Budget cruising grounds: Sea of Cortez vs Florida/Bahamas?

[softdown]

Originally Posted by Flyingriki

What is a high end hooka and how deep are they suited to? I'm guessing one atmosphere?
I too want to dive a bit where I end up but don't figure on an onboard compressor. I may be wrong......!

Hooka are far less expensive than scuba compressors. I forget their depth limitation though. I know they go to at least 30' and that works for a large percentage of dives.

The dive compressor allows more people to do more diving. Also allows diving in remote locations where there are no dive shops to fill tanks.

SVDelos says their dive compressor has paid for itself 4-5 times over....in 10 years. They do a lot of remote diving with groups of four I think. They always leave one in the dingy to watch.

[SV THIRD DAY]

We cruised with a MaxAir 35 Dive compressor and used it weekly...loved it, but we also had two kids and spent more time in the water than most people's anchor.

[tomfl]

Originally Posted by Flyingriki

What is a high end hooka and how deep are they suited to? I'm guessing one atmosphere?
I too want to dive a bit where I end up but don't figure on an onboard compressor. I may be wrong......!

Well my definition of a "fairly high end hookah" would be something with say a 5hp Honda driving a decent oilless compressor with a couple of reserve tanks (which when filled to pressure have a switch to idle the Honda) both connected to metal heat sinks and first stage compressors, 100 ft of hose, second stage compressors and harness so the mouthpiece stays in your mouth. Not saying this is the best one, in fact there are probably better ones out now; but I use a HookaMax and have for over 5 years. It is suppose to be good to 66 ft but I doubt I have been below 30 feet with mine. I do think it is important to have either a setup so two can dive off of it or two units since diving alone is not usually a good idea.

While I like the idea of an onboard compressor I don't like the idea of maintaining one and the cost is higher than I first expected. For the Keys and the Bahamas I seldom am in places where it is deeper than 20-30 feet; often less than that.

[softdown]

Originally Posted by SV THIRD DAY

We cruised with a MaxAir 35 Dive compressor and used it weekly...loved it, but we also had two kids and spent more time in the water than most people's anchor.

Good to hear. Did you use electric or gas? Max-Air 35 Scuba Tank Compressors

[SV THIRD DAY]

Originally Posted by softdown

Good to hear. Did you use electric or gas? Max-Air 35 Scuba Tank Compressors

We used the Gas unit.
It wasn't quite by any means, but we did fills in the afternoon and announced over the radio to the anchorage that if the noise offended anyone to bring their tanks over and I will fill them for free...ha ha ha...that seems to lead to a happy anchorage....

[model 10]

Originally Posted by SV THIRD DAY

free...ha ha ha...that seems to lead to a happy anchorage....

No it does not, nothing makes up for the noise. Didn't they have human powered pumps back in the day?

[SV THIRD DAY]

Originally Posted by Guy

No it does not, nothing makes up for the noise. Didn't they have human powered pumps back in the day?

To the contrary it drives certain people away and then the entire anchorage is happier....Mission Accomplished!

[model 10]

Originally Posted by SV THIRD DAY

To the contrary it drives certain people away and then the entire anchorage is happier....Mission Accomplished!

You people just can't get away from the clutter. Stay home.

[downunder]

Originally Posted by Guy

You people just can't get away from the clutter. Stay home.

OMG

Living on the water and not diving.

[SV THIRD DAY]

Originally Posted by Guy

You people just can't get away from the clutter. Stay home.

Espresso Machine also....might as well poop in a Bucket!

[model 10]

Originally Posted by SV THIRD DAY

...might as well poop in a Bucket!

Power to the bucket! Holding tanks? Women and other pretty people make you weak. You should be able to do your business without worry.

[softdown]

What in the world is happening to this thread that I resurrected?