scuba compressor - what are my options?

[Sterling]

ideally i'd like something belt-driven and with enough gusto to fill a pair of 80's in around 40 minutes (160 cubes total). this would be fitted on a J/42 which features a pretty tight engine compartment. any additional plumbing (filters, etc) would have to be routed outside the compartment (and i'm open to suggestions).

thanks

[emeraldsea]

I have a baur junior 4.3cfm, 20min/tank aprox. and it is great and very reliable. My'n is gas powered and I have a custom portable aluminum box to keep it in, running it on deck when needed. Its splash lubricated so not designed to operate at an angle, the next modle up is I believe. The compressor itself is small, but I think it will not work l in a small engine room, even if you could make it fit, cooling would be the problem. If you had a spacious well vented lazaret that could work with an electric motor running off your gen. other wise hydrolics off your engine. Not a simple deal with confined spaces. Best of luck, keep us posted.

[shawnbush12]

I have the baur electric version and use it to fill two tanks at the same time. Works fine. Added some controls to it to automatically dump the condensation and turn off when the tanks are full.

[Evan]

All the compressor manufacturer's suggest you NOT mount these in an engine compartment. You will also have trouble finding one that is NOT mated to a gas engine or an electric motor. Look at the size of cooling fan on a small bauer; it's got to be at least 12" diameter. You would need a duct of least that size directed right to the compressor to have a hope of it not overheating.

I see a plywood box on deck and a gas powered model in your future.

[Erikte]

Have a look at this thread boat page one and two...

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...oard-31-2.html

Concerning, both type of drive cooling and so one...

Erik