Dive Raft...

[ucladiver]

There was a thread recently about purchasing a boat for diving. At this point in my life (about to graduate college), that is in no way option ($$$). A friend and I were considering an inflatable motor boat for using around SoCal beaches to get into seculed coves and for around the local channel islands (obviously we wouldn't use it to actually get to the islands :tease: ). Anyone have any experience with these? Where to get em (used even). How much they are? Are they a good option for this type of diving? We're looking for something we can carry 4 (maybe 6?) tanks in and the two of us so we can cruise out somewhere, drop an anchor and do some diving. It would have to relatively easy to launch from a beach and small enough tow with small trailer. Any comments would be apreciated. Thanks.

 

[scubabunny]

Hey, I have one that has been propped on against my dinning room wall for about a year! You want it??????

Seriously, Zodiaks are great for diving. This one is a little 2 person zodiak, but first the engine broke, then once we got that fixed, the bottom didn't like the 120 steel that was layed inside..it ended up on the sand. We bought it used, and spent 2 days reglueing the bottom on...and its STILL leaning against the wall..And, no...I wasn't seriously asking you to buy it..unless you really want to! hehe

Depending on the surf factor and entry points...Kayaks are also good for diving. We use them all the time, but we also have a barrier reef and surf is normally around 3-6 feet at the reef, so they aren't a problem if you time them right. Kayaks are alot cheaper..and can hold full scuba sets. Don't know if that is practical in California...but its an option.

And, if you DO want this stupid boat...just let me know!!

 

[ucladiver]

Scubabunny,
what is your experience with diving from a Zodiac like? Convenient? Pain in the butt? How many feet is your boat? How many tanks could you fit & how many divers? Was payload/weight or size more restricting? Anything else I should know before taking this further? Pro/Cons? Thanks.