Scuba Compressor Guy

[rcontrera]

Hi All!

I am a high pressure compressor distributor and have recently been building a LOT more special systems for yacht owners. Two of my customers suggested I come here to answer questions as they see a lot of guessing on the boards.

I am NOT here to SPAM, just to give honest advice on compressor systems ... especially scuba air systems.

If I step on anybody's toes ... sorry. I am going to be honest about EVERY brand ... not just the two I sell.

[downunder]

Great, welcome Ray.

I just asked this question on another thread.

Ray,

Can you get away with a 5kw (240 V) genset if you have a inverter/charger with boost (such as vitron Quattro up to 4kw boost) and soft start ? Once running no problem, just the start issue.

I have been looking at installing a Bauer jnr on a catamaran and was trying to keep my genset as small as possible. Brownies recomend the 7kw and I think they come with soft start but I am not sure if you or they have any experience with th boos available for starting if using an inverter charger with boost.

Marine Generator Test - Victron Energy

Cheers

[rcontrera]

While the soft start yachting systems (Brownie uses a Bauer Jr II and we use either the Bauer small ones or a Coltri MCH6) are easier on the gen set, I am afraid that they would still over power your system.

However, I am a compressor guy and you really need to get the final decision from a qualified electrician. Because of past electrical problems, our official company response is no way for any compressor with less than 7kw.

[downunder]

Thanks, Ray

Thats what Brownie's said. Need to sort it from the electrical side.

Cheers

[1paulg]

I have just put a Compressor on my Cat - is petrol 4 stroke 6 hp motor and whole thing is portable which is great as we have a locker that it fits in just fine- then you can pull it out and put in clean air/wind when you want to pump....
The compressor is identical to Bauer Junior..
Some purists would say -stay away from petrol - but I am comfortable as we need petrol supplies for the tender outboard anyway....and the petrol motor driven set ups are slightly quicker on the fill rates without having the hassles of gensets and inverter capacity issues...
Having just had a 3 week cruise where I dived a lot of days twice a day - have to say wish I had done this sooner...
That is my first thoughts - hope it helps
Good luck and diving
Paul

[downunder]

Originally Posted by 1paulg

I have just put a Compressor on my Cat - is petrol 4 stroke 6 hp motor and whole thing is portable which is great as we have a locker that it fits in just fine- then you can pull it out and put in clean air/wind when you want to pump....
The compressor is identical to Bauer Junior..
Some purists would say -stay away from petrol - but I am comfortable as we need petrol supplies for the tender outboard anyway....and the petrol motor driven set ups are slightly quicker on the fill rates without having the hassles of gensets and inverter capacity issues...
Having just had a 3 week cruise where I dived a lot of days twice a day - have to say wish I had done this sooner...
That is my first thoughts - hope it helps
Good luck and diving
Paul

Nice catamaran.

Petrol is always an option but if you have a genset might as well utilise it as efficently as possible.

[1paulg]

Originally Posted by downunder

Nice catamaran.

Petrol is always an option but if you have a genset might as well utilise it as efficently as possible.

Thanks..likewise

I do have a genset but for me I like the flexibility of being able to take it ashore on some remote beach and pump there as well ...everyones needs are different but I am a keen diver and 2 - 3 dives a day wont be unusual so the slightly quicker pump time of the petrol motor was another bonus...
A negative is the extra noise over an electric set up....
One will need to weigh up their own individual needs...

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here.
kind regards,