can wait till Christmas, look at Liesure Pro. Last year I purchased two new at $134.99 each with free shipping and no sales tax. They came with new Sherwood 5000 valves. All I had to do was have a visual done and fill. I have gone to 3 different shops near where I live, one shop will not fill a tank with a 1988 date and the other two shops will not fill a tank with a 1989 date? Depending on the last Hydro. From what I understand if it's a Sherwood tank it can be used, but if it's a luxfer tank it can't. I don't know why the two different dates, but I'm sure someone here can give the correct information. I think it has to do with the type of aluminum (alloys) that was used.

 

[BKP]

Luxfer used 6351 alloy in the manufacture of their tanks between '72 and '88, which was found to cause problems, primarily in the neck and threads (with a few cases of explosive failure).
I'm not sure I'd use an aluminum tank approaching twenty years to begin with, however, if it's a Luxfer, and it's prior to '89, you need to be especially wary...

Now, everyone's using 6061 alloy.

That having been said, I own Luxfer (al), Catalina (al), and Worthington (steel) tanks, and I'm happy with all of them (however, I'm switching to all steel from here on in - more expensive, but the upside is enormous).

 

[spectrum]

You seem to have a handle on the variables.

Work from the going price of a new one including the total cost of acquisition such as local taxes, shipping etc, etc. Right now we can get AL80 with boot and valves for $150 + 5% state sales tax. The next shipment will be selling for more. I am told aluminum is at a premium like most metals right now.

Obviously you want to be ending up with a savings that makes it worth your while to take on a cylinder that may have a less than fresh VIP and hydro status. If they are out of hydro or VIP then you are taking on some added risk and expense.

A late model tank perhaps a year or 2 out of hydro from a diver that did not stick with the sport might easily be worth $100. minus the local VIP charge. So perhaps $85 for most of us.

As the years pile up and condition goes down you end up perhaps at $20 if it needs hydro and VIP right out of the chute. That gets most of us into a used cylinder for $50. - $60 total.

All of this assumes a good enough valve, otherwise deduct more

The Luxfer 6351 alloy is one problem. Another is that some shops are getting fussy about any cylinder over 20 years old. A local shop does VIPs on pre 1990 aluminum cylinders for $120!

The cost of buying new is the benchmark you need to do better than.

Pete

 

[northen diver]

If you can wait till Christmas, look at Liesure Pro. Last year I purchased two new at $134.99 each with free shipping and no sales tax. They came with new Sherwood 5000 valves. All I had to do was have a visual done and fill. I have gone to 3 different shops near where I live, one shop will not fill a tank with a 1988 date and the other two shops will not fill a tank with a 1989 date? Depending on the last Hydro. From what I understand if it's a Sherwood tank it can be used, but if it's a luxfer tank it can't. I don't know why the two different dates, but I'm sure someone here can give the correct information. I think it has to do with the type of aluminum (alloys) that was used.

If you ask, they will also ship you a VIP + decal with a new tank at no extra charge...........