Meant to post this earlier, but this is the first chance I've had. Here goes...
We made it out with Outer Banks Dive Center over the weekend for a little bit of diving. Saturday's scheduled trip was to the Jackson, a 125' Active Class Coast Guard cutter that sank in two pieces during the great hurricane of 1944. Air temp was in the 88F range. Water temp was 66F down to about 25 feet, with 66F bottom temps. Currents were minimal, with visibility being in the 25-35 foot range. As far as the wreck goes, not much is discernible, with the exception of the bow, port side anchor (which is mammoth), and stern, including one half-buried depth charge. Also, 125' is significantly shorter than anticipated, as the entire wreck is easily covered in one dive. Maximum depth registered was in the 75' area. That being said, it was an enjoyable dive, and conditions were optimal. 13 divers made the trip, plus 3 crew, one captain, and one marine biologist.
Sunday's scheduled dive was either the Bedloe or U-85, depending on majority rule. The boat was far less crowded, leaving the dock with only 6 divers, 3 crew, a captain and a marine biologist. We ended up hitting the U-85, a 218' type VII-B U-Boat scuttled after being crippled by the USS Roper in 1942. This boat also has the distinction of being the first U-Boat sunk by the U.S. off the coast during WWII. Maximum depths registered were in the 95' realm. Although many items have been removed from the boat by divers over the years, the boat is still obviously a U-Boat. Conning tower and deck gun still stand, and the hole from the 3" round from the Roper is easily distinguishable on the deck. Unfortunately, both the bow and the stern have been dismantled over the years by people trying to gain entry for artifacts. We also saw some decent sized sea turtles on the wreck, and again back on the surface. Air temps and top water temps were comparable to Saturday, with bottom temps being about 64'. Again, a slight current, nothing major, with viz in the 35-45' range. The wreck itself lists to the starboard side, with sand embanked along the portside, up to about halfway of the auxiliary fuel tank. The stern is a bit buried, as well as in overall worse condition than the middle of the boat. The bow is exposed, although the pressure hull has been removed, exposing the full length of the torpedo tubes. All in all, this was a very enjoyable wreck to dive.
On to the dive operators...
All of these dives were arranged through Bill McDermott's operation, Outer Banks Dive Center, and the dives were from their boat, the R/V Go-Between. The boat itself is a 40' work boat, capable of carrying 30 total according to the coastie certs. Crew included one captain, one first mate/DM, and two additional deck hands, both whom were either DM's or working on it. We were asked to arrive at the dock by 7 a.m., which we did and, after filling out the necessary waivers, the boat was loaded and off we went. The captain was Capt. Price, affectionately referred to as "Pops." First mate was John Bright, and the deck hands were Chris & Avery. Before we even left the dock, John let us know that nobody was in a hurry, and that we would be taking our time. The ride was great. With twin detroits, the boat hums along at a pretty good clip. John was by far the best First Mate/DM I've seen on a dive boat. He knows his ***** when it comes to the wrecks as well as the area in general. Chris & Avery were also very helpful, and very thorough. They have a knack for knowing when you need help even before you do. SI was spent shooting the breeze with Pops, who has been in the area most of his life. Nathan's hot dogs were also had by all, as well as fresh ice water. Sodas are available for $1, but don't take the last mountain dew without telling someone, or else you get to deal with Pops.
I can't mention enough how much of a pleasure it was to dive with these people.
Once back on land, we managed to make it to the dive shop for more gas/gear. Prices are very reasonable, especially on EANx fills. The shop seems to specialize in DiveRite equipment, which is always a nice find. Fresh water wash downs are also available for anyone that needs them. Props to Johnny behind the counter too, he was very helpful and easy to work with.
10 out of 10 to the boat, the crew, the shop, it's staff, and Mr. McDermott. I'd dive with these guys any time.
Other reviews:
Motel: Dare Haven Motel; Close to boat, friendly staff. Only complaint was that the bed was stiff as a brick, but who cares after a day of diving. Also, conveniently located between this motel and the boat is 7-11.
Food: Tale of the Whale; tiki-bar outside to pass the wait time, as well as a dockside gazebo featuring a Bob Dylan inspired guitar musician. Great food, negligible wait. (12 mins)
Anyway, hope that is useful to anyone looking for a solid Nags Head operator. I have included necessary websites for further reference, as well as addresses for GPS directions, and phone numbers. Enjoy, and safe diving.
Dive Shop:
Website: Outer Banks Dive Center, Nags Head, North Carolina
Address: 3917 South Croatan Highway, Nags Head, North Carolina 27959
Phone: 252.449.8349
Dive Boat "Go-Between"
Address: Broad Creek Marina, 708 Harbor Road, Wanchese, NC 27981
Dare Haven Motel:
Website: Outer Banks Motel Accommodations and Rentals
Address: 819 US HWY 64 & 264, Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: 252.473.2322
(there are two 819's on this road. Keep driving, it's the second, and it'll be on the right just past the elementary school)
Tale of the Whale:
Website: Tale of the Whale Restaurant | Outer Banks of North Carolina
Address: 7575 S. Virginia Dare Traill, Nags Head, NC 27959
Phone: 252.441.7332
7-11:
Address: 610 Us Hwy 64, Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: 252.473.5685
We made it out with Outer Banks Dive Center over the weekend for a little bit of diving. Saturday's scheduled trip was to the Jackson, a 125' Active Class Coast Guard cutter that sank in two pieces during the great hurricane of 1944. Air temp was in the 88F range. Water temp was 66F down to about 25 feet, with 66F bottom temps. Currents were minimal, with visibility being in the 25-35 foot range. As far as the wreck goes, not much is discernible, with the exception of the bow, port side anchor (which is mammoth), and stern, including one half-buried depth charge. Also, 125' is significantly shorter than anticipated, as the entire wreck is easily covered in one dive. Maximum depth registered was in the 75' area. That being said, it was an enjoyable dive, and conditions were optimal. 13 divers made the trip, plus 3 crew, one captain, and one marine biologist.
