Need a backup air source for your boat? The decision often comes down to two options: a traditional pony bottle or other alternative, a modern, self-contained system like Sail Air.
One provides a larger supply but adds complexity in setup and storage, while the other is compact and ready at a moment’s notice with a shorter duration. This guide compares them side by side on the factors that matter most in an emergency, so you can choose the system that truly fits your needs and your vessel.
What is Sail Air?
Sail Air is a compact emergency air system built specifically for boaters. It’s a small cylinder with a regulator that delivers up to 15-20 minutes of breathable air, making it ideal for quick hull checks or shallow repairs.
You can refill it using a dedicated hand pump, overflow adaptor, or compressor, giving you multiple ways to stay prepared. Lightweight and dependable, the kind of backup you can count on when you need it most.
What are Pony Bottles?
A pony bottle, or pony cylinder, is a small scuba tank with its own regulator. Divers usually carry it as a backup air source, though it can also serve as the main tank for short or shallow dives.
Its main value is independence. If the main tank runs out, the pony bottle provides enough air for a safe ascent. Many divers choose it for the extra security of having their own emergency supply, rather than depending on a buddy. The bottle is smaller than a standard tank, which is why it is called a pony. Recreational divers often use this term, while professionals usually call it a bailout cylinder or emergency gas supply.
Is Sail Air the Same as Pony Bottles?
Not exactly. While both serve as backup air sources, Pony bottles are small scuba cylinders used for emergency breathing while diving. Sail Air is a purpose-built 1-liter marine air system designed for quick underwater tasks and boat emergencies.
Let’s see it in a table:
|
Feature |
Sail Air |
Pony Bottle |
|
Main Use |
Emergency air for boaters and quick underwater tasks (e.g., hull checks, line removal) |
Backup air source for scuba divers during planned dives |
|
Air Capacity |
1 liter mini-cylinder |
Highly varied (e.g., 2L, 3L, 5L, and more) |
|
Max Recommended Depth |
Primarily intended for shallow water (surface to a few meters, not for scuba profiles) |
Can support deeper dives depending on cylinder size |
|
Refill Method |
Dedicated hand pump, overflow adaptor, high-pressure compressor |
High-pressure scuba compressor or gas booster |
|
Intended Role |
Emergency reserve or short maintenance tasks, not part of dive gas planning |
Bailout bottle for emergencies during a dive |
Get the Backup Air System Designed for Boaters
When it comes to onboard safety, the right backup air source can make all the difference. Sail Air from NRC International offers a compact and dependable emergency air solution designed for boaters who need quick access to breathable air without the bulk and setup of a traditional pony bottle.
Pony bottles deliver longer air supply, but they come with added weight, space requirements, and the need for dive-grade filling equipment. Sail Air, on the other hand, is lightweight, simple to store, and can be refilled using a dedicated hand pump, overflow adaptor, or high-pressure compressor, making it easier to stay prepared on any vessel.
Whether you want a fast response option for hull inspections, propeller checks, or surface emergencies, Sail Air complements your crew’s safety kit with reliable breathable air right when it matters.
Explore Sail Air to equip your boat with a smarter, safer emergency air solution!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sail Air units sufficient for a real emergency?
Yes, as long as the emergency matches what the system is designed for. Sail Air provides a short supply of breathable air to help you reach the surface, clear a snag, or handle quick underwater tasks around the boat. It is not meant for deep or extended dives like larger pony bottles. Its purpose is to give you the crucial minutes you need to stay calm, breathe, and get to safety.
Why do people call them pony bottles?
The name comes from the size. A pony bottle is smaller than a full scuba cylinder, like a pony compared to a full-size horse. The term simply refers to a compact backup tank carried by divers for emergencies.
How are Sail Air systems serviced?
Sail Air is designed to be low-maintenance. You refill the tank yourself using a dedicated hand pump, overflow adaptor, or high-pressure compressor. If the cylinder needs inspection, replacement, or factory service, it can be sent to an authorized service center to ensure it stays safe and compliant.
