What makes a great dive boat?

[TSandM]

I don't think wetsuit diving is going to be much of an issue for the OP . . .

I agree with muddiver's comments about the ladder. Handholds are critical and need to be properly placed. A friend has a ladder with the handhold running right up the center -- it completely flummoxes me. Many ladders only have handholds to the top of the ladder -- but when you are standing on the top couple of rungs, you have nowhere to hang on! A small rise on the steps is useful, too. Those of us who are short really have trouble with big steps when carrying our body weight in gear.

I gasped initially at $1000 for 24 hours . . . until I realized that was a price for six divers. $150 apiece for a full day of diving, with meals, is not bad at all. And six divers is a pretty manageable group to assemble.

 

[MVReliant]

Hi everybody
Thanks again for your posts.
Once again point form.
Yes I own the boat and do most of the work. So if it needs building or repairing I do most of it myself.
She draws 10ft and is heavy and stable. I could put a ton of gear on her.Tow a dive float mabey?????
Yes she is a great boat. I have all of her history and she has served the West Coast well.
I am glad you like the hot shower on the aft deck.I never thought of pre-filling you suit.That makes sense doesnt it.Water capacity on board 400 gals.
Price did not include full meals. For sure we would include coffee muffins etc for day trips. Meals can be provided but each group can discuss that with me. My wife was in the 5 diamond catering industry and we are foodies, so dinners will be yummy. Best wine list on any dive boat if you like.hahah
Getting in and out of the water is the key.I am designing that in my mind right now.Ladder to a platform or float with a submersed seat or seats??
Be supportive and help ballance customer and remove fins.Got it
Thanks again for your help and visiting my site. I hope to be able to meet some of you for a great trip.

David

 

[tkdgodess]

compressor that can fill high pressure tanks. somewhere to stow my stuff. ladder I can climb up with my fins on. (i like the one on the "hurst isle" out of port hardy) the rest is fluff. A good crew who can get us into the sites we want, and not just drop us close and easy....

 

[MVReliant]

I have the room for a compressor no problem. I need the repeat customers. Chicken and egg.
When we talk about storage can you tell me how many bags and there size. Or post a pic of the bags you want to store close to you. I have a big upper deck as well. I need to know what needs to be close and what can go in a cabin or down below. Just trying to picture in my mind benches for the aft deck, and storage compartments on the upper deck.

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

MV Reliant! What an awesome boat man! I am so in love with it. You seem to be in the right place too as I would love to dive BC. After looking at the boat here is what I am dreaming about:

1) This is a liveaboard! It does run day trips but it is known outside BC as a liveaboard. I will be coming all the way from Washington DC at least once a year to dive and I would rather spend time and money living on the boat instead of a motel which would not be much different than a motel anywhere else. It is living on that boat for a weekend or possibly a week that makes me want to fly all the way there.

2) Once I am on that boat, I am not expecting too much luxury. There are a lot of liveaboards close to me like Aggressor fleet and Peter Hughes that do that. These are floating hotels that specialize in pampering guests on board and charge a lot for that. That is not what I am expecting when I am on your boat. Good food in plastic or paper plates is all I would ask for. If it is freshly caught sea food ...I will never say no to that.

3) On deck activities ... hmmm. Not expecting much either. A few chairs to stretch on and chat with other divers while sipping coffee in winter and cold ginger ale in summer will make the trip worthwhile.

4) Photography friendly: What this means is that there has to be a large bucket (or two) for me to immerse my camera. Also there have to be power outlets to charge batteries.

5) Sleeping areas: These dont have to be super luxurious. But they have to look friendly and welcoming. I have been on liveaboards where divers were required to bring pillows and sleeping bags etc. I will be traveling from Washington DC and would be changing two flights to get to you. Imagine the luggage I have to drag if I have to bring my own bedding sheets pillows etc.

6) The dives: By the end of the day it is a dive boat and its reputation will be based upon underwater experience. Here I would expect that the people I am diving with know where to take you for an encounter with giant octopus and where will i be able to see Orcas etc.

7) Surface trips if geography allows: If there are any islands where we can get down for an hour to stretch our legs that would be another opportunity for me to take pictures and see places I would never have seen.

8) Let me not forget Ambiance: Some boats/dive operations have a very positive chemistry about them. The atmosphere is created by the crew but eventually everyone starts behaving that way. If crew is friendly and interactive, divers tend to become like that towards each other as well. This creates a very positive air -

9) Finally COST! Your boat is something that would have to be an affordable alternative to the ultra expensive Aggressor and Explorer type liveaboards. Do bear in mind that I have the option of diving in Utila or Belize for 7 days for 2500 dollars. Well I will be coming to you because

1. I dont have 2500$
2. I cant take 7 days off so 3 a day liveaboard that gives me 4 dives a day is what I would be looking for.

I think there is serious potential in your boat and location. I think you will end up owning a dive shop too, renting and selling gear.

All the best -

Looking forward to diving with you.

Captain Sinbad

 

[MVReliant]

Captain Sinbad

Thank you for your kind comments about the boat,she is one of a kind and I spent 5 years restoring her..
First off, food.There is fresh fish at the dock or we will catch our own crab and prawns.We drop a trap in the morning and have fresh crab at night. BBQ on the aft deck.Or walk to the oyster bar in 30 seconds.Or the steak house beside that.

Run "Keats Island" "Plumpers cove" "Gambier Island" in google. Those islands surround Gibsons Landing. Apparently the dolphins that are in the video on my site were out yesterday. Otters and seals live right at the dock.Lots of islands to walk on.
Affordability in this economy is key for all of us. I am pricing my trips as no frills but bedding is included. I usually charge a small fee for cleaning when bedding included.Pillows and blankets are free.
The boat was originally built for 6 crew to be at sea for weeks at a time so the fridge is big and the bunks are comfortable with reading lights and lots of outlets for charging batteries. No TV though but IPOD docking station and CD player.

Send me an email through the web site and I can send you a few more pics.

I really want to thank all of you on this board for your posts.You sound like great people who I would enjoy having aboard.