Air Tank

[Photolomy]

I have a functioning compressor and tank and I wanted to connect an air hose to it to use air for other things. I think all I need is a regulator, but where would install it? Where the pressure gauge is?

Here is a picture of it. On one end is a pressure gauge and on the other is what looks like a filter/trap and the connections to the compressor and line out to horn/wipers. Ironically, I think the PO installed electric wipers (for sure) and electric horn (fairly sure), so the air is not used for anything.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

If its not used then just pull that hose off and put your quick connect fitting right there. Or tee off right there. I'll take a pic of mine tomorrow so you can see how its set up.

 

[SEVEN]

When I get to the boat next Friday I’ll send you photos of what I did. Very clean.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Don't see the need for a regulator if you don't have a specific use in mind. If I want to, for example, inflate fenders, I'll just bleed the tank down to a low pressure. Otherwise, I carry 150 PSI. Here's my installation with a 30' 3/8" hose on a reel.

I keep an additional hose with QC's that'll get me anywhere on the boat. I have another new identical hose reel for sale, $150. Heavy duty.

 

[SEVEN]

Never mind Robert wins. Lol. Very clean my friend.

 

[MadHatter53]

My tank is fed by the motor so after running a bit it might be good for inflatables but most air tools would drain the tank quickly without the motor running. Having a separate 110V compressor would be better, I use battery powered tools. My horns are still air fed and my tank has a tiny hole so it’s up for replacement. What size tank do most folks here have?

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Thanks Rusty. Tank wise, I have a six gallon on the 110V compressor and a 12 gallon tank on the flybridge. No large air tools and don’t know how long horns will blow-45 seconds is all anyone could stand.

 

[SEVEN]

My tank is fed by the motor so after running a bit it might be good for inflatables but most air tools would drain the tank quickly without the motor running. Having a separate 110V compressor would be better, I use battery powered tools. My horns are still air fed and my tank has a tiny hole so it’s up for replacement. What size tank do most folks here have?

I saw this on Facebook and it looks like one hell of a patch. I don’t know anything about it but you might want to do a little research before you spend the money on replacing the entire tank.

 

[luckydave215]

I wouldn't repair a corroded tank. If it it has a leak it's corroded everywhere, and if it fails catastrophically it's a bomb.
When mine developed a pin hole leak I replace it with one commonly available from Grainger, it is identical to the original in every way and was very inexpensive.
Having it sand blasted and four step epoxy painted gloss white cost more than the tank.
And ditch the engine power compressor for a 110V model. It makes no sense to have a setup where you need air tools to work on the engine but you can only work on it if it's running....

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I wouldn't repair a corroded tank. If it it has a leak it's corroded everywhere, and if it fails catastrophically it's a bomb.
When mine developed a pin hole leak I replace it with one commonly available from Grainger, it is identical to the original in every way and was very inexpensive.
Having it sand blasted and four step epoxy painted gloss white cost more than the tank.
And ditch the engine power compressor for a 110V model. It makes no sense to have a setup where you need air tools to work on the engine but you can only work on it if it's running....

100% agree with the above statement.

 

[Photolomy]

Good points regarding the lack of usefulness of the tank when the engine isn't running. My plans were only to use rarely, to inflate fenders or what not. But it does make sense though to simply replace it with a 110v model.

 

[luckydave215]

Good points regarding the lack of usefulness of the tank when the engine isn't running. My plans were only to use rarely, to inflate fenders or what not. But it does make sense though to simply replace it with a 110v model.

No kidding. Fire up a 12V71ti to inflate a fender? Have I shown you guys the pictures of the pile driver I use to swat flies?
With a 110V compressor you always have shop air at hand, there's a million uses.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I find the most convenient fender inflator is the Ryobi inflator

 

[Briankinley2004]

To answer the original question, the regulator for the output usually goes right past the filter. You definitely want to be able to regulate the pressure going to the hose. Some tools are made to operate on lower pressures. Nail guns, paint sprayers, etc need to be regulated down or they can be damaged. Also they need to be regulated to perform properly. The pressure on a nail gun or stapler would need to be adjusted to maintain the proper depth of the faster in the materials being used.

 

[oscarvan]

I found a 120V compressor that fits through the door to the chain locker and sits on top of a spool of 3/4" line (emergency tow line) that lives there. I have an extra hawse pipe on deck to run the hose through. Plugs right into the outlet into the forward cabin.

 

[Photolomy]

I find the most convenient fender inflator is the Ryobi inflator

This is a good idea. How many fenders does the battery last?

 

[Captain Ralph]

Our ole Bert has the Air-Push wipers and air horns.
120Vac compressor on a 20ish gallon tank AND and buss air compressor on the port main engine.
We usually do not run the gen-sets while under way but still need air pressure for the horns and wiper/washers if needed.
So, if you have a compressor on your engine, keep it.
But that 120Vac option with it sounds good.
For fenders, those lil electric hand pump thingies can not be beat.

 

[Oldlaxer1]

I bought a little AC/DC compressor for the car and if I want to refill the onboard tank without starting the engine I just run the compressor off the AC and connect with a quick connect fitting fitted with a schrader valve.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

This is a good idea. How many fenders does the battery last?

I don't know. One battery would probably last all year. We usually deflate them whenever we move so they don't take up extra space and I have never run out of battery. But I always have another battery on the charger anyway since it run all of the tools on the boat.