Cost of Boris ownership ??

Johnny Christensen · 23rd May 2007, 08:17

Can anybody give a indication of what kind of cost to expect when buying a Boris for long term use.

I'm not after the price on the unit itself, but the little things you have to expect along the way. Like service at the factory, how often does it have to be done and what kind of pricetag comes with that.

I know it would be a good idea to get the hydrophobic membrane and the dome reinforcement kit. Is there other things ?

There has been some floods on the unit, but it basicly boils down to keeping the OPV religiously clean.
If one where to buy a older model, do they have any problems with handsets etc etc.

I just like to know ahead of time if I send it to be serviced. Can I expect a couple of new controllers, some cracked handset casings and a new wireing loom to be a likely part of the bill.

Thanks

iani · 23rd May 2007, 08:38

Quote: (Originally Posted by Johnny Christensen)

Can anybody give a indication of what kind of cost to expect when buying a Boris for long term use.

I'm not after the price on the unit itself, but the little things you have to expect along the way. Like service at the factory, how often does it have to be done and what kind of pricetag comes with that.

I know it would be a good idea to get the hydrophobic membrane and the dome reinforcement kit. Is there other things ?

There has been some floods on the unit, but it basicly boils down to keeping the OPV religiously clean.
If one where to buy a older model, do they have any problems with handsets etc etc.

I just like to know ahead of time if I send it to be serviced. Can I expect a couple of new controllers, some cracked handset casings and a new wireing loom to be a likely part of the bill.

Thanks

The dome reinforcement kit is not essential according to the factory, it's only for those who like to leave their unit in an assembled state for long periods. The current OPV design seems to be much better than the original for not sticking open so this seems to be less of an issue.

Jerome is probably best to answer the question about servicing, I think his was the first to be done, all the work I've had done was under warranty so didn't cost me anything. The service from CCRB is first class, way better than some of us have received from APD for example (lost 80% of my unit "under the stairs" at one point).

The hydrophobic membrane is £300 and is money well spent, the foam base is going to be c. £150 when it eventually comes out and I'll be getting one to make kitting up and waiting on the bench more comfortable. The offboard gas connectors are essential IMO so you need to budget for those too. I use a lot more silicon grease on boris than I used on the Inspo but that's hardly a significant cost.

Ian

DrJM · 23rd May 2007, 10:31

Hey Guys

GO for hydrophobic membrane and color screen, it's absolutly worth it !

After +/- 450h on the unit I only had to change the servicing kit bits of the xstream O2 first stage, and a new big o-ring, the rest of the machine it's alive and kicking

Dome reinforcement worth it also and not expensive GO for it

That's it

Jerome

Fort Collins Bob · 23rd May 2007, 17:49

Hello all,

I agree w/ everything said so far...

I would add that the off board gas connectors are also a must for deeper
and longer dives... makes life a breeze to be able to plug in.

I would also add that you got to keep the kit very clean on the inside !!!
This includes cleaning the scrubber canister after refilling.

This will make your life easier ...

Best of luck...

Drmike · 24th May 2007, 02:05

Quote: (Originally Posted by Johnny Christensen)

If one where to buy a older model, do they have any problems with handsets etc etc.

Can I expect a couple of new controllers, some cracked handset casings and a new wireing loom to be a likely part of the bill.

I doubt it. Unlike Inspiration and Meg the sensor wires are fully potted into the connectors so no wiring loom corrosion (seems that wiring loom replacement is a service item on other units. incl MK15 series)

The handsets have not changed since 1st batch and have been tested I believe to 300m and structurally are same as VR3 so there shoudnt be any issues there re: cracking. The wires going into handets are potted (to cable seal) and that o-ring sealed.

It may still be too early to say if long term there will be any weaknesses from a part failure perspective but from what I see so far and from the basic design I cant see anything obvious that may be prone to failure. Time will tell.

The advice about keeping the scrubber clean is good. If you take care to really remove every particle of sorb and dust from the outside of the scrubber prior to refitting it you will go a long way to enjoy trouble free OPV operation.

Service from CCRB is really 1st class I have to say. If I need something I call or email them and its usually here within 5 days (Singapore)

My advice if you have a bov is dont buy the offboard gas system (that comes with QC4s). Instead just unscrew the plugs and screw in your own QC6s (available from swagelock gives larger flow rate which may be better for OC) That way you can change all your QCs to QC6s and plug and play offboard gas to BOV or other 2nd stages with same hose.

