Diving from your own boat in the Keys.

[ohioscubadiver]

My brother and some friends planned a trip over spring break to the Keys. They are planning to take a boat with them and dive/snorkel from there boat. Two of the people that are going are certified divers(my brother is not certified), but I don't believe they have been diving in several years.

I have tried to talk them into leaving the boat at home and going out with a dive operator, but they are still planning to take the boat, tie off to one of the dive buoys.

My question for all of you local Florida divers. Are there any relatively safe areas they can anchor the boat and do some shallow dives/snorkeling? Remember these guys are from Ohio and I don't think they have any real experience boating in the ocean.

 

[Tom Winters]

They're going to drag a boat down from Ohio? It will be cheaper and safer to just pay some op to take them out.
You could spend years exploring the Keys by boat - but for a week, don't bother.

 

[ohioscubadiver]

A boat, and 2 motorcycles. They have found a site with GPS listings of dive sites and are planning to dive/snorkel while in the keys. Are there any sites with strong currents that they should definatley stay away from?

 

[Tom Winters]

Since most of the dive sites are offshore to begin with, even a nil tide at the start of the dive doesn't mean you won't have a couple of knots at the finex. Trailering a decent-sized dive boat that far is a royal pain in the okole, and trailering a marginal boat for open ocean use is foolhardy.

 

[100days-a-year]

1500 miles @ say 9mpg Vs 20mpg= a difference in gas of less than $300.Having your own boat in the Keys is nice.

Unless these guys are complete idiots,the tow vehicle is unsafe or the boat is unsuited..why not.In a week of charters 3-4 guys could easily spend a $K or more to dive with 60 other people on moo-boats.I drag mine 500 miles at least once a year and some years 3 trips down.We do at least 2 dives a day and often 4.We are out boat gas and fills which runs runs less than $30 per diver per day worst case.We dive stuff you will never see on a charter.

As far as currents,inshore the current is tidal and not normally very bad except in channels.At the outer reef the current can rip and change rapidly.Tell then to always anchor in sand and to leave an operator on the boat.To get a good dive in bouyed areas be there early,late or on a weekday.

 

[Nemrod]

You say he is not a diver? They have not dived for years? Oh--wow.

But, I tow my boat long distances. Why, because my little Boston Whaler takes me places that charters do not go to. They do not take you to the good places. With GPS and a good map and marine charts on the GPS it is simple. With any mid priced sonar dive sites light up like an aircraft carrier.

BUT, you do need to know a few things about seamanship and also you must not--MUST not anchor into the reef--this is illegal and will result in fines and ruin your trip.

Unlesss the boat you have is a boat designed for offshore use perhaps reconsider. A 17 foot Boston Whaler Montauck, a good 14 foot inflatible, a solid 20 (plus or minus) center console all handle just fine in the ocean. I have had my 19 foot Boston Whaler well offshore. Pick your weather, use common sense. Boating in the ocean is not the same thing as your local man made reservoir, there is extreme potential for danger if you do not prepare sufficinetly. N

 

[MsParamedic]

He needs to become knowledgeable of the "protected areas" where he will NOT be allowed to anchor, and have to use the mooring balls. Is the boat sea-worthy or midwest lake worthy??

Sounds like homework is in order! But have fun!

 

[Chaseh]

This doesn't sound like a very good idea. Done right, and with the right conditions, you may save some money. Of course no matter what, there's the hassle of towing the boat down, and getting it in and out of the water.

Then if the pond kicks up a bit, you're not going to be getting anywhere. Not to mention that although they have a map, they may not be reaching the best dive spots, at the best times, in the best manner.

Check out some of the charters, many of whom are on Scubaboard. For a few bucks, you'll do it right, and meet good folks. Leave the boat in Buckeye lake.

 

[Skeeter1097]

I think that it is a good Ida. If they handle a boat in the Grate Lakes they can handle the Keys. Find a chart and now the lows of the Keys. Don't anchor where you are not allowed. Be safe and have fun.
I think that a quick coarse to Bering them up to speed with the diving would be a must. They well have a lot of fun.