we dive from our vessel alot and carry acompressor ( bauer junior, small petrol engine and 20 mins to fill abottle).I have been in some supreme spots and had great dives whilst others wont dive because they cant fill the bottles, and wont have any air to use in an emergency ( prop/anchor fouled). if you want todive and have the money get a compressor, its worth the money because you can dive when you want not when you canget the bottels filled. it can be noisy, just like an engine or generator, so we move out of the anchorage or do it when others have their generator or engine on to charge batteries.
its a choice of where to spend your money!! we cary 4 sets of gear with us, including bottles, so have spares to lend and use.
coultri sub do compressors from 2.5 cfm with electric, petrol or maine engine drive options. cheaper than the bauer, which has same options. Having owned both i recomend the bauer for quality, service and repairability.
