Potential Business

[Baroo]

Hey all -
I am thinking of heading south and starting up an underwater yacht maintenance company - hull cleanings, inspections, minor repairs etc... What do you all think? Pros/Cons?

Thanks!

 

[Tractor Tom]

I was down in Key West about two years ago, walking the piers at the marina there by the Turtle Kraal resturant and a fellow was working in the water on a big powerboat. He had a scuba tank in a red coaster wagon, and a long (30') hose to his second stage. He was in a dive skin and carrying very little weight. I don't know if he was changing a prop, or a cutlass bearing or what??? The only down side to what you are saying is, have you ever looked a the water in a marina? Most of the water is really oily and nasty.... Diving under a boat out in the bay is one thing, diving in the marina where everyone is dumping junk over the side is a different matter.....

Just my $.02

 

[Baroo]

Thanks for the info tom -

I don't think I'd have a problem finding work as I already have a few connections (at least I think so) but my hesitation revolves around what you mentioned.... all the cr@p in the water... I imagine the diving would be in the inner coastal water way and that water is just nasty....

I wonder what health risks are in/out there?

 

[canuckdiver]

the health risks of diving in/around marinas can be considerable!
A lot of boats are discharging waste water into the water, as well as the fact that these tend to be areas of slow-moving water, therefore far more alge, etc.
Also, make sure that the marina knows what you are doing, as they may take a dim view of you diving for profit in a high boat traffic area.

(just my opinion)

 

[jepuskar]

Get permission from the marina too hand out fliers to everybody there that shows the dive flag and what it means. I'm sure people down there are a little more literate when it comes to the dive flag, but up here..fuuuugggeetttaabbooouutt it.