Rental gear

[transparent]

My wife and I are taking our first dive trip since being certified. We are planning on staying at Cocolobo May 24-31st. Anyone else going to be in the west end at that time?
My real concern is about the quality of the rental gear the the various ops. Is there anything that we should definatly pick up before leaving?
Also, do the dive ops and hotels accept travelers checks? I know I need to bring a ton of cash but I don't want to bring more than necessary.
:14:
Yes its raining in the PNW, I need sun soon.

 

[SteveAD]

The only predictable thing about rental gear is that it is unpredictable. Some places have brand new high end stuff in their rental fleets, others have old junk held together with bubble gum and duct tape, and anything in between.

With the exception of the casual, one trip a year diver, most regular divers have pretty much all of their own gear, and take it when we travel.

Rather than asking if there is anything that you should bring of your own, better to think about what NOT to bring.

mask--definitely
fins--I like mine, not sure what they have in rental, take 'em
snorkel--I don't use one
reg--it goes in my mouth (rental= big icky) bring mine
bc-- see fins
wetsuit--there's 2 kinds of people with wetsuits; those who admit it, and those who lie about it. see reg
tank--big, heavy, and one is pretty much as good as another--use theirs
weight--see tank

 

[Bay Island Diver]

A nice wetsuit of your own, say a full 3mm is a really nice thing to have. To me this is a really personal thing.

A dive computer is also a nice to have and are really available for rent.

As for the rest of the gear, it really depends which op you choose to dive with. Some have really nice gear, some peoples rental gear is really starting to show its age. Coconut Tree Divers have completely replaced their BCDs, Regs and Wetsuits within the last year, its in great condition, they even use weight intergrated BCDs now. I believe a few other shops have recently upgraded their equipment as well, ask to check out the gear before signing up is my advice.

I sell equipment down there, so if you need anything in particular PM me.

 

[transparent]

Thanks for the help, hard to say what we will have before we get down there. Have a 3mm shorty and long already. we will proabbly pick up a computer before hand too. I contacted Coconut Tree Divers a couple days ago but havn't heard a response. Is it necessary to pick an op and make a reservation before or just check it out when we get down there?

 

[hopefulist]

I'm a once-every-year-or-two sort of diver until I retire. I love my mask (fit and comfort are really important) and snorkel and always take those plus my shortie wetsuit; usually my fins, too. I have cool gadgets like a divelight, magnifying glass, fish identifiers, slate, inflatable orange "HEY I'M OVER HERE!" weanie, etc., but no other equipment. I just don't go often enough to want the expense or upkeep and I don't want to lug heavy stuff around.

 

[Bay Island Diver]

It is always safer to book, but at that time of year a reservation shouldn't be required. Did you mail Coconut Tree on coconuttreedivers@gmail.com they have recently changed to that address because of all the spam they were getting.

If you did, i am surprised they haven't answered back, although powers and coms can be a problem on the island. If you are based in the US you can also call them on 8139647214 (florida area number) or if in the UK you can get them on 01513240701, a Liverpool number. These are VOIP numbers so be patient with the delay on the line and poor quality it is best to call between 8am and 5pm central time.

 

[Dive Junky]

I see you just joined scubaboard today, congratulations. first time for me back here for some time. not sure how long you have been diving and what you own yet but, diving in warm water doesnt require a lot of gear. pack your own stuff and take it with you. have it looked at by your LDS if you havent used it in a while. with your own gear there are no worries and no surprises. why take a chance with your vacation?

 

[transparent]

Yeah, just signed up. Avid reader though. Agree about taking our own gear but we are new and don't have everything yet. We might by May though. Just wanted to see what the rental situation was in the west end.

 

[Dive Junky]

Gotcha. Well have a great time. Dont forget to post your trip when you get back. Heading to Roatan myself May 31 - June 6th. Cant wait. Dive safe.

 

[RaginCajun]

Another option is renting locally and travelling with the gear.

My local LDS had a rent to own program. Pick a set of gear, pay for it over time (6-12 mos) and they give you free rental gear in the meantime. At least this way you'll know exactly what you're using and you can always try it out at the LDS pool.

We did this for my wife's first post cert OW dives. Worked OK for us.

Naturally someone will point out that this adds the liability of travelling with gear, purchasing appropriate dive travel bag etc, but it's just a thought.

Happy diving.