Antares Integrated Dive System

Working with Brownie's Marine Group, a Ft. Lauderdale dive equipment manufacturer, Antares Yachts has devised an intelligent installation method for a complete dive system that not only gives you the ability to refill your own dive tanks, but also includes a Hookah System for diving off your boat without the use of scuba gear. (link on image to enlarge)

FILLING THE SCUBA TANKS

The compressor power required to fill average tanks to 5000 psi in a reasonable time frame (30 min. +/-) requires a substantial motor. While Honda 5.5 hp gas motors are commonly used for portable units, their weight and storage make them difficult to use. It would require you to haul the 90 lb. gas powered compressor out of a locker every time you wanted to use it, and how would you store a load of gasoline without breaking all ISO rules?

An electric powered compressor is more desirable, but the commonly used electric motors (2hp) draw a lot of current, especially on compressor startup loads. You would need at least an 8kw generator to get the compressor going.

Brownie's Marine Group powers their compressors with an electronically modulated electric motor. This technology allows the motor load to be limited to a reasonable current draw by controlling the motor torque throughout its working range. They also have configured an all-inclusive assembly specifically for a marine installation in smaller vessels. The compressor is wired into the Antares' electrical system and will run off the 6kw generator.

The Light Duty YachtPro™ compressor is designed to support groups of 2-4 divers for recreational use, filling up to four tanks simultaneously.

THIRD LUNG DIVING HOOKAH SYSTEM

As an alternative to scuba, the "Hookah System" supplies low pressure air through hoses connected to an onboard reservoir tank. The reservoir tank may be charged by a scuba tank filling compressor (5000 psi) or a low pressure compressor (12v DC or 115v AC) if scuba tank refilling is not required. Brownie's also makes a 12v powered hose reel with level-wind called an "E-Reel" to coil the long hoses.

OPTIONAL INSTALLATIONS

1. LOW PRESSURE HOOKAH COMPRESSOR AND E-REEL: Includes a low pressure compressor, 150-feet of hose, gear set for 2 divers including Drop Weight Cummerbelt, regulators, 20-foot hoses and Y connectors, thru hull fitting with hose guide, and a 12Volt E-Reel electric recoil hose reel. PRICE: $5,995 - Link to PDF of detailed installation diagram.

Below is the proposed installation with the following components:

1. VS-BOAT-AC Variable Speed (low pressure) Hookah compressor
2. an E-Reel with water tight hose exit in the lower transom step

2. TANK FILL COMPRESSOR AND TANK SUPPORT BRACKET: Includes the YP25DF-M tank fill compressor system with dual filter tower, a 4-way manifold mounted on King Starboard base located in port aft locker. 2 tank support brackets mounted in transom locker. PRICE: $19,995 - Link to PDF of detailed installation diagram.

Below is the proposed installation with the following components:

1. YP25DF-M compressor with an advanced dual tower filtration system and condensate collection bottle, mounted on the bridge deck
2. the electronic motor control box, just to port of the compressor
3. the Antares scuba tank rack option (can be provided port or starboard)

3. COMBINATION TANK FILL COMPRESSOR, RESERVE TANK, AND HOOKAH SYSTEM: Includes the YP25DF-M compressor system as above with an additional High Pressure storage and regulator for Low Pressure air source reserve tank that comes with specialized valve. 3 Low Pressure output ports. Also includes the E-Reel assembly, 150-feet of hose, thru hull fitting with hose guide, gear set for 2 divers including Drop Weight Cummerbelt, regulators, 20-foot hoses and Y connectors. 2 tank support brackets mounted in transom locker. PRICE: $25,500 - Link to PDF of detailed installation diagram.

Below is the proposed installation with the following components:

1. YP25DF-M compressor with an advanced dual tower filtration system and condensate collection bottle, mounted on the bridge deck
2. the electronic motor control box, just to port of the compressor
3. the smallest and lightest Hookah reservoir tank (40 cu. ft. alum.), mounted under the guest cabin berth
4. an E-Reel with water tight hose exit in the lower transom step
5. the Antares scuba tank rack option (can be provided port or starboard)