Hookah Diving System for hull cleaning

seadaddler · Sep 9, 2013

Tank

I have 40' hose with regulator and scuba tank on the deck and I use it for zincs and cleaning hull, much cheaper than hookah.
nick

Charlie Jones s/v Tehani · Sep 9, 2013

I've done it two ways.

Had a Brownie's Third Lung, which had a gasoline powered compressor, worked to 35 feet, and would give you about three hours underwater time.. Used that when I was doing salvage diving work,, some 30 years ago. Tank and a half of gass was all the underwater time I wanted in one day!!

Lately,I've worked under using an electric compressor and one of my Hookah regulators, hose and surge tanks. That works very well, as long as the boat is close to an electric outlet-grin

If you DO use one of the electric compressors, make CERTAIN it has an oil less compressor. Oil forced into lungs under pressure can result in a very nasty form of pneumonia. Also,, as long as you go no deeper than one atmosphere (33 feet) you should not have to worry about decompressions, in the times your body will stand being in the water-Grin

Stu Jackson · Sep 9, 2013

As you might imagine, this is a recurring subject.

You could do a search on this forum on "hookah" and do the same at www.cruisersforum.com.

You'd be reading for years.

Good luck.

Delezynski · Sep 9, 2013

Bigeasy,

I have one like the photo below. Bought it in 03 (different brand name) and have been using it ever since. We went with electric as we cruised way out places with no scuba compresser close and it's a bummer to carry empty tanks around. Epically on a 27 foot boat!

Ours does one diver to 60 ft or 2 to 30. We also carried an extra 30 Ah AGM battery to use it out of our dink.

I am VERY happy with it. It stores nice and takes up less space (for 2 divers) than one set of scuba gear.

Stu Jackson · Sep 9, 2013

BigEasy,

Did you use the search TAB at the top? It's between "Boat Info" and "Login".

I just did it and found 16 posts.

Stu Jackson · Sep 9, 2013

Glad to help, happy you found it.

capta · Sep 10, 2013

We use a "Deck Snorkel" from BC. It has been great and it works on 12 volts DC so with a sunny day and the solar panels, it's not eating the batteries at all. My only suggestion would be to get a 2 person set up for a few hundred $ more. I got a single because I never thought I'd have a cruising companion and now I regret it, especially for recreation.

gettinthere · Sep 10, 2013

Many of the pro's use the Thomas 1020 oiless compressor. It is 110v. Will put out plenty of air for your purposes.

I found one on e bay. I then bought an "add a diver kit" on e bay. This is 60' of hose, the mouthpiece set to handle the low pressure of a compressor, a clip to attach to a belt. All this works just fine at much less expense.

You will need a 110v power source. I have a honda 2000i aboard and make sure I keep the compressor well away up wind from the genset exhaust.

fstbttms · Sep 10, 2013

BigEasy said:
Has anyone used a Hookah diving apparatus or similar brand for cleaning the bottom of your hull, changing zincs, etc?

Yes. Every day for 19 years. The generalities have already been discussed here but I can certainly answer any specific questions you might have have about any surface supplied air setup.

sailaway78 · Sep 10, 2013

I use

I use a small, inexpensive oil less compressor from Harbor Freight. Has a three gallon tank. It works fine for cleaning the hull, but don't plan on doing an actual diving with it. I wouldn't even think about going more than 10 feet with this rig, but for it's purpose it does the job. And before you tell me I don't know what I'm doing, I am 75 yo and have been certified for over 50 years.