Expert: Mike Giles - 5/4/2009

Question
Dear Mike, I am the Skipper of a 45 feet sailing yacht. I have scuba equipment for underwater emergency repairs, but I want a smaller, more compact air tank, that will give me 15-20 minutes of work at 6' depth, normally for removing ropes caught in the propeller - but will occupy minimal space on board. Which tank size would you recommend, and where can I get one around Miami, and at what price?
Best regards,
Daniel

Answer
Hi Daniel,

There are lots of skippers who keep small scuba cylinders onboard for just such an occasion.  They are readily available through almost any scuba shop and there should be lots of such shops in the Miami area.  If the shop doesn't have what you need, they can easily order it for you.  If they give you a hard time...pick another shop!!  If you need to order one, delivery should be about a week and the price should be around $165 with a valve installed.  The price may vary but that's what I sell them for in my shop.

An aluminum tank with a volume of around 30 cubic feet at a working pressure of 3000 psi should accomplish what you need.  This is scuba tank lingo for a standard scuba tank of about 30 cubic feet.  Depending on the manufacturer, it may be 27 or 29 cubic feet but any of those will work well.  This tank is about 24 inches tall and about 5 inches in diameter and will only weigh about 10 pounds.  There are smaller tanks available but I don't think they'll hold enough air to allow you to complete the jobs you're talking about.

Daniel, I hope this provides the info you need to select a tank small enough to stow on your yacht and still provide the air you need for your projects.

Sincerely,

Mike Giles
Mike's Dive Center
mikescuba.com