Best Dive Boat

[terry908]

Would like to start a discussion on what everyone thinks is the best dive boat in the 25' range. I'm looking for a new boat and would like some input.

 

[nwdiver2]

Small house forward, head below in bow, big cockpit with side benches canopy over 80% of cockpit, 300hp diesel engine low under house straight shaft to prop, good door and ladder through transom. Had one like that it was an ex salmon fishing boat and could handle 8 divers that were experienced or 6 divers that weren’t. It was built to run at 16-18k with 3 tonne aboard.

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Boston Whaler Challenger 27', Whaler Drive, Dive Door in the side, short cabin.
See http://www.brunswickcgboats.com/default.asp?content=boats&boatid=50

You did say "best", not "most cost effective".

 

[fiddler]

I would look at a parker

 

[lhpdiver]

Would like to start a discussion on what everyone thinks is the best dive boat in the 25' range. I'm looking for a new boat and would like some input.

Those new whalers sure look pretty. We went the cheaper route but are very happy. We bought a 1990 25' Whaler Outrage in 1998 for $21,000. Repowered it with twin 225 hp in 2001 for another $18,000.

We dive off it alot. We have a step ladder that we hook over the transom, which is only about knee high, and we get back on the boat with all our gear on. We are 50+ now, figure when we are 60+ we may have to take our gear off in the water

Willie is in the water all the time. The only plug is in the bilge under the console. A couple weeks back it was a little choppy after a dive and I heard this sloshing sound. Turns out the plug had popped out. No problem. When we got home I bought a new plug and ran the bilge pump. "The unsinkable legend".

 

[quimby]

http://www.twin-veeboats.com/26hw.html

Cant say I have any real experience with them but are getting awful popular around here lately. Have looked at them in a dealers yard and the 26 weekender looks like a dance floor and the 32 can land a aircraft on it.
This guy has a Glacierbay (a serious kickup in price) but gives a idea.....something to think about.
http://www.keysmobilediving.com/boat.htm

 

[SoCalOffshore]

Not very practical for diving, but fun anyway.

 

[sb_diver]

The local favorite here is: http://www.radonboats.com/

A cabin is very nice to have. Personally here in CA where the water is a little colder it'd be nice to have a hose w/ hot water too. The university owns a Radon and a couple Andersons, they're also built locally, but I can't find a website for them. They're all great boats, ours are very much work boats but on the Radon website they have more cushy versions.
Thomas

 

[Tall Tails]

I LOVE my 25' Parker Sport Cabin. Mine is older but awesome.

Jon

 

[Scubakevdm]

Would like to start a discussion on what everyone thinks is the best dive boat in the 25' range. I'm looking for a new boat and would like some input.

When you say dive boat, it makes me think that you are looking for a boat to operate as a dive charter. Is this correct?