Great Escape- recent experiences?

[jephre]

Hi all- Thinking about jumping on this weekend's boat to SB island with Eco Divers on the Great Escape.

It never occurred to me that a professional boat in a competitive market like LA could be ... well, stanky... beyond the pale of reason. Then I read this:

http://scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=162383&highlight=Great+escape

Can anyone who's been on it recently sound off?

And... anyone wanna go? I'm buddyless. Just back from Kona and jonesing to get wet on home turf.

Thanks for your opinions!
jeffrey

 

[ICY ICE]

It's not on the Great Escape.....

SBI is awesome....I think they're diving the Arch, would go if I didn't have other commitments.

Haven't been on the Sand Dollar, but have heard good things.


Got this from another site:

Eco Dive Center - Sealion Adventure Dives aboard the Sand Dollar
Join us this Sunday 1/7/07 on the Sand Dollar to Santa Barbara Island!


Boat:
Sand Dollar

Depart From:
Ports of Cal, San Pedro Harbor

Destination:
Santa Barbara Island

What's Included:
3 Dives, 3 Meals, Tanks, Weights, Snacks, Beverage & Airfills. Nitrox Extra

Departure/Return Time:
1:00 AM/4:30 PM

Call to reserve your spot: 310-398-5759​

 

[Empty V]

I don't know anything about the great escape, but I have heard pretty terrible things about Eco.

Billy

 

[RJP]

And... anyone wanna go? I'm buddyless. Just back from Kona and jonesing to get wet on home turf.

Jeffrey - as mentioned Eco is not going on Great Escape, but rather with Sand Dollar. I just booked this same trip today for this upcoming Sunday. So I'll see you there if you come on board - we can compare notes/dive objectives/etc and if it make sense I'd be happy to buddy up with you, with two word's of warning...

1.) I'll have my camera and new strobe setup out for the first time, so may not be the MOST attentive buddy in the world

2.) I'm an NJ wreck diver; our unofficial motto is "We Dive Alone, Together." In fact the only time you'll here the word "buddy" used here it will most likely be in the context of something like "Hey buddy, mind moving your sh!t from in front of my spot?"


On a recent trip to Catalina Dr. Bill seemed to get a kick out of my "NJ Divers" joke...

Q: How many divers from NJ does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: F&%k you!

 

[scottfiji]

I think the sand dollar is fine, I haven't heard any complaints about it, unlike other boats. and the Eco DM's are good, they run a good boat, and they are usually a lot of fun, no spearfishing either. I'm sure they will hook you up with a buddy too.

scott

 

[LAJim]

I was on the GE once, last May. Very positive experience. Everyone was very nice and the food was good. Liked the dog too.

Jim

 

[60FT NDR]

Jeffrey,
Hope you get on the right boat.
For future reference: We have been on the Great Escape for 2 (3 day) live aboards and are going again this Labor Day and Memorial Day. Our experience has been nothing shy of GREAT except for the AC that went out for a day down below. Yes, Cpt. Tim has a dog but keeps him secure on the upper deck and inside. I have never seen or smelled any urine problems on the boat. The crew that we have each of these holidays deserve the best of praise and tips all around; very tentative and informative. The cook we get is Robb; Oh man can he cook!! You might not like his bright orange shorts but it sure makes it easier to find him in the water, hee hee.
The crew does change but ours is wonderful. That other guy should be concerned with who hired the crew, or at least the DM's. Are whole crew, except Cpt., is selected by the person booking the boat.
If you would like to go with a great crew, let me know. I will see if I can hook you up.

And Ice is right. The Arch is the BOMB!!! To date, my favorite!!!
Ruth

 

[alaity47]

Wow - I've never had a bad day on the Great Escape. It's hands-down our favorite dive boat in the area, and we dive on it whenever possible.

I realize that's no longer the topic, since the dive you're looking at is with another boat anyway. Just had to put my two cents in - the experience reported in the referenced thread is totally unlike any I've ever had on that boat, and I can't imagine what was going on that weekend!

I've found that my experience depends a lot more on the group that charters the boat, rather than the boat itself. I've been on the same boat many times with several different groups, and had drastically different experiences. Sometimes, it's things where I would have been tempted to blame the boat, if I hadn't dived with them another day. Just saying.

 

[shaggie]

I dove on the GE back on Dec 2 to San Clemente. The boat was chartered by Sport Chalet. The DM's on board were OK, not friendly, but not standoffish (mostly) to a lone Texan. The boat crew was very friendly including the cook. She had long black hair and tattoos. Didn't find a single hair in my eggs.
I can say that it was a very good trip and would recomend the GE to anyone.

 

[Codyjp]

I haven't been on it but my friends say it is the place to be. It is a HUGE boat and seems really nice.

Blue waters!