Need some advise on a hooka

[kieser sousa/rip]

Hi all,I'm going to buy a hooka dive system to detect some of the local rivers and lakes here in upstate NY. I was wondering if anyone could give me any sugestions on what brand etc. would be a good choice.I'm thinking of getting the Model 110E260 or the 12V160-3 by Airline.Anyone ever use one of these models ? Thanks !

[bikerlawyer]

I've got the 12 volt and it works good but I've only used it a few times and only in 20' or so of water. Drains the battery pretty quick, I take an extra one along and have it charging while underway so I don't have to worry about the boat not starting.

[kieser sousa/rip]

For one, I would never dive with a 12 volt unit. I know, they're cheaper, but my life is worth more than that. I have some experience though. I used to own a Bazooka dredge that had a compressor on it. Worked great. I sold the dredge because I wasn't using it and now I'm going to build my own hookah just like the one on my dredge. I'm using a direct drive horizontal shaft 5hp Briggs & Stratton bolted to a T80 compressor. Be sure to include a reserve tank. I'm using (2) 50 foot air lines on mine because that's what the Bazooka had and it worked great. Most of my diving is in rivers less than 20 feet. If you want to build your own, here are the parts.If you don't want to build your own, there are several good units out there for over two grand.


http://www.akmining.com/cart/hookah_air_compressors.htm

Hi CF,Thanks for the reply.Two grand is kinda steep for me.The two models I posted are around $1000.I think I'll stick to one of these rather than try and build one myself,I also would rather live to dive another day.

I've got the 12 volt and it works good but I've only used it a few times and only in 20' or so of water. Drains the battery pretty quick, I take an extra one along and have it charging while underway so I don't have to worry about the boat not starting.

Hi Biker lawer,Thanks for the reply.What type battery are you using ?

[bikerlawyer]

It was just an older marine tyoe battery from my motorhome that I had replaced so that may be the reason it drew down so fast. Still lasted about 45 minutes.

I read somewhere they recommend an Optima battery but they are a little pricey.

I used it in the Bahamas a few weeks ago on a rental boat, we just left it idling and it wasn't a problem, I just don't like the idea of breathing exhaust fumes!

[kieser sousa/rip]

Hi BL,Yeah I think I've decided to get the 12 volt model.I cheaked Ebay for batterys and see that there pretty expencive.But I figger with all the treasure I'll be pullin out of the water it should still pay for itself in no time. Thanks for the replys.

[dazoff]

I use the PowerSnorkel by powerdive and have Odyssey batteries AGM 68 amp hour good for 2.5 hours down time. But its pricy 2000.00 for the unit and 300.00 for battery. Have a second battery and smart charger that will bring the battery back in 2 hours. Dan

[wreckdiver1715]

I just hook the hookah air line to a scuba tank! No battery life to worry about and no generator running top side to keep the battery charged. No gas powered compressor to worry about running out of fuel, and no exhaust fumes to worry about. Plus it's allot less expensive system to set up (less than $500.00). On the down side, you need to have a c card to get your tanks filled or rent tanks from a scuba shop, and you have to haul them down to the boat.
I can get about 45 - 60 minutes total bottom time on each tank of air. It starts to become difficult to inhale when I get down to about 500psi (my que to head to the surface), and this leaves me plenty of air to grab my tools, and head leisurely to the surface.

Tom

[Urban Prospector]

Questions; Are the air lines of a special material or the same as what are used for tools and such? Is the compressor of the oilless variety with nylon piston rings? Do the SCUBA laws apply to free diving tethered to a hose. I don't know squat about hookahs except that they would be great around the docks and ramps here at local lakes. Also there are submerged streambeds and benches I'd like to get a closer look at.30 ft would be about max depth and scuba is forbidden in many lakes and bays here.

[dazoff]

Keep in mind that at 30 feet using weights to keep you down you would likely need a BCD. Dan

[XT18000]

For your own safety DO NOT USE regulator air hose of any kind it kink's to eazy and the inside layer
can turn loose and plug the line. If you ever use a system powered by a gas engine cut the wire going
to the auto-shutdown for low oil if it is equiped with one. ANY kind of weight belt must have a quick release on it
and is always to be the last thing you put on befor going underwater. You can use any kind of hooka
system down to 30 ft.
Air hose for this kind of use is kink free and oil proof +++ USE IT
Auto-shutdown due to low oil is a bad thing to have on any motor that is pumping air to a diver; they
fail for no reason even when brand new let alone old on used equipment. How do I know?

Five (5) year's of dredging in northern Calif. in the Kalmath River; 3in. 5in. 8in. dredges almost every day
June 1st. to Sept. 30th. I know how to use Hooka and stay alive and out of trouble. If I can be of any
more help send me a e-mail and I will due my best.

[cosmic]

Don't use any hose not designed for breathing air.. The air tool type contain nasty chemical that will make you sick!!! It is, after all, your lifeline so don't be cheap...