Any divers out there?

[sv_makai]

We learned to dive while in Bonaire. There are many cruising divers. Most of the boats we have met all dive. The Caribbean has some awesome places and the only way to get to some of the out islands is by boat.

A perfect combonation

[Strygaldwir]

Both my wife and I are avid divers. I am a SSI Dive Control Specialist. Sort of a cross between a Dive Master and Instructor. Somewhat in between. Anyway, we love it. Usually take three or four significant trips a year. We will probably only be able to do one trip this year. Just bought a boat and we are preparing it for extended cruising diving.

Keith

[sv_makai]

We have found that cruising and diving go together very well. traveling and diving works well. It is also excellent to b e able to dive on you boat for repairs or just bottom cleaning.

[Jentine]

Keith, an interesting note: Several years ago my wife and I spent a couple of weeks aboard a friend's boat in Bonaire. I, too, am an SSI Dive Control Specialist. My SSI dive card was refused and I had to show them a lesser ranked PADI card to get air. A strange occurance. Keep other dive certifications handy when you travel.
Jim

[Strygaldwir]

Jim;

That is interesting! I was in Bonaire about a year ago, but, I did not have my divecon certification then. I will make sure I keep carrying my older dive cards. Still have my 5 dive card, no one has refused that one... Yet

Cheer,

Keith

[Steve Kidson]

I am a PADI certified diver and am about to upgrade to my Advanced Open Water.

Have dived in Australia - Sydney and Whitsunday Islands, Vanuatu and Tahiti. All good, all different.

Steve

[sv_makai]

I have the PADI cert and was amazed here in Venezuela and in Bequia, Grenidines that I was not even asked for my cert when renting tanks. Bequia the the dive shop didn't even ask my name just took the cash and said the closed a 5PM.

Venezuela I can understand but I was suprized to right in the middle of tourist country where I woud have thought they would ask everybody.

Oh Well

[nolatom]

Yes, started about 6 years ago, PADI Rescue certified, do about 20 dives a year on average. Boatless at present, though I get lots of sailing time in through teaching it in several classes out on Lake Pontchartrain.

Haven't combined sailing and diving yet, but would like to some day...

[sv_makai]

Crusing and diving are a great combo, I got almost 25 dives in a month in Bonaire alone. Having your own equipment on board makes it easy to dive in places most people can't get to.

It is also great for emergencies in out of the way places too,

[Thermal]

Have ADV Open Water, but it seems the only diving I do now is the "gardening" on the boat - also known as cleaning the bottom.

[pegsue]

I'm a certified diver. I loved diving in Hawaii, can't wait to get back to it....

Peggy

[RandyAbernethy]

My fiancée and I are planning to go cruising in 2006 (I just quit my job, yikes!). We dive a lot and we're both getting rescue diver certified (PADI) presently.

We're in the process of selecting a boat for our travels. We plan to spend a year or so in the Caribbean and then possibly head around the globe. Would love suggestions for dive friendly world cruisers, compressors or any other advice!

Cheers

[Talbot]

The Bauer Junior II is a good choice, but dont know what else you have available in US

[RandyAbernethy]

Anyone have any experience with the Max Air 35 or other models?

[Strygaldwir]

The bauer shown is the electrical model. I spoke with bauer representives and they said it would almost assuridly not work from an inverter. The said the start up current draw is VERY high and that is the major concern.

I have heard good things about the Max air, the only issue in both the bauer and max is that in their standard form they don't hold up that well to a saltwater environment. Most suggest that you either buy or marinize them. This apparently consist of significant replacement of bolts and assundry stuff with the stainless version, and liberal use of conformal sprays in the appropriate locations. I'll probably try this when I have a place to install it!

The major issue I have with installation is that the smaller compressors seem all to be gasoline. I don't want any gasoline bellow. Therefor, I am stuck with trying to mount the thing outside the boat. I am thinking of having a compartment made in the Bimini/davits that I will have built for the boat.

Yanmar makes a small Diesel 6-8hp engine, but I have never seen one mated to a compressor. I'd hate to buy a compressor a diesel enging and then throw away the gasoline engine.

Any other suggestions?