Sunday's scheduled dive was either the Bedloe or U-85, depending on majority rule. The boat was far less crowded, leaving the dock with only 6 divers, 3 crew, a captain and a marine biologist. We ended up hitting the U-85, a 218' type VII-B U-Boat scuttled after being crippled by the USS Roper in 1942. This boat also has the distinction of being the first U-Boat sunk by the U.S. off the coast during WWII. Maximum depths registered were in the 95' realm. Although many items have been removed from the boat by divers over the years, the boat is still obviously a U-Boat. Conning tower and deck gun still stand, and the hole from the 3" round from the Roper is easily distinguishable on the deck. Unfortunately, both the bow and the stern have been dismantled over the years by people trying to gain entry for artifacts. We also saw some decent sized sea turtles on the wreck, and again back on the surface. Air temps and top water temps were comparable to Saturday, with bottom temps being about 64'. Again, a slight current, nothing major, with viz in the 35-45' range. The wreck itself lists to the starboard side, with sand embanked along the portside, up to about halfway of the auxiliary fuel tank. The stern is a bit buried, as well as in overall worse condition than the middle of the boat. The bow is exposed, although the pressure hull has been removed, exposing the full length of the torpedo tubes. All in all, this was a very enjoyable wreck to dive.
On to the dive operators...
All of these dives were arranged through Bill McDermott's operation, Outer Banks Dive Center, and the dives were from their boat, the R/V Go-Between. The boat itself is a 40' work boat, capable of carrying 30 total according to the coastie certs. Crew included one captain, one first mate/DM, and two additional deck hands, both whom were either DM's or working on it. We were asked to arrive at the dock by 7 a.m., which we did and, after filling out the necessary waivers, the boat was loaded and off we went. The captain was Capt. Price, affectionately referred to as "Pops." First mate was John Bright, and the deck hands were Chris & Avery. Before we even left the dock, John let us know that nobody was in a hurry, and that we would be taking our time. The ride was great. With twin detroits, the boat hums along at a pretty good clip. John was by far the best First Mate/DM I've seen on a dive boat. He knows his ***** when it comes to the wrecks as well as the area in general. Chris & Avery were also very helpful, and very thorough. They have a knack for knowing when you need help even before you do. SI was spent shooting the breeze with Pops, who has been in the area most of his life. Nathan's hot dogs were also had by all, as well as fresh ice water. Sodas are available for $1, but don't take the last mountain dew without telling someone, or else you get to deal with Pops.
I can't mention enough how much of a pleasure it was to dive with these people.Once back on land, we managed to make it to the dive shop for more gas/gear. Prices are very reasonable, especially on EANx fills. The shop seems to specialize in DiveRite equipment, which is always a nice find. Fresh water wash downs are also available for anyone that needs them. Props to Johnny behind the counter too, he was very helpful and easy to work with.
10 out of 10 to the boat, the crew, the shop, it's staff, and Mr. McDermott. I'd dive with these guys any time.
Other reviews:
Motel: Dare Haven Motel; Close to boat, friendly staff. Only complaint was that the bed was stiff as a brick, but who cares after a day of diving. Also, conveniently located between this motel and the boat is 7-11.
Food: Tale of the Whale; tiki-bar outside to pass the wait time, as well as a dockside gazebo featuring a Bob Dylan inspired guitar musician. Great food, negligible wait. (12 mins)
Anyway, hope that is useful to anyone looking for a solid Nags Head operator. I have included necessary websites for further reference, as well as addresses for GPS directions, and phone numbers. Enjoy, and safe diving.
Dive Shop:
Website: Outer Banks Dive Center, Nags Head, North Carolina
Address: 3917 South Croatan Highway, Nags Head, North Carolina 27959
Phone: 252.449.8349
Dive Boat "Go-Between"
Address: Broad Creek Marina, 708 Harbor Road, Wanchese, NC 27981
Dare Haven Motel:
Website: Outer Banks Motel Accommodations and Rentals
Address: 819 US HWY 64 & 264, Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: 252.473.2322
(there are two 819's on this road. Keep driving, it's the second, and it'll be on the right just past the elementary school)
Tale of the Whale:
Website: Tale of the Whale Restaurant | Outer Banks of North Carolina
Address: 7575 S. Virginia Dare Traill, Nags Head, NC 27959
Phone: 252.441.7332
7-11:
Address: 610 Us Hwy 64, Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: 252.473.5685
