Do you SoCal folks get tired of questions about Catalina?

[Rudebob]

If not, maybe you can answer a couple more. My son and I are heading over next week for a few days of diving. Doing a day on the King Neptune and a day or two at the dive park.

Last time I went I noticed several divers using some creative means for transporting all their gear, I did not pay that much attention to specifics setups. Since this time we will be taking each be taking an al80, all dive gear, + personal stuff for three days on the island I need to figure a way to at least haul all this stuff to the ferrie terminal. Any easy ideas?

Also, since our stay extends through the work week how likely is it that we could dive the Valiant? Is there anything we need to know other than you need a permit from the harbor master (which I don't know where that is either), and is it worth the effort?

Thanks,

mg

 

[Teamcasa]

We don’t get tired of talking about Catalina. It’s a great place to dive and we are very fortunate that it is our back yard. You will enjoy the King Neptune and if you are lucky, Dr. Bill will join you.
The Valiant is a great dive but don’t expect the Harbor Master to give permission on the weekend, try for a weekday.

This is my Catalina setup. The King Neptune has a huge foredeck and allows these boxes on deck (so far).

No Picture? Right click on the Red X and select “Show Picture”

 

[D_B]

I have the above box too .. Stanley ... fits in Catalina ferry hold and I've actually used with two AL80's strapped on top (used a ratchet tiedown and a rubber mat to keep tanks from slipping [tanks not installed on box when in ferry])
... my older version of the # 029025R 29" Stanley box with my HP100 on lid

 

[Cyclops_Diver]

When I hit Catalina, and stay in a hotel to dive the park, I use the Catalina Baggage Company to handle my gear. Dont have to schlep your gear far...They are located in the last little part of the "strip mall" there at the Catalina Express dock, closest to the taxi parking lot. I check all my dive gear except my regs and computer bag. Costs like $6 a day or something and when I want my gear, I either give them a time and location when I drop it off, or call them and tell them where I want it delivered. Might be worth an invistigation for ya!

Sure beats hauling around a HP130....

 

[dwaters]

During the summer, the ONLY time that you'll get a permit to dive out side the park into the ship
lane is on the week days and that is only if it's slow. Never had the chance to dive the Valiant yet... (timing) but it's the favorite for many of my dive buddies... go now while there is still structure to dive on.
And yes, Dave's (teamcasa) set up is getting more popular every time I dive the park... in fact I am going to HomeDepot this week and converting a tote myself.
When are you going to be there.

 

[Rudebob]

Thanks for the responses. I plan to be there next Sunday, Monday and Tuesday so maybe the Valiant is a possibility. The dive package we booked comes with transfer of gear to and from the hotel via Catalina Baggage. However, we will still will be on our own getting to the ferry, the dive boat, and dive park each day so I was hoping to come up with some mode of transport that would make it a little easier to schlep our gear around.

Anyway, looking forward to it-should be a great time. One last trip before my son goes off to college. Which means I may not be able to afford dive trips for a while after next week.

mg

 

[fisheater]

Here's my Catalina setup:

Obviously, I was inspired by others' Catalina rigs posted here on ScubaBoard.