12 volt dive snorkels

[xort]

Looking for experiences on 'Surface Dive' & 'Sea Breathe' 12 volt snorkels.
Do they provide good air flow at their ratings?
Do they hold up well?
All feedback on these type units appreciated.

Not looking for comments on merits of Hookahs vs scuba, thanks.

[Freesail99]

You may want to have a look here as they were talking about the same thing.
http://64.70.221.24/DiscBoard/viewtopic.php?t=953

[ianhlnd]

I have one made by Keene engineering located in So Cal. Originally designed for gold mining ( they dive rivers here in CA) Mine rides in a float and gives anywhere from 3 to 4 hours for one person depending on the depth and amount of exertion. I have it rigged for two divers which can be easily switched to one. One diver has 100' of hose, two: 50'.

The owner of the company says he's been down to 120', but that more than I want to go. It seems everything I want is generally above 30' so the 50' hose suits me. These are low pressure units so regulators are single stage, and a lot less expensive.

Complaints: not really, but it would be nice if the fittings were SS instead of brass. I will eventually change them out for salt water.

I found their link: http://www.keeneeng.com/Merchant2/me...egory_Code=ACS

I launch the tube, motor and compressor from the bow of the boat then use the tube to paddle to wherever I want to dive if it's close. I does fit in an inflatable.

I like the freedom in weight, and less equipment, less resistance under water etc. Plus, for a couple weeks diving, I don't have to have a compressor for the tanks or carry 50 tanks.

[xort]

Freesail
That SSCA post was started by me! There is some references to exactly my question but I'm fishing for more feedback.
Ian
The Keene you link to doesn't give many specs but the price sure is better.
Can you easily plug right into your boat for doing hull cleaning, etc?
Has your system been reliable? Seem well built?
When you run with 2 people in 20' of water does the system keep up with demand?
The website says something about the unit stays in the water for cooling. Seems like that would cause corrosion. I think I don't understand what they are describing.
You've got my interest...
Anybody else using this system by Keane?
Thanks

[TrueBlue]

I've seen hookah questions come up from so many boaters, both in forums and along the docks. The majority of these people consider this as a means of sidestepping Scuba certification - since a C-card is required to refill Scuba tanks. Others are just too cheap, or are certified, but are more interested in lightweight, less cumbersome gear.

You said you're not interested in Scuba comments, but I'll offer them anyway. You also didn't say if you've taken classes, or know of the risks of barotrauma with ANY underwater breathing apparatus.

If not, then I strongly advise you to take the classes, and at least get a basic OW certification. You may then consider the value of owning your own gear, instead of compromising. The costs are not that much more and you will not be restricted by a hose and all the negative issues associated with these systems.

Rant mode off.

[ianhlnd]

TRUEBLUE:

If not, then I strongly advise you to take the classes, and at least get a basic OW certification

Absolutely right. even at 30 feet you can get into a lot of trouble.

Yes, I do my own hull cleaning (in warmer weather), and the unit has already paid for itself.

Two people, unless they're heavy smokers are no problem up to heavy exertion- (same with tanks.)

The unit sits in a plastic housing that extends below the float. No water comes in contact with the compressor or the battery. All seams are sealed. It can be run on dry land, I've never done it except to inflate the float, but I've seen other people do it.

I like the the reserve tank feature. If something goes wrong with the compressor (you can barely hear it underwater) you have about 5 minutes to surface. In addition, as it floats, there's softening of the line tug from the unit to the harness on your back.

By the way, on the west coast of the US, all urchin (uni) divers and boat bottom cleaners use similar heavy duty systems down to well over 100 ft. Not this system but boat mounted compressor types.

[sailingdog]

I would highly recommend at least getting the basic OW certification, and learning what the risks of barotrauma...aka the bends...are. It can be life threatening...and can also be permanently debilitating.

I like the idea of a hookah-type unit for doing work on a boat, since it gives you a much longer time period to work and is much less expensive in the long run.

[xort]

True
I plan on taking the scuba class even tho many report that it's not need for 20' dives with hookah. More info is better than less.

On second look, the Keene isn't cheaper; they don't include hoses, regulators, harnesses, etc.

[ianhlnd]

XIRT:

Probably not the cheapest, the cheapest is a long straw.

Suggest you look at all the different models from all manufacturers, and see where and how they're used. My main reason for purchasing the Keene model is that many of the bottom cleaners in my area use this set-up, and they're only about an hour away. The service is personalized, and the owner of the company uses his own stuff.

I plunked down something like 1600 bucks for my set-up, and I'm happy as a (I don't know, fill in the blank). In all cases cavear emptor, or empty the cadivore someplace, or is it cariar is empty? Anyway, South Park season premiere is coming on, and I gotta go.

[camaraderie]

Ian...I'm happy as a (I don't know, fill in the blank).

...henna tatoo on a butt cheek?