Scuba diving with an inflatable raft??

[--tom--]

I shore dive; is there any possible way to bring and extra tank with me so i dont have to swim all the way back to shore and set up a new tank?

This is an interesting question, because it presents a whole series of things to think about.
Often the surface swim back is an important part of your surface interval, if you don't have to swim back, are you willing just to sit on the surface so you aren't going into decompression profiles?
Have you planned for your dives for this contingency?

+1 on getting/finding a dive buddy; whether dive club or hanging out at dive shops or on this board is used to find one (or two or ten...) (I am not opposed to solo diving, but I believe a strong foundational base of knowledge, experience and training should be established before participating.)

After all of this, one option for two tanks is a side mount system. (you have to do the research )

Good diving.

 

[Cruisin Home]

I have been using "floatables" for decades. In fact I think its one of the safest things you can do if you do it right. When I started diving in early 70's everyone used an inner tube from big truck tire as a float. I commented on an accident thread recently where a newbie diver may be alive if she had the surface float. its great for using to put you catch in, emergency ascent line, spare gear, more visible than little flag setup, better to swim in with, ..etc.

Nowadays cool to have the "floatable" a kayak or rigid inflatable. even better. But be careful there are some do's and don'ts. Dont get in habit that this thing is a boat and go out farther than you can safely swim back without it. Be prepared to lose it or get separated from it. Do not tie to your body.

I liked mine used to put small boat anchor (grappel style) and would swim down and anchor it to bottom real good before I went about my dive.

This is the greatest way to do gathering style diving (lobster, scallop, spearfish, etc).

Dont jump into to doubles too soon. Also dont listen to all of the weanies on this board, float diving to me is a very safe way to go, particularly for new divers.

 

[BuoyantC]

We kayak dive and towing the kayak is quite easy and much better for peace of mind than anchoring. We have done two tank dives, but.... I would not recommend it. Even in the best of conditions it is risky and difficult. The chances of flooding your kayak if using the compartment is too great, and to maneuver and set up gear on without losing something is just not worth the hassle. But overall the experience is great and even a paddle back to shore for another tank is not that difficult. Check out Ocean Kayak's Scrambler XT.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I have dove out of a canoe with a single tank (takes some practice and coordination with a buddy to get in/out and I have dove with a sit on top Kayak (much easier, and some are set up ok for carrying a second tank.)

A raft is not very fast or maeuverabel and as mentioned above, in a wind you are not going to make much headway so it poses navigational risks and challenges.

A RIB is another option. A 9-11 ft RIB and a 9-10 hp motor will only weight 150-200 pounds and are easily portable on an SUV even without a trailer. They are also easy to dive out of due to good stability and low freeboard and they will carry a lot of weight. As noted above, it makes more sense to anchor them than to tow them as a great big dive flag. Anchoring them securely is important, but you have the luxury of doing it like a dive boat would anyway - anchor and tie the anchor in to ensure the boat will be there when you get back.

 

[danvolker]

I have dove out of a canoe with a single tank (takes some practice and coordination with a buddy to get in/out and I have dove with a sit on top Kayak (much easier, and some are set up ok for carrying a second tank.)

A raft is not very fast or maeuverabel and as mentioned above, in a wind you are not going to make much headway so it poses navigational risks and challenges.

A RIB is another option. A 9-11 ft RIB and a 9-10 hp motor will only weight 150-200 pounds and are easily portable on an SUV even without a trailer. They are also easy to dive out of due to good stability and low freeboard and they will carry a lot of weight. As noted above, it makes more sense to anchor them than to tow them as a great big dive flag. Anchoring them securely is important, but you have the luxury of doing it like a dive boat would anyway - anchor and tie the anchor in to ensure the boat will be there when you get back.

Here is my choice for what you want.
AIRE | Rafts, Catarafts, Inflatable Kayaks Whitewater Rafting Accessories and Boats

I used to have one, and used it in a story I did many years ago...
Kayaks and skin-diving


I used to paddle this out to the 60 foot reefs, and either scuba dive or freedive with it. I could take a 2nd person with me, as it had plenty of room for 2 paddlers, or I could paddle it solo.
It was able to handle virtually any wave conditions, and was just about as fast in the water as a hard shell like a scupper pro...the extra length of this aire boat makes it faster than you would expect.
Towing it was quite easy, as it has little drag..potentially less than a large red floatball.

DanV

 

[Zaixon]

Check out Gold Coast Scuba for dive buddies they shore dive all the time and its a great way to meet people Gold Coast Scuba Divers (954) 616-5909 (Fort Lauderdale, FL) - Meetup
they're in borward right off commercial. and the reef right there is like a 5 min swim if that... i'm out there like once a week hah