Reef Divers Expanding Fleet

[Johnoly]

Interesting about the ladder. We are doing a new one. What do you prefer about that configuration? Thank you

A 46 Newton is a big boat and I've seen one Miami operator put 38 divers at a time on a 2 tanker trip. Getting alot of divers back on board and seated efficiently/quickly is really important if a slight wave action. The newer divers can more easily keep their fins on and quickly climb the ladder to be then led by a deck hand to their seat. The christmas tree ladder in my opinion, retrieves divers twice as fast as a closed loop since newer divers don't have to 'thread' their fins into the steps. Taking fins off prior while in the water is again, more time consuming than getting them up & seated especially when there is wave action. If wave action is serious, we'll have the divers climb the christmas tree with fins on, then stop on the transom deck and double team them pulling off their fins and 1 person escort them to their seat. If you have enough deck hands, I would put double christmas tree ladders right together in the center which still allows for departing divers to jump off the corners of the transom. It's just about speed and efficiency of getting divers out of the water and into their seat, especially in wave action.

 

[tridacna]

Yes but this is for the Caymans where wave- action is not so bad. I don’t mind waiting until the next-to-last diver goes up. Personally, I despise christmas tree ladders. As I’ve gotten older, Getting up the last step on an I-beam ladder sucks.

I agree that in places like NJ it’s different. Impossible to remove fins before climbing the ladder and really bad wave action requires it.

 

[Johnoly]

... I don’t mind waiting until the next-to-last diver goes up....

{Sarcasm/Teasing added} Dang It !! I've got a schedule to keep with an afternoon dive trip, Get on the boat! But with 38 divers at 2 mins each ladder/seat time, it can seriously take almost 40 minutes to retrieve and seat them all. OK, I have a solution for you with no christmas tree and for me with 20 seconds time >>>>

 

[scubadada]

A 46 Newton is a big boat and I've seen one Miami operator put 38 divers at a time on a 2 tanker trip. Getting alot of divers back on board and seated efficiently/quickly is really important if a slight wave action. The newer divers can more easily keep their fins on and quickly climb the ladder to be then led by a deck hand to their seat. The christmas tree ladder in my opinion, retrieves divers twice as fast as a closed loop since newer divers don't have to 'thread' their fins into the steps. Taking fins off prior while in the water is again, more time consuming than getting them up & seated especially when there is wave action. If wave action is serious, we'll have the divers climb the christmas tree with fins on, then stop on the transom deck and double team them pulling off their fins and 1 person escort them to their seat. If you have enough deck hands, I would put double christmas tree ladders right together in the center which still allows for departing divers to jump off the corners of the transom. It's just about speed and efficiency of getting divers out of the water and into their seat, especially in wave action.

I think Reef Divers takes a maximum of 20. I don't mind a single ladder. I usually jump 1st and return after the last of the divers, gives me at least 10 extra minutes of dive time

 

[caydiver]

Well thank you all. We can have 14 guests but max out at 8 unless it is a PC Ours is 34 ft Newton so it seems like we just need to add steps. Thank you again

 

[kelemvor]

A 46 Newton is a big boat and I've seen one Miami operator put 38 divers at a time on a 2 tanker trip. Getting alot of divers back on board and seated efficiently/quickly is really important if a slight wave action. The newer divers can more easily keep their fins on and quickly climb the ladder to be then led by a deck hand to their seat. The christmas tree ladder in my opinion, retrieves divers twice as fast as a closed loop since newer divers don't have to 'thread' their fins into the steps. Taking fins off prior while in the water is again, more time consuming than getting them up & seated especially when there is wave action. If wave action is serious, we'll have the divers climb the christmas tree with fins on, then stop on the transom deck and double team them pulling off their fins and 1 person escort them to their seat. If you have enough deck hands, I would put double christmas tree ladders right together in the center which still allows for departing divers to jump off the corners of the transom. It's just about speed and efficiency of getting divers out of the water and into their seat, especially in wave action.

I've never tried climbing a ladder with fins on. Even on the 46' newtons along the Florida coast. If I remember the next time I'm on one of the big boats, I'll ask about it.

 

[KathyV]

I suppose a shop could load it up with extras and the engine package is a big part too. But a 46 Newton splashed is in the 350K to 400K range USD. Used ones that size can go for ~$200K. I love their boats but hate their standard ladders, give it a christmas tree !!

Does the 350K to 400K USD estimate include tax? I am sure that taxes will add a bit to the total price.

 

[scubadada]

I've never tried climbing a ladder with fins on. Even on the 46' newtons along the Florida coast. If I remember the next time I'm on one of the big boats, I'll ask about it.

Try Jupiter Dive Center, both boats with Christmas tree ladder. Really good for boarding with big seas. I generally take off my fins and put them on my wrists.

 

[tridacna]

Try Jupiter Dive Center, both boats with Christmas tree ladder. Really good for boarding with big seas. I generally take off my fins and put them on my wrists.

NJ boats do not allow you to remove fins before you’re back on board. Good reason, trust me.

 

[flyboy08]

I’ll be on that boat come January