Looking for a boat to scuba with.... - The Hull Truth

Tasantherus · 04-03-2008, 11:34 AM

I'm an average scuba diver who has a profound interest in underwater metal detecting and need a boat to hit spots unavailable to me due to lack of beech front places to swim from. Here are some of my primary needs and thoughts. Maybe you all can suggest something that may be suitable for me.

I am a coldwater diver doing inland lakes in Michigan no bigger than a thousand acres, with about 150 acres being the norm.

I do not intend to dive more than 40 feet, as most of the rings and old coins I recover are in the average of 10 to 20 foot depth range.

I do not need speed although I have 2 children currently 4 and 7 years old who may like to go tubing.

I plan on having a maximum of 3 divers at any time with 1 or 2 being the norm.

I have never owned a boat before, but would be willing to spend about 15,000 for something that suits my needs. I may go as high as 18,000.

I do not intend on going out in inclement weather, and have not seen any large waves in the lakes I've been researching. I may need to get close to shore, and park it in 10 to 15 foot water.

My maximum ungeared play around use will be about 6 or 7 people, wife, 2 small children, step mom, 2 friends and myself. But the average will be 2 to 5.

I was thinking a 21 foot pontoon boat may suite my needs, but as always, I am in my research phase and any input would be welcome.

I am basically looking for a stable dive platform that can hold my gear and children in comfort for a few hour on mellow inland lake water in Michigan. Inland meaning small lakes, not the Great ones that surround me.

Thanx again for any input, Jeff

P.S. I've been reading on some other boat forums to go with a center console instead, is that would I should be looking for?

TheSkipper · 04-03-2008, 01:17 PM

You might consider a Boston Whaler Montauk. Here's a link to a late 1990s Montauk which is nicely set up for diving: http://www.garlic.com/~triblet/whaler/

You should be able find many used Montauks in good condition in your price range.

Here's a link to some better pictures of a Montauk: http://continuouswave.com/whaler/cet...ceaPage41.html

Bulls I · 04-03-2008, 03:15 PM

It sounds like you need a pontoon boat.

GhostShip · 04-03-2008, 04:44 PM

Or possibly a "deck boat" same open deck layout as a pontoon but a monohull for easier trailering. Pontoons are a PITA to launch and trailer.

Deck boats usually are equipped w/ nice swim platforms and have a very stable(lake friendly hull). The only alteration would be to add a heavy-duty boarding ladder and some grab bars.