Favorite Liveaboard (Peter Hughes, Aggressor, etc)

[DiveMaven]

Thanks for posting Rick, I can't even imagine what a horror you experienced. Welcome to ScubaBoard!

I wanted to share with you that when we were looking for a liveaboard in Belize that it was the Wave Dancer tragedy that prompted us to look differently. We chose the Nekton boats specifically because they are USCG certified boat, flagged US, and owned by one company. It is too easy for companies (both liveaboard and cruise ship) to hide behind their foreign flags and francise ownerships. All of the Hughes and Aggressor boats are owned by different folks all over the world, simply coming together under the commonly used names of "Aggressor" or "Peter Hughes".

That's just MY personal opinion and in no way criticizes the choices that other folks make.

 

[Jinjer]

To be honest, I didn't expect the favorite operator to be Nekton, since they only have the 2 boats. But based upon the responses, it seems to be the most popular.

I had originally thought they would be the best option, only because I tend to get a little sea sick. When we cruise, I always have to take Dramamine the first night, but than I am fine after I get used to the motion. So I figured I would be able to adjust to the regular live aboard boats too. Since I had gotten the impression that Nekton boats were not as nicely furnished as the other big names.

Part of my goal with this thread was to find out which operator was the cream of the crop and which were the more economy operators. But I am not sure there is one that fits that bill, based upon the comments on this thread.

 

[Darnold9999]

Since I had gotten the impression that Nekton boats were not as nicely furnished as the other big names.

You are right the Nekton boats are not as nicely furnished as the other big names. The difference is however cosmetic, not functional. If that matters you might be dissappointed. Functionally the Nekton boats are nicer. Easier to dive from and less subject to weather. I prefer them as I get seasick reasonably easily and hate drugs so will go with Nekton for that reason alone. But this is a marginal preference, I would dive any of them.

 

[DiveMaven]

One other thing to consider is the amazing customer service that the Nekton home office folks give. Not only are there a couple of Nekton folks who post on this board, but if you call the main office, the folks there will spend as much time on the phone with you as you need. They are an amazing group of people with customer service being high on their priority list.

Although the furnishings aren't as upscale as other boats might be, you have to stop and consider how "upscale" waterproof cushions can be? We found our Queen sized bed to be VERY comfortable, and there was nothing nicer than a full sized shower in our cabin to desalinate ourselves every evening. Basically if you want a bigger cabin, book a Royal Caribbean Cruise!!

 

[djanni]

Rick Patterson:

Wow... what an experience and one for a lifetime. Glad you and you're wife are diving and venturing out on liveaboards again. I'm sure that took some courage.

Glad you posted. Do it again.

Don

 

[Allison Finch]

Be VERY VERY careful when you imply that the Wind Dancer is and will likely be an example of a Peter Hughe's boat. Be aware that many of "his" boats are owned and operated by their own captains and in no way are operated the way the Wind Dancer was.
A good friend of mine was a good friend of many of the lost Richmond divers and would cringe at your implications.
Everybody has 20/20 vision in hindsight (and will loudly proclaim such), but I wonder how many would have made similar decisions under the same conditions.

 

[aedavidson]

Be VERY VERY careful when you imply that the Wind Dancer is and will likely be an example of a Peter Hughe's boat. Be aware that many of "his" boats are owned and operated by their own captains and in no way are operated the way the Wind Dancer was.
A good friend of mine was a good friend of many of the lost Richmond divers and would cringe at your implications.
Everybody has 20/20 vision in hindsight (and will loudly proclaim such), but I wonder how many would have made similar decisions under the same conditions.

I don't get it. He puts his name on any boat that the owner(s) are willing to pay the franchise fee? I guess you roll the dice and hope for a good one.

 

[Allison Finch]

I am not sure what is required when affiliating with PH. He may own some of the boats, but the Stardancer and FeBrina in PNG are owned primarily by Alan Raabe and partners. They must have to follow the PH guidelines to be marketed by them. Obviously, PH is not on every boat to make all of the day-to-day decisions. I always tell people to research each and every boat to find information about how THAT boat operates (regardless of what company promotes them). Every boat is at the mercy of whoever is at the helm.

 

[BigBill]

So... the SWATH technology works. Don't sell the Nekton short just because she's weird looking.

Last week while in the Bahamas, we hit the Sugar Wreck, and moored up close to the Nekton! It is quite the interesting vessel, although their trips look pretty good.

 

[mike_s]

I have just recently learned about the Wind Dancer incident, and have been anxious to learn more about what transpired, especially how the incident was handled by everyone involved.

Please continue to share your input on liveaboard pros/cons.

Check out the book "No Safe Harbor". It's about the Wind Dancer trajedy.

Also check out http://www.wavedancermemorial.com/

Make sure to read the IMMARBE Report. It talks about all the saftey problems on the boat. It would have never passed a USCG inspection if brought back into the US.
http://www.wavedancermemorial.com/Accident/IMMARBEReport.pdf

Be VERY VERY careful when you imply that the Wind Dancer is and will likely be an example of a Peter Hughe's boat. Be aware that many of "his" boats are owned and operated by their own captains and in no way are operated the way the Wind Dancer was.

If you take away the fact his name is on the boat and blame only the franchisee, then that's pretty narrow minded. Peter Hughes had his name on the boat, franchise or not. He (his company) was responsible that the boat was operated safely, which it was not.

Even with all that set aside, the way he treated the survivors and victums families was done 100% by him and not the franchisee.

I wouldn't go on a Peter Hughes trip even if I won it for free.



EDIT: I thought Nekton had three boats... do they just have two?