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fstbttms · 04-04-2022, 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russian007

What brand is he using?

A Puma 12-volt hotdog compressor. Around $300-$350 all over the internet.

henrythorpe · 08-04-2022, 06:40

I have a like-new Hookamax for sale... $400

Pspowers · 08-04-2022, 06:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roniszoro

Can anyone recommend a hookah system that I can use when diving on my hull that is safe and reliable and doesn't cost a fortune? Does such a system exist? Thank you in advance for your input.

Ron

I use a 50’ regulator & hose connected to a tank I throw in the dingy. Sometimes I just secure the tank to the back of the boat. Tank lasts a long time given the shallow depths.

Celestialsailor · 08-04-2022, 07:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pspowers

I use a 50’ regulator & hose connected to a tank I throw in the dingy. Sometimes I just secure the tank to the back of the boat. Tank lasts a long time given the shallow depths.

First, welcome to the forum. I think for the DIY person, your set-up is the way to go. If you have a hobby as a diver then the expense is minimal.

fstbttms · 08-04-2022, 07:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

First, welcome to the forum. I think for the DIY person, your set-up is the way to go. If you have a hobby as a diver then the expense is minimal.

As with most things boating- everything is a compromise. Tanks are heavy, take up a LOT of space and require regular fills, hydros and visual inspections. A 12-volt hookah is none of those things. And DIY'd with quality components, they are every bit as safe and reliable as anything you can buy from the best retailers, despite your protestations to the contrary. Yes, a setup based on a scuba tank (actually not a hookah at all but rather a "snuba") is simple. But that doesn't make it the best answer for everybody.

Seadaddler · 08-04-2022, 07:39

I use a dive tank with 40’ hose and regulator from dive shop also the dive shop is the only thing got new and tank and regulator are used

Celestialsailor · 08-04-2022, 08:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roniszoro

Can anyone recommend a hookah system that I can use when diving on my hull that is safe and reliable and doesn't cost a fortune? Does such a system exist? Thank you in advance for your input.

Ron

Quote:

Originally Posted by fstbttms

As with most things boating- everything is a compromise. Tanks are heavy, take up a LOT of space and require regular fills, hydros and visual inspections. A 12-volt hookah is none of those things. And DIY'd with quality components, they are every bit as safe and reliable as anything you can buy from the best retailers, despite your protestations to the contrary. Yes, a setup based on a scuba tank (actually not a hookah at all but rather a "snuba") is simple. But that doesn't make it the best answer for everybody.

I think the original post was more of a "dive on my hull occasionally". I responded to Ppowers post who shared his method. If a person is diving on their hull every few months, there is not going to be a big inconvenience of setting up a tank. As the OP stated...he was also looking for something cheap. As you mentioned yourself earlier in the thread, cheap compressors are not the way to go.

fstbttms · 08-04-2022, 08:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

As the OP stated...he was also looking for something cheap.

He didn't say cheap. He asked for something that doesn't "cost a fortune." What's expensive to you isn't necessarily expensive to him. And nowhere does he mention that he's a certified scuba diver, another requirement needed to fill tanks.

CyKlop · 08-04-2022, 08:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by fstbttms

Breathing air hose should be designed for that purpose (and yours is not.) There is a mil-spec for breathing air hose for a reason. God only knows what you're getting breathing through pneumatic tool hose.

And then there's the issue of what sort of aerosols and gasses the compressor is adding to the breathing mix - things that are irritating at sea level and toxic at pressure (though, admittedly, you'll not be going very deep on this system). Do you know what lubricants to use when maintaining it? How about relative position of this (or any other) exhaust relative to the air intake?

How about training to avoid barotrauma if the compressor stops feeding you air?

etc. etc. etc.

Basically pointing out that there are devils in the details, some of which are deadly. It's not as simple as "buy some unknown compressor, make an adapter, and hook it up to a regulator."

Celestialsailor · 08-04-2022, 08:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by fstbttms

He didn't say cheap. He asked for something that doesn't "cost a fortune." What's expensive to you isn't necessarily expensive to him. And nowhere does he mention that he's a certified scuba diver, another requirement needed to fill tanks.

Geeeez Matt...Do you have to turn everything into I'm right and everyone else is wrong? You have an opinion, I have an opinion. This is just a forum for people to share and learn from.

Celestialsailor · 08-04-2022, 08:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyKlop

And then there's the issue of what sort of aerosols and gasses the compressor is adding to the breathing mix - things that are irritating at sea level and toxic at pressure (though, admittedly, you'll not be going very deep on this system). Do you know what lubricants to use when maintaining it? How about relative position of this (or any other) exhaust relative to the air intake?

How about training to avoid barotrauma if the compressor stops feeding you air?

etc. etc. etc.

Basically pointing out that there are devils in the details, some of which are deadly. It's not as simple as "buy some unknown compressor, make an adapter, and hook it up to a regulator."

Rumrace · 08-04-2022, 08:43

Ive been a NAUI Scuba instructor for years. While most my dives have been compressed dead dry air. I’ve breathed mixed gases heliox and Nitrox.
There are a number of things a good scuba tank compressor or deck compressor do.
Some of my students would show up with Costco masks and I refuse them entry with it. It’s a facade and really dangerous
I suggest a pony bottle a proper regulator. Asafety line with a trained partner or buddy a meter away. Aluminum pony bottles are cheap and you can sling on a BCD

fstbttms · 08-04-2022, 08:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Geeeez Matt...Do you have to turn everything into I'm right and everyone else is wrong? You have an opinion, I have an opinion. This is just a forum for people to share and learn from.

Yes, but you're arguing that DIY hookahs are inherently dangerous. That simply isn't the case and that needs to be stated. Further, you also assumed that you know the OP's mind as regards what he wants to use and what he wants to spend. I'm sorry if my countering your points upsets you.

Celestialsailor · 08-04-2022, 08:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by fstbttms

Yes, but you're arguing that DIY hookahs are inherently dangerous. That simply isn't the case and that needs to be stated. Further, you also assumed that you know the OP's mind as regards what he wants to use and what he wants to spend. I'm sorry if my countering your points upsets you.

Not sure where you were reading into anything I said that DIY hookahs were dangerous. You stated..."These guys opted to buy the cheapest Chinese-built POS compressors they could lay their hands on". And I would agree that. A person should buy quality parts if they are going the DIY route.
I was merely supporting the opinion of Ppowers post that he uses a scuba tank and 50ft. air line.