Why do most Caribbean shops use AL80s?

[scubadiver888]

I've been learning a lot about cylinders (thanks everyone) and I'm wondering why all the Caribbean shops I've been to use AL80s.

I suspect they are cheap and the dive shops like to keep the dives short.

Am I right?

[CompuDude]

Yes. They also don't need a lot of care... they won't rust if you leave them half-covered in salt water most of their lives.

[ektess1]

Originally Posted by scubadiver888

I've been learning a lot about cylinders (thanks everyone) and I'm wondering why all the Caribbean shops I've been to use AL80s.

I suspect they are cheap and the dive shops like to keep the dives short.

Am I right?

Bingo. Exactly right. More dives more money. Not enough time to see everything; see you next year.

[Rainer]

In WW, I can get pretty long dives off an AL80. Capacity is not really an issue.

The AL80 is cheap and needs little care. I suspect those two reasons alone account for most of their popularity.

[acamato]

If water does get inside the tank, an AL80 will fare a lot better thank a steel tank. The AL80 will probably just have some surface oxidation.

[baywatch106]

cost $$$

[mike_s]

Larger tanks (than AL80) mean the boat is gone longer and you have to pay employees more. (more $$$)

larger tanks take longer to fill, or require a heavier output compressor system. (more $$$)

Larger tanks or steel tanks cost more to purchase, and more duty/tax to import into their country. (more $$$)

Steel tanks require more care and maintenance, rust prevention issues, etc.... (more $$$)

more $$$ in costs = less profits for shops.

[awap]

I don't find the capacity of an Al80 to be a significant limiting factor in enjoyable dive times. Many of our Caribbean dives will last about an hour which is plenty long for my wife even in her 5mm suit. Better ops also offer Al63s for the sippers and Al100 for those who need a bit more gas (at an extra charge). The biggest factor in dive durations seems to be how the profile is managed when multi-level diving is afforded by the reef conditions.

[gNats]

I don't see capacity as being a factor, myself.

I was in Bonaire in January and all the dive boats had a rule: 55 minutes / 500lbs., which ever comes first. I was ending my dive at 55 minutes with over 1200 lbs in my tank.

Also, I really couldn't increase my time uw any longer. I was off the dive table charts by dive 3 each day. I had such long dives, my computer was threatening to go into deco if I maintained too great a depth or increased my bottom times.

I agree air hogs would have less time during their dive, but I don't see the charters as trying to maximize profits or move people back and forth quickly. As long as you have diver like me, taking all of the 55 minutes, the people who hit the 500 lb mark at 30 minutes are sitting on the boat. The dive ops have to wait for me afterall.

I think the tank issue has to do with cost and standardization. Also, maintenance, i.e. the rust.

I believe the AL80 is standard for all dive charters, nationwide. I don't know for certain, but I wonder if non-Caribe charters offer tanks that are different from the AL80?

[3rdEye]

Originally Posted by gNats

I
Also, I really couldn't increase my time uw any longer. I was off the dive table charts by dive 3 each day. I had such long dives, my computer was threatening to go into deco if I maintained too great a depth or increased my bottom times.

are you diving nitrox?