The perfect size small dive boat set up.

[TheQuintessentialMan]

Saw a similar thread a few years ago so figured it's time for another one. Just curious what you guys have set up for personal dive boats for you and the gang. I'm still looking for that perfectly sized tow-able V-hull or power cat to accommodate 4 divers and a couple of boat sitters for a few dives for a day in the Gulf or southeast coast. If I was just lake diving, I'd get a tri-toon and be done with it, but taking a toon out in the ocean just does not sould like a good idea long term althought I hear of people doing it.

 

[Tracy]

This was the first dive boat I built. It was an awesome 4 pack. We trailered it everywhere. Even down to the keys during the winter.
It was a PennYan 23' Avenger. Had hot water cabin heat for underway. Plus electric heat and AC when you were sleeping at the dock.
PennYan had a magnificent hull design. It was a 23' that thought it was a 40' offshore. Beam was around 9'4" so you could skate under the radar without permits.

 

[Still Kicking]

Started with a 15' inflatable, and gradually moved up to a 20' center console, a 22' cuddy, and now a 29' walkaround. For four divers, the 29' is a great layout with plenty of room but it's not towable. I would look at something in the 22'-24' range like Tracy indicated.

Plenty of decent boats in that range but it's all about condition. Unless you want a real project, you have to be very selective. Do your homework. Good luck!

 

[Tracy]

I'm not sure how your oversize laws run in Texas, but I tow this one all over the state of Michigan every day during the season. Michigan allows up to 10' beam with an annual oversize permit. I own it, but it isn't a personal dive boat, I run it as a charter boat up here.
It is pretty much the largest thing I can easily tow everywhere and still quickly launch and retrieve from any ramp needed.
Overall it is 34'x10'x13'6" high on the trailer. Weighs 10k including the trailer.

 

[Tracy]

I also currently have this one for sale. It all depends on your definition of towable and what your state allows. I used to tow this one all over the state but I downsized to the smaller one with a 10' beam because I could get annual permits instead of having to deal with trip permits.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

 

[Eric802]

A C-dory! My dad had one for a few years, different model than yours. He bought it to travel on the intercoastal down in Alabama but it spent most of its life in Wisconsin at his lake house. I believe it's on Lake Michigan now with a new owner. Neat boats!

 

[Tracy]

I don't think I have ever seen a C dory capable of moving. 300 hp should get that thing moving in a hurry. I normally just see them up in the 1000 islands or around Isle Royale with twin 40hp or a single 75hp.

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

I really dig Maxbottomtimes boat. Here's mine. Hewescraft Ocean Pro - 24ft with a 8.5ft beam. What I really like about the metal boat is I don't worry at all about any scratches or dings. Just rinse everything with HOT fresh water and put-r to bed.

 

[Tracy]

What I really like about the metal boat is I don't worry at all about any scratches or dings.

I'm with you, the PennYan was my last fiberglass boat. Too much work trying to keep up with repairs from diver damage. All five of my current boats are metal. One steel and four aluminum. Fiberglass boats are great toys, but for work boats I like metal.