Best Boats For Diving: Safe And Fun Adventures

If you're looking to buy a boat for diving, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the size of the boat and the number of people it can accommodate is crucial. You need to think about how many divers and pilots will be on board. Secondly, the amount of deck space is important as diving gear is bulky and heavy, so a spacious deck makes it easier to put on gear and move around. Additionally, features like transom and hullside doors can provide easy access to enter and exit the water. Stability is another key factor – a rigid hull and inflatable tube offer greater balance, and engine power is important for safe boating in difficult conditions. You might also want to consider customising your boat with features like tank racks, comfortable seating, and easy-to-use ladders. Lastly, don't forget about storage for all your diving accessories and electronics for navigation.

Deck space

When it comes to choosing a good boat for diving, deck space is paramount. Diving gear is heavy and cumbersome, so you'll need a boat with a spacious deck to put on your gear and get ready for the dive. The best boats for diving tend to be those geared towards fishing, such as centre-consoles, walkarounds, work boats, and pilot house models.

Fishing features like transom and hullside doors can double as access points to enter and exit the water. A high freeboard gives you a place to put on your gear before falling back into the water. You should also consider boats with in-deck fish boxes, which can be useful for divers who go spearfishing or diving for lobster.

When it comes to deck space, you'll want to look for a boat with a wide loading and boarding capacity to accommodate passengers and all their equipment safely. The front section of the boat should be sufficiently large, with a platform deck for storing equipment and an anchor locker for the anchor, chain, and rope. This will leave enough room and comfort for the divers to move around and prepare for their dive.

Additionally, consider the number of passengers you'll be accommodating. The length of the boat should be chosen according to the number of divers you plan to take out. A larger group will require a bigger boat with more deck space.

Finally, don't forget to consider customisation options. Some boat manufacturers may be able to custom-source and install additional features like tank racks to make your diving experience even better.

Boat size

When it comes to choosing a boat for diving, the most important consideration is the amount of deck space available. Diving gear is heavy and bulky, so having a spacious deck makes it easier to put on your gear and get ready for the dive. Additionally, a wide deck provides ample room for multiple divers to gear up simultaneously, reducing the time spent waiting and allowing for more dives per outing.

The size of the boat you choose will depend on the number of divers you plan to accommodate. For example, a small boat measuring 12.5 feet can comfortably fit two divers and their gear, while a larger boat, such as the Scout 530 LXF, offers ample space for a large group of divers and provides a luxurious experience. If you're looking for something in between, the Farallon 2600 Walkaround is a great option, with a spacious, non-skid self-bailing deck ideal for night dives and accommodating up to 150 gallons of fuel.

Another factor to consider is the presence of a swim platform, which is not specific to diving boats but adds convenience for divers entering and exiting the water. The Scout 235 XSF, for instance, features a full transom swim platform, providing easy access to the water and ample space for donning and removing scuba gear.

When selecting a boat size, it's also crucial to think about the storage capacity. Diving requires a lot of accessories and equipment, and having dedicated storage space ensures that everything is organised and readily accessible. This includes storage for tanks, weights, fins, masks, wetsuits, and any other gear you may need for your dives.

Lastly, don't forget to consider the comfort and safety features that can enhance your diving experience. Opt for boats with electronics and navigation systems, such as 3D depth sounders, interactive tide charts, and VHF radio. Additionally, consider boats with heated freshwater showers, comfortable seating, and customisable tank rack systems.

Swim platforms

When choosing a swim platform, it is important to select the right material. This will impact the aesthetic appeal, longevity, and maintenance requirements of the platform. Popular materials include starboard, teak wood, and fibreglass. Starboard is strong, weatherproof, long-lasting, and maintenance-free, making it the ultimate swim platform material. Teak wood is also strong and durable, and it looks amazing, but it requires more maintenance and doesn't last as long as plastic or fibreglass options. Fibreglass swim platforms are durable and robust, and they are commonly found on modern boats.

