Looking at the 12V Powerdive Deck Snorkel for $1780. I know there has been other posts a few years back about appropriate diaphram based compressors you can buy to create a diy unit but has anyone built one lately.
Wondering what other options are out there.
Hi I bought an inexpensive small compressor from hare and forbes for the frame, tank etc and replaced the actual compressor with a 12 volt one purchased from flea bay. Just make sure that the 12 volt comp is an oilless model of around 3 cfm with a 100% duty cycle. There are some good ones there, not the cheapest but very serviceable.
Cheers.
Select to expand quotekeensailor said..
Looking at the 12V Powerdive Deck Snorkel for $1780. I know there has been other posts a few years back about appropriate diaphram based compressors you can buy to create a diy unit but has anyone built one lately.
Wondering what other options are out there.
I have had mine for awhile. I use the same Thomas pump as the Powerdive unit and I bought a Powerdive regulator. Probably cost me about $450 all up.
I picked up second hand twin regulator Power Dive that had only been used twice. The previous owner could not come to grips with breathing under water, so stuck it in his shed for a couple of years until I mentioned it to him at the club that I was thinking of buying one. Told me he had one and I could have it for a $1,000.00, A bargain for the double unit. Still trying to convince the wife to use the second head and help wash the bottom of the boat.
I have a power dive, I was only just using it a few days ago and it works so well. After I bought it I noticed there was a company in QLD putting a unit together for about 1/2 the cost of the power dive.
Select to expand quoteJolene said..
I have a power dive, I was only just using it a few days ago and it works so well. After I bought it I noticed there was a company in QLD putting a unit together for about 1/2 the cost of the power dive.
Do you happen to know the name of the Queensland company selling a similar unit
sorry I don't,,, but I saw their product advertised on gumtree, it would be worth researching though.
Select to expand quotekeensailor said..Jolene said..
I have a power dive, I was only just using it a few days ago and it works so well. After I bought it I noticed there was a company in QLD putting a unit together for about 1/2 the cost of the power dive.
Do you happen to know the name of the Queensland company selling a similar unit
They are the ones that Advertise in the "Afloat " magazine I think.
This is mine if anyone is interested. The pump is bolted to a SS frame which is 1.5 inch tube which acts as a storage chamber and gives some reserve. I have a floating cylinder now as well for added capacity. Hose is the critical component and its Australian made hookah hose and one of the more expensive parts of the unit at about $100. The black hose is an extra flexible hose and is a bit of a luxury. If you have the yellow hose straight to the reg it tends to pull out of you mouth. The battery is a 26AH unit and is ample. Small piece of pantyhose over the intake to stop insects.
I have done a lot of scuba diving.
How do you ensure that theiris not moisture in the air?
I have breathed in water not pleasant outcome and I onlygot a minor infection.
Safer and I think easier alternative used a long hooker line connectedto a scuba cylinder you will get at least 2-3 cleans from a tank.
$10-$15 a fill.
I use an inline oil/water filter. I have the components to make up a hookah unit with a Powerdive regulator as per Ramona's setup. I made up a unit for myself and another for a mate. pm me if interested in the third one.
I only use to clean the bottom, can get to keel depth (2.8m) ok. Had to retrieve a Batcar dropped overboard in 5-6 metres other day and whilst I did that I certainly wouldn't do that for recreation.
Select to expand quotekeensailor said..
good question, how is moisture removed from the hookah hose and reservoir
I have never noticed any moisture. Low pressure hookahs are unlikely to have moisture, mine is about 20psi. It's only when you compress air you get moisture.
Select to expand quotefrant said..
I use an inline oil/water filter. I have the components to make up a hookah unit with a Powerdive regulator as per Ramona's setup. I made up a unit for myself and another for a mate. pm me if interested in the third one.
Ramona said..
I only use to clean the bottom, can get to keel depth (2.8m) ok. Had to retrieve a Batcar dropped overboard in 5-6 metres other day and whilst I did that I certainly wouldn't do that for recreation.
Correct Ramona, re moisture, what is the model number of the Thomas pump you are using?
The thing you all must remember is that the regulator is a "Downstream" type and NOT a tilt valve.
I have an ARB compressor that should be up for the job (I will have to double check). How would I use this for a hookah compressor? Should it go into a tank than the hose from that. It does have a small reservoir but I think it would be pretty much running continuously if it was used for this purpose.