Phil · 28th May 2007, 06:20

Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike)

My advice if you have a bov is dont buy the offboard gas system (that comes with QC4s). Instead just unscrew the plugs and screw in your own QC6s (available from swagelock gives larger flow rate which may be better for OC) That way you can change all your QCs to QC6s and plug and play offboard gas to BOV or other 2nd stages with same hose.

After almost 2 years of Boris use I would say that my TCO is even lower then on the inspo. I did had few little problems at the start but everything was taken care under the warranty and CCRB service is excellent!

For me color is a must as well as the membrane. I am waiting for the foam base for the longer dives. For the offboard you get info on my website

Cheers,

Fort Collins Bob · 28th May 2007, 17:42

Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike)

The advice about keeping the scrubber clean is good. If you take care to really remove every particle of sorb and dust from the outside of the scrubber prior to refitting it you will go a long way to enjoy trouble free OPV operation.

I find that keeping a toothbrush handy makes it very easy to accomplish...
( Thanks to Phil Short !! .. Mr. Clean Mr.Clean )

I use it to remove all particles from the scrubber before mounting it to the rebreather.

Just got back from InnerSpace .. did a quaint 130m w/o any problems .. :-)

Next stop .. back to cold water ...

B

23rd May 2007, 08:17	#1 (permalink)
Johnny Christensen Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denmark Posts: 296	Cost of Boris ownership ?? Can anybody give a indication of what kind of cost to expect when buying a Boris for long term use. I'm not after the price on the unit itself, but the little things you have to expect along the way. Like service at the factory, how often does it have to be done and what kind of pricetag comes with that. I know it would be a good idea to get the hydrophobic membrane and the dome reinforcement kit. Is there other things ? There has been some floods on the unit, but it basicly boils down to keeping the OPV religiously clean. If one where to buy a older model, do they have any problems with handsets etc etc. I just like to know ahead of time if I send it to be serviced. Can I expect a couple of new controllers, some cracked handset casings and a new wireing loom to be a likely part of the bill. Thanks __________________ www.johnnychristensen.com Wreckphotography from the cold north
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23rd May 2007, 08:38	#2 (permalink)
iani Nefarious Activist Current Rebreather/s: Ouroboros Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Middlesex, UK Posts: 334	Re: Cost of Boris ownership ?? Quote: (Originally Posted by Johnny Christensen) Can anybody give a indication of what kind of cost to expect when buying a Boris for long term use. I'm not after the price on the unit itself, but the little things you have to expect along the way. Like service at the factory, how often does it have to be done and what kind of pricetag comes with that. I know it would be a good idea to get the hydrophobic membrane and the dome reinforcement kit. Is there other things ? There has been some floods on the unit, but it basicly boils down to keeping the OPV religiously clean. If one where to buy a older model, do they have any problems with handsets etc etc. I just like to know ahead of time if I send it to be serviced. Can I expect a couple of new controllers, some cracked handset casings and a new wireing loom to be a likely part of the bill. Thanks The dome reinforcement kit is not essential according to the factory, it's only for those who like to leave their unit in an assembled state for long periods. The current OPV design seems to be much better than the original for not sticking open so this seems to be less of an issue. Jerome is probably best to answer the question about servicing, I think his was the first to be done, all the work I've had done was under warranty so didn't cost me anything. The service from CCRB is first class, way better than some of us have received from APD for example (lost 80% of my unit "under the stairs" at one point). The hydrophobic membrane is £300 and is money well spent, the foam base is going to be c. £150 when it eventually comes out and I'll be getting one to make kitting up and waiting on the bench more comfortable. The offboard gas connectors are essential IMO so you need to budget for those too. I use a lot more silicon grease on boris than I used on the Inspo but that's hardly a significant cost. Ian
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23rd May 2007, 10:31	#3 (permalink)
DrJM Deep Cave Explorer Current Rebreather/s: Ouroboros Other Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Join Date: May 2005 Location: France Posts: 336	Re: Cost of Boris ownership ?? Hey Guys GO for hydrophobic membrane and color screen, it's absolutly worth it ! After +/- 450h on the unit I only had to change the servicing kit bits of the xstream O2 first stage, and a new big o-ring, the rest of the machine it's alive and kicking Dome reinforcement worth it also and not expensive GO for it That's it Jerome __________________ www.snoopyloop.com Deep Cave Exploration
