Scuba compressor

trecksail · #1 09-21-2005

I know this has been discussed, but I''m just not sure why there''s so much disparity. Here is a compressor that is only 80lbs and has a gas version and an electical version designed for yachts:

http://www.max-air.com/maxair02.html

Granted, I''m not saying almost 3k is petty cash for me. But in a year of 8 tanks a week it pays for itself assuming the savings of a $7 dive shop air fill. And I have to say, I''d feel alot better filling my own tanks than I do with some of the tank fill stations I''ve seen on some of the islands. Hell, even on Maui their equipment looked as unkept as any boondocks middle of nowhere auto service station goober type garage. It seems to me alot of the island dive centers are basically fly by night setups out there just scraping by to put food on the tables before they move on.

Not to mention of course the main benefit of being able to fill tanks to your hearts content wherever you want.

At only 80lbs and 28"Lx13"Dx15"H and that''s with the gas motor and 1 gallon tank. I couln''t find the specs on the electric but I''d assume that would be even smaller.

My only question for them is their max 4800psig rating. I''m just wondering if they could definately handle the new 80cf pressed steel tanks at 4500psi. Alot of shops supposedly can''t.

That''d be a plus, but either way, one''ll be on my boat when I head out.

trecksail · #2 09-22-2005

I did just get a reply from Max Air. They say their Max Air 35 can fill the new pressed steel tanks. Although a local dive shop told me they had a 4500 psi but their specs show 3442.

If your not familiar with the new pressed steel they are much smaller and lighter than standard aluminum 80''s. Here''s a quick idea from their site:

E7-80
Smallest & lightest 80 cf diving cylinder available
Six inches shorter than aluminum 80 cylinders
Lighter weight when full than most 80 cf tanks are when empty
Negatively buoyant when empty
Very comfortable to wear, easy to carry
Ideal for novice, recreational and rental use

Here''s their site:

http://www.pstscuba.com/products.htm

Another plus is that they are negatively boyant even when empty so you will not need as much weight on those damn weight belts (or pockets)

Also made in the USA.

EmeraldLady · #3 10-05-2005

What is the best all around electronics for Radar/GPS/Chart Plotter/Fish Finder.