Here's another example, namely, a 12V DC system (I purchased in the US):
airlinebyjsink.com/collections/diving-application/12v160-3
Mind you, it doesn't look that dissimilar to Ramona's setup.
BTW, the key thing with any compressor for breathing purposes is that it is oil free, since you don't want to breathe in noxious oil fumes!
Here's a full write-up of my system:
blog.arribasail.com/2014/10/tech-hookah-surface-supplied-air-diving.html
I think i'm more comfortable with my dive cylinder. knowing i have clean air and if i have to go deeper its all good. I have used hookers before but nothing compares to a cylinder. If all you want to do is clean your hull leave the cylinder on board and get a 10 mtr hose its easy and safe no risk and refills are cheep, just remember there is a difference when having a reg on your back to having it on the surface. What you pay for a hooker you can do a dive course and it opens a new world and the crays are a bonus :)
+10 Darmah
As a qualified diver equipped for diving l seldom think of hookahs.
The quality of the air from the hookah is seldom comparable with a diving tank and for $5 a refill the price difference of the hookah unit is going to fill my tank for a long long time.
To set up a new tank - new hose - second hand regulator cost me less than $400 and to be able to inspect my mooring tackle is priceless.
Going diving is just a bonus.
Select to expand quotesirgallivant said..
+10 Darmah
As a qualified diver equipped for diving l seldom think of hookahs.
The quality of the air from the hookah is seldom comparable with a diving tank and for $5 a refill the price difference of the hookah unit is going to fill my tank for a long long time.
To set up a new tank - new hose - second hand regulator cost me less than $400 and to be able to inspect my mooring tackle is priceless.
Going diving is just a bonus.
I scuba dive too but the convenience of a battery-powered Hookah that is always ready to go (with no need to refill tanks) is hard to beat!
As for the air quality of a Hookah, providing the compressor is oil-free, it's exactly the same air you'd be breathing on board your boat 
Select to expand quotedarmah said..
I think i'm more comfortable with my dive cylinder. knowing i have clean air and if i have to go deeper its all good. I have used hookers before but nothing compares to a cylinder. If all you want to do is clean your hull leave the cylinder on board and get a 10 mtr hose its easy and safe no risk and refills are cheep, just remember there is a difference when having a reg on your back to having it on the surface. What you pay for a hooker you can do a dive course and it opens a new world and the crays are a bonus :)
I would suggest checking the regulations in your state before chasing crayfish. Some states it's illegal to use scuba to spearfish or chase crays. National parks have their rules too. Abalone diving is another one that needs care. Easy to have your boat confiscated in NSW.
Few years ago I was having a chat with this old bloke who was one of the pioneers of hookahs for abalone diving in the 1950's. I was talking to him mainly about his yacht that had come off the new courtesy moorings in Jervis Bay and ended up on the rocks. He took the National Parks people to court and won. His yacht was in town for repairs.
The hookahs they used then were compressors made from motorbike engines. The engines were pulled down and cleaned and rebuilt and lubricated with peanut oil. Naturally there was a lot of blow by so they breathed peanut oil mist all day. Now he hates peanuts!
Select to expand quotekeensailor said..
what should we use for a reservoir tank?
I'm using 150mm high pressure pvc pipe about 70cm long with end caps. Glue the end caps on with epoxy. Do not use that blue coloured pvc glue!
Select to expand quoteToph said..
I have an ARB compressor that should be up for the job (I will have to double check). How would I use this for a hookah compressor? Should it go into a tank than the hose from that. It does have a small reservoir but I think it would be pretty much running continuously if it was used for this purpose.
Hi did the arb compressor workout?
Select to expand quotemottle33 said..Toph said..
I have an ARB compressor that should be up for the job (I will have to double check). How would I use this for a hookah compressor? Should it go into a tank than the hose from that. It does have a small reservoir but I think it would be pretty much running continuously if it was used for this purpose.
Hi did the arb compressor workout?
I haven't tried yet mottle33. It is going to be a mongrel to rip from the car and I have just been too busy. I did make a few inquiries and all indications say it should work. I will aim to give it a go in a a fortnight or so and will let you know. Are you hoping to use a particular model??
Hi
I am using an older arb compressor, which they tell me is oil free. It is the RDKA?? model. I bought a reg, flexible hose and harness from powerdive for $280 (ouch) and will get the rest of it soon, I will try it out and report back.
Hope it works well!
Ramona suggestion for a inline tank made of pvc sounds like a good plan as well.
