Diving from a Zodiac

[graysby]

Hello All,
We're getting a little old (both 63) for beach diving here in Monterey, and are looking at buying a Zodiac. We're both experienced divers and have dove out of Zodiac on numerous dive trips, but have never owned one. So we're looking for recommendations and basic tips on ownership.
What size (Length and Beam) would you recommend for two or three divers?
Outboard motor HP?
Type and size of anchor, considering we would all be in the water at the same time.
Also recommendations on ladder a (The ladders at West Marine looked really flimsy), GPS, Radio?
We'll mostly be diving Monterey Bay but will occasionally dive the north coast. And maybe even some free diving if Abalone season ever reopens.
Thanks in Advance for your tips and recos.

Jesse

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

I have no advice to give nor insight to offer but... thank you for goals.

 

[tursiops]

Hello All,
We're getting a little old (both 63) for beach diving here in Monterey, and are looking at buying a Zodiac. We're both experienced divers and have dove out of Zodiac on numerous dive trips, but have never owned one. So we're looking for recommendations and basic tips on ownership.
What size (Length and Beam) would you recommend for two or three divers?
Outboard motor HP?
Type and size of anchor, considering we would all be in the water at the same time.
Also recommendations on ladder a (The ladders at West Marine looked really flimsy), GPS, Radio?
We'll mostly be diving Monterey Bay but will occasionally dive the north coast. And maybe even some free diving if Abalone season ever reopens.
Thanks in Advance for your tips and recos.

Jesse

I suggest you size it for at least three people, one of whom does not dive but instead tends the boat while anchored.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I had a 12' inflatable with a 25HP outboard. It was great for two divers, four tanks and a ten gallon gas tank. It was too small and slow for three divers. We tried.
Smart phones with GPS apps work great. A handhelp GPS would be a nice backup. A hadheld VHF radio is a necessity if you get out of cell coverage. For three divers, I would recommend a minimum of 15 feet and 59 HP.
A ladder isn't necessary. Use caribiners to clip your gear off before kicking with your fins while pulling yourself over the pontoon. Split fins probably won't work.

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

Split fins probably won't work.

Do they ever?

 

[Marie13]

I believe @Stoo has a Zodiac. He uses it up on Georgian Bay/Lake Huron, but can still help.

 

[DENFSEA]

I dove out of zodiac's with singles and double tanks. the best way to do it is give your weight belt to the person in the boat or throw your belt in first then have a rope hanging down inflate your BC hooked your tanks to that with your fins on do a kick to to get into the boat then you can bring the tanks in I recommend a 16 foot 30 to 40 horse on or more

 

[tridacna]

Here’s my advice: Zodiac diving at age 63 won’t solve your beach-diving problems. Getting back on the boat is challenging to say the least.

 

[grf88]

I have a 15.5 ft Avon inflatable with a 40 HP motor. It works quite well with four single tank divers but can get really crowded with doubles or multiple cylinders. The only time I leave the boat unattended is in calm weather on an established mooring. At 63 you will probably appreciate a ladder and this is what I use. St. Croix Folding Ladder for Inflatable Boats

 

[grf88]

The ladder I listed is the old design that I have and is at a very good price. The newer model can be seen here:
St. Croix Stainless Steel 3-Step Inflatable Boat Folding Ladder #103H

I hang lanyards with snaps from the boat to hang equipment and use a d-ring on the weightbelt so that can also be removed otherwise this 72 year old could not haul his ass out of the water.