boat/rib

[paintsnow]

Im looking for the cheapest possible setup for a dive boat. It will be used on Lake Mead, Lake Mojave, and the Colorado River.

So i was looking at RIB because it seems that they are cheaper then full boats, but since i might be wrong im posting this, and im still kinda open to a normal boat.

Im interested in the 16 - 20 ft range that will hold 10 divers and gear.

i found one that looks like a good setup but would not mind a non folding design either.
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|215570|343598|946620&id=942368

it would probably stay assembled anyways.

i know i want a steering wheel and throttle for the engine on a small console.
and i have no clue what engine to get either.

and as far as electronics go do i need anything on a some what small lake? i know i want a depth finder and gps just to find my way back and to be able to find new dive spots.

and obviously lights for night diving.

so i assume i would need an A frame to mount lights on and fly a dive flag off of.
and as far as tank storage, how would that work out? any commercial products out there or do i have to think something up myself.

i was wondering what the difference between a RIB and a aluminum floor were.
theres no waves on the lake so i don't need anything extreme, but i don't want an inflatable floor either.

sorry about all the questions but im just a noob at boats, but i will be taking a course on how to handle it safely and such after i get it.

Thank you all for the help in advance

[snagel]

I'm not sure about this...10 people with gear? It looks like you would have $20,000 in this by the time you get a motor. I'd suggest looking at something different. For that kind of money, you could find something used that I think would work a lot better. Just my opinion. I don't think you would be happy with this a dive boat with that many people. Where are you going to put tanks? By the time you put all the gear in the thing there wouldn't be any room for people. Not trying to be negative here, but I wouldn't pick this as a dive boat.

S. Nagel

[Formerly 45yroldNewbie]

I second snagel. That wouldn't be big enough. I have a 17' and with only 3 divers, two tanks each plus gear there really was no room for more. If you want to carry 10 divers then you'll want to look for something that is really open, like a whaler and probably 25'-30'. The engine of course depends on whether you want an inboard, outboard or I/O. Look at the used boat market around you. I'm sure you can find a sweet deal. In one regard boats are like scuba; they cost alot to get started and a lot of people decide after a year or so that boating is not for them and sell off. Another thing to keep in mind is boats are a money pit. There is always, I mean always, something to fix. Be sure to think through this before you buy. You could be getting more than you bargained for.

Just my .02

[BSea]

For diving in lakes, you can hardly beat a pontoon boat. They can hold lots of gear & people. Plus, they are easy to get on & off. I don't know about the Colorado River, but for the lakes it seems it would be a better option. Plus, you can usually find used ones, and if you decide to sell down the road, there is a market for them. I think the one you are looking at would be hard to get rid of. The good thing is, the one your looking at doesn't take up much room in your garage.

[RoadRacer1978]

I have a 16' VIP tri-hull with a 85hp motor. It only hold a max of about 3 divers with gear, 2 divers with gear very comfortably. You'll want something with a very open floor plan, like a pontoon boat to hold the max people for the size of the boat. Take a look around at used, for the price of that little zodiac you could get a pretty nice used boat and motor. Mine was a little older and needed some tlc, but it was only $1500. It was a bank repo and the motor runs great, it was just left uncovered and was filthy when I got it, but couldn't beat the price.

[Bert]

Try looking at craigslist. Here in Mi there is a fair amount of boats for sale.

[navyhmc]

I'll go with the concensus on this issue. If you're wanting to float 10 divers with gear a RHIB is not the way to go. Figure at least 6 square feet of floor space for each diver getting gear together, seating for those 10 divers including life jackets and all, you're looking at at least 25' of keel if not 30'. A pontoon boat is the best way to go, that or a tri-hull configuration if you are going to go a bit of distance before dropping anchor.

I also agree with Craigslist for leads.

Good luck.

[Tom A]

pontoon will be lots more more an comfort even take coolers along with water

[hoop]

Pontoon, hands down. 7 adults, 3 kids, 5 sets of diving gear, 2 big ice chests.... no problem. You're not going to get anywhere very fast, but that's part of the fun!

[rox@ucf11]

Pontoon triplet 34' w/ Mercury Optimax 225 lol bit expensive but if it comes with the ladies ill take it