New dive boat in Wilmington

[flounderer]

Introducing the Aquatic Safaris 1

She pulled in Sunday after muscling through 8-10ft seas on her way up from FL. There is still some work to be done and a few more CG inspections but it should be outfitted by the end of the year. It is a big, fast boat that Aquatic Safaris is hoping will be able to travel to spots not normally visited out of Wilmington.

It is a 2005 48ft Island Hopper with twin 490hp turbo diesels named the Aquatic Safaris 1. So far AS is saying it will normally carry 18 divers but will carry up to 22-24 for groups. The same boats run in FL with 40 divers so there is a good amount of room. Currently it looks like the boat may cruise a solid 25kts loaded. If it cruises at that speed it puts the offshore wrecks (Cassimer and Normannia) less then 2hrs away and deep water ledges (140ft+) a little longer. I'm trying to talk them into running more tech oriented trips and they seem to be somewhat receptive. If your in the area check it out at the Bridge Tender.

Pat

Here is a picture of it pulling in the slip for the first time.

 

[fireflock]

The new boat looks like a fantastic dive platform for those longer trips!

I have been out with Aquatic Safaris a few times (and have always enjoyed it), and I would be more likely to choose AS/Wilmington for a trip (vs. Morehead, N. Myrtle, etc...) when the premier sites are on the schedule. The 'sheltered' area on the new boat looks like a great improvement for the longer trips. I always hated putting my wetsuit on in the inlet because I knew I would get soaked on the ride out.

Congratulations Aquatic Safaris!

Rich