In general, many cruisers prefer the freedom of snorkeling to scuba diving, yet there are situations when extending the time you can spend underwater becomes a safety issue.
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Check out SKORKL. Fill it yourself with the included pump.
Surprised you missed that one
Have you used the SKORKL? I’m curious, but a little skeptical about it. I’m not a fan of their marketing. They make it look too casual, like using a snorkel, but if you aren’t familiar with breathing compressed air it can be very dangerous.
This was reviewed in some magazine recently and was generally thought to be somewhere between a rip-off and a hoax! You would need to pump for about an hour full out to get the pressure up enough for about 5 min. Of air. If you fill with compressor, it is about same as spare air, but less reliable quality, and more expensive, and still need scuba training.
I’ve got the Scorkl kit (actually 2 tanks) and used it. It is fantastic. You are right, it takes a while to pump to the higher pressures but not impossible and it gives 100% independence. Thoroughly recommend.
SpareAir as well as Mantus’setup look pretty interesting…think we are gonna check them both out! Ecsepcially since we have Copper cost now and only need to go down for 20 minutes instead of 2.5 hours!
I just purchased the Mantus backpack and tank. I have a lot of extra scuba gear laying around since I have upgraded my gear a couple of times. I plan to keep this on the boat for emergency use. I almost always have full scuba gear aboard, but the Mantus setup should be much quicker and easier to get into.
For those with a Scuba card who dive without frequent access to a dive shop, I’d like to find a 12vdc, 24vdc, or 110vac compact dive tank compressor that could fill said tank over time. Is there a reasonably affordable such unit anywhere?
I’m a former Scuba instructor and find as a sailor the Mantus is the way to go. Just right for small boat tasks – not enough for diving, but that’s not it’s purpose. Also have a Spare Air, but it was designed only as an emergency backup and not much else. The Mantus is compact and a practical accessory. Great to have aboard.
I dive in cold northern coast waters. We need warm wet or dry suits. Discussed with a dive buddy and we wondered if this might be a challenge, even with the extra air of the Mantus.
Also, what fitting is on the Mantus and reg.