Info Magician sold

[seansrs36]

I have not been diving in a long time but was saddened to hear that the Magician has been sold and no longer will be a dive boat. I guess it is going to go to Mexico and be used as a fishing boat. A lot of fond memories diving from that boat.

 

[NitroxDIVER62]

I got certified on that boat in 1990

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

unfortunately I predict a lot of other aging Socal boats ending up the same way.

 

[Scuba Lawyer]

unfortunately I predict a lot of other aging Socal boats ending up the same way.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I’ve never been on the Magician. Does anybody know what material the boat was built from?

 

[Tracy]

I’ve never been on the Magician. Does anybody know what material the boat was built from?

I think it was glass. It could have been wood construction with glass over it.

 

[broncobowsher]

I’ve never been on the Magician. Does anybody know what material the boat was built from?

I've been on it, but it has been too many years. Don't recall the materials it was made of.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I've been on it, but it has been too many years. Don't recall the materials it was made of.

If it’s anything like the Peace and several other boats in Socal of that era they were plywood wrapped with fiberglass (glassply).
That was very popular in the 70’s and 80’s since premium marine grade plywood was still available and fairly reasonable in price. Plans and patterns were easy to get and they were not hard to build for any competent boat yard.
The problem is maintenance, and defered maintenance is even worse. Once those boats get to a certain point in dilapidation the cost and effort to bring them back to standard is not worth it.
Another problem is a lot of rot and damage can be hidden and go undetected for decades until it’s too late. When I had my marine business I saw so much of that with plywood construction.

 

[Scuba Lawyer]

If it’s anything like the Peace and several other boats in Socal of that era they were plywood wrapped with fiberglass (glassply).

I was just on the Peace a few days ago for a 3-day Lobster opener to Santa Barbara Island. That boat is still holding up remarkably well, but there are more patches than original material. The crew is first rate and they let you dive all day. Did 11 dives on the trip. I could have done 5 more dives but while my mind thinks i'm 20, my body disagrees. Limited out with 21 Lobster and a couple of pounds of rock scallop meat. Great boat!