There are a variety of swim platforms available on the market, with different features and price points. For example, the World Cat 230CC Center Console is equipped with a swim ladder mounted on the transom between the engines, making it easy to enter and exit the water. The Everglades 295 Center Console, on the other hand, offers a roomy cockpit and a door to the transom with a telescoping ladder tucked beneath it. The Intrepid 300 Center Console is another excellent option, with a transom door, a dive platform on each side, and a head compartment.

When installing a swim platform, it is important to consider the mounting style, especially if your boat has an outboard engine. The platform should not impede the full rotation of the engine. Outboard-style platforms typically have only one upward-extending handle, with the side without the handle facing the engine to allow for rotation.

Storage

When it comes to choosing a boat for diving, storage is a key consideration. You'll need space to store all your diving gear, as well as any personal belongings you want to bring along. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Size and Capacity

The size of the boat you choose will depend on the number of people on board and the amount of gear you need to store. Make sure there is enough room for everyone to move around comfortably and store their belongings safely. If you're planning on diving with a large group, consider a boat like the Scout 530 LXF, which offers ample space and storage for larger groups.

Deck Space and Accessibility

Look for a boat with a spacious deck that allows easy access to your gear. This will make it more convenient to put on and remove your diving equipment. Some boats, like the Farallon 2600 Walkaround, have a non-skid self-bailing deck, which is ideal for night dives as well as providing ample space. The World Cat 230CC Center Console is another good option, with unique features like a swim ladder mounted on the transom and fold-down seating that creates a flat deck space, providing more room for donning dive gear.

Customisation and Accessories

Consider a boat that can be customised to your needs. Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) are a popular choice as they can be tailored to your specific requirements. You can add accessories like a ladder, console, and additional storage to make your diving experience more comfortable and convenient. The Zodiac Open 5.5, for example, has a large deck that can be adapted with various equipment and accessories.

Look for creative storage solutions to maximise space. For instance, the World Cat 230CC Center Console has ample seating with cavernous storage compartments underneath. The Everglades 295 Center Console also offers a roomy cockpit with a flip-up bench seat built into the transom, providing extra storage space.

When choosing a boat for diving, consider the size of your group, the amount of gear you'll need to store, and the accessibility of your equipment. Customisable boats with ample deck space and innovative storage solutions will enhance your diving experience and ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Electronics and navigation

When it comes to electronics and navigation, there are several important components that can enhance your diving experience. Here are some key features to consider:

• 3D Depth Sounders: This technology provides detailed information about the depth of the water and the underwater topography, helping you navigate to the best diving spots and ensuring a safer experience.
• Interactive Tide Charts: By having access to real-time tide information, you can plan your dives more effectively and avoid potential hazards associated with changing tides.
• VHF Radio: A very high frequency (VHF) radio is crucial for maintaining communication with other boats and shore-based stations. It allows you to stay connected, receive weather updates, and call for assistance in case of an emergency.
• GPS and Chartplotters: Global positioning system (GPS) technology and chartplotters enable you to pinpoint your exact location, navigate to specific dive sites, and mark interesting underwater spots for future exploration.
• Fish Finders: While not directly related to diving, fish finders can help you locate schools of fish and underwater structures. This can be useful if you're interested in spearfishing or simply want to observe marine life.
• Dive Computers: Although not strictly boat electronics, dive computers are essential for divers. They provide real-time information about depth, bottom time, and decompression limits, ensuring a safer diving experience.
• Radar: Radar systems enhance your situational awareness by detecting nearby vessels and hazards. This is particularly useful when diving in areas with high boat traffic or limited visibility.
• Compass: A compass is a basic yet vital navigation tool for any boat. It allows you to maintain your bearing and navigate to your desired dive sites, even in unfamiliar waters.
• Autopilot: Autopilot systems can maintain a set course, reducing the need for manual steering. This feature is especially useful during long journeys, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax between dives.
• Emergency Beacons: In the event of an emergency, emergency beacons, such as EPIRBs (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons), can be activated to transmit distress signals and your location to rescue services.

When equipping your boat with electronics and navigation systems, it's important to consider the specific needs of divers. Opt for features that enhance safety, provide detailed information about the underwater environment, and improve communication. Additionally, ensure that you have backup systems in place, such as spare batteries and portable VHF radios, in case of equipment failure.

Frequently asked questions