Hull Design - The Hull Truth

UnderWater Angler · 08-12-2009, 06:11 PM

I'm looking for a dive charter boat, but cannot find a manufacturer that makes the boat I have in my head.

I'm looking for a boat that is a CC (preferably, not 100%) around 26' plus (pricing wise) with the largest beam possible and as much square footage in the stern as possible. There would also need to be a door or opening in the transom to allow a sizable dive ladder to be installed.

Ive been on 29' boats with less room that 23's....what am I missing?

Not worried about new or used. Would actually like to find a good hull and put new motors on it (used motors scare me

)

Would be running charters in the Gulf of Mexico in the North West Florida region, if that makes any difference.

Any other ideas on boat types or styles or insight in general would be greatly appreciated.

A Few Dollars · 08-12-2009, 06:24 PM

http://www.newtonboats.com/org_site/boats/26sport.htm

http://www.dusky.com/boats/dus26.html

OReely · 08-12-2009, 06:32 PM

island hopper

UnderWater Angler · 08-12-2009, 07:11 PM

I have crewed on both the Newton and the Dusky and love them both. Have never seen that 26' Dusky with the 11' beam!! But wouldn't that 8 degree deadrise be awful? The Dusky I have been on is a 29' and i was very wet and a rough ride. The Newtons are amazing but slow, the 42 and the 32.

That 26' Newton looks like a 29' Mako my friend just redid, I have yet to ride on it but that's beacause it's still moored behind the shop w.o a tranny.

I'm not familiar with the IH but know there are a lot of them in the Keys, anyone with 1st hand experience? How about on the 26' Dusky and Newton?

Thanks guys, all three of those boats pretty much fit the bill perfectly

kerno · 08-12-2009, 07:11 PM

Find youirself a Stamas 29 Tarpon. I used one as a dive boat for several years and it has a huge cockpit, excellent diver access and a console that you can actually change in. I took the leaning post/tackle center out and replaced it with a simple seat. THere a quite a few used ones available. I'd stick with a 2000 or newer and have it surveyed for delamination and soft spots first. They are a well made boat, but have tons of wood in them.

mbb · 08-12-2009, 07:39 PM

I think I might consider a diesel aluminum hull pilot house type boat (with A/C!) especially designed for diving if I was to consider operating a charter commercially, but it might depend on how many persons onboard. Need shade for divers, lots of things to hold on too, seating , racks, et.c

Bly · 08-13-2009, 05:23 AM

They are usually wider and a whole lot more stable at rest anchored.

fishinmaniac · 08-13-2009, 05:47 AM

Stamas tarpon gets my vote. Lots of room in the stern with a shallow deadrise to make her stable at anchor.

captainmike73 · 08-13-2009, 07:53 AM

a BAMF boat may work. www.bamfboats.com

UnderWater Angler · 08-14-2009, 02:22 PM

That Stamas is nice, is there wood in the new ones? I like the Pilothouse on the BAMF, any real time performance numbers on them or the Stamas?