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23rd May 2007, 17:49	#4 (permalink)
Fort Collins Bob Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Ouroboros Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Collins Colorado Posts: 111	Re: Cost of Boris ownership ?? Hello all, I agree w/ everything said so far... I would add that the off board gas connectors are also a must for deeper and longer dives... makes life a breeze to be able to plug in. I would also add that you got to keep the kit very clean on the inside !!! This includes cleaning the scrubber canister after refilling. This will make your life easier ... Best of luck... __________________ Best Regards all ------------------------------------------- Bob Fridell Ouroboros #46 Fort Collins, Colorado
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24th May 2007, 02:05	#5 (permalink)
Drmike Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Ouroboros Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 3,128	Re: Cost of Boris ownership ?? Quote: (Originally Posted by Johnny Christensen) If one where to buy a older model, do they have any problems with handsets etc etc. Can I expect a couple of new controllers, some cracked handset casings and a new wireing loom to be a likely part of the bill. I doubt it. Unlike Inspiration and Meg the sensor wires are fully potted into the connectors so no wiring loom corrosion (seems that wiring loom replacement is a service item on other units. incl MK15 series) The handsets have not changed since 1st batch and have been tested I believe to 300m and structurally are same as VR3 so there shoudnt be any issues there re: cracking. The wires going into handets are potted (to cable seal) and that o-ring sealed. It may still be too early to say if long term there will be any weaknesses from a part failure perspective but from what I see so far and from the basic design I cant see anything obvious that may be prone to failure. Time will tell. The advice about keeping the scrubber clean is good. If you take care to really remove every particle of sorb and dust from the outside of the scrubber prior to refitting it you will go a long way to enjoy trouble free OPV operation. Service from CCRB is really 1st class I have to say. If I need something I call or email them and its usually here within 5 days (Singapore) My advice if you have a bov is dont buy the offboard gas system (that comes with QC4s). Instead just unscrew the plugs and screw in your own QC6s (available from swagelock gives larger flow rate which may be better for OC) That way you can change all your QCs to QC6s and plug and play offboard gas to BOV or other 2nd stages with same hose. __________________ Get a girlfriend you sad twat - a Rebreather is an unfaithful mistress - dont blind yourself to her faults just because she goes down on you
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28th May 2007, 06:20	#6 (permalink)
Phil Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Ouroboros rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon rEvo Other CCR Join Date: May 2005 Location: Geneva-Switzerland Posts: 170	Re: Cost of Boris ownership ?? Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike) My advice if you have a bov is dont buy the offboard gas system (that comes with QC4s). Instead just unscrew the plugs and screw in your own QC6s (available from swagelock gives larger flow rate which may be better for OC) That way you can change all your QCs to QC6s and plug and play offboard gas to BOV or other 2nd stages with same hose. After almost 2 years of Boris use I would say that my TCO is even lower then on the inspo. I did had few little problems at the start but everything was taken care under the warranty and CCRB service is excellent! For me color is a must as well as the membrane. I am waiting for the foam base for the longer dives. For the offboard you get info on my website Boris offboard QC4 Boris offboard QC6 Cheers, __________________ Phil __________________ CCR/OC Instructor CCR Training to Mixed Gas in Switzerland, France, UK & Germany on Megalodon/KISS/Ouroboros/rEvo/Inspiration/Evolution/Sentinel www.zerogravitydiving.com
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28th May 2007, 17:42	#7 (permalink)
Fort Collins Bob Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Ouroboros Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Collins Colorado Posts: 111	Re: Cost of Boris ownership ?? Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike) The advice about keeping the scrubber clean is good. If you take care to really remove every particle of sorb and dust from the outside of the scrubber prior to refitting it you will go a long way to enjoy trouble free OPV operation. I find that keeping a toothbrush handy makes it very easy to accomplish... ( Thanks to Phil Short !! .. Mr. Clean Mr.Clean ) I use it to remove all particles from the scrubber before mounting it to the rebreather. Just got back from InnerSpace .. did a quaint 130m w/o any problems .. :-) Next stop .. back to cold water ... B __________________ Best Regards all ------------------------------------------- Bob Fridell Ouroboros #46 Fort Collins, Colorado Last edited by Fort Collins Bob : 28th May 2007 at 18:16.
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