July 16th - Cee Ray - ReefSeekers

[joetex0777]

Is anyone going out on the Cee Ray out of Long Beach with Reef Seekers this Sunday 7/16/06? I just booked a trip with them and I am looking for information and/or a buddy.

If you are booked on this trip or have been on it before please reply...


Thanks,
Joe:scubadive

 

[miket]

I use Reefseekers all the time, they are a great shop to go out with. The DMs are very cool people and very helpful.

The Cee Ray is not the greatest boat in SoCal, but the captain finds really good spots even when conditions are not the best. The boat is a bit slow and don't count on the food being very good (I think the food on this boat is the worst of the bunch - sorry Kay). The boat is also a bit run down looking, but is very seaworthy and solid. They have plenty of bunk space too so you can crash on the boat the night before if you want.

I have never had a bad trip with Reefseekers, since this Sunday's trip is a "west end" trip you should hit some pretty cool dive sites if weather permits. Last time I was on the "west end" trip the seas were rough so we didn't make it, we just did some of the "regular" Catalina spots.

You should be able to buddy up with someone on the boat, just let the DM's know you need one and what your experience level is. Reefseekers will also provide a DM escort if you feel you need one, be sure to give the DM a good tip if you do get an escort.

I am sure you will have fun!

- MikeT

 

[joetex0777]

Thanks for the info Mike. What is the normal tipping policy on SoCal dive boats?

Also, I am renting a tank from Reefseekers when I fly in on sat. Since I am leaving town after the dives on Sun I asked the shop if someone could bring the tank back for me....they said there would be a $40 charge!

 

[miket]

I tip $10 if it was just an "OK" experience, but usually drop in $15 - 20 since I usually have lots of fun, or if the crew helps me extra with gear or my camera, etc.

If nobody on the boat is working Monday I can uderstand why they want to charge for the tank return, its about 35 miles from the port to the dive shop. $40 seems a bit steep though. The DMs don't always go back to the shop after the trip.

I am going out on the Mr C. this Sunday to Catalina, hope conditions are great!

- MikeT

 

[Ken Kurtis]

Since I am leaving town after the dives on Sun I asked the shop if someone could bring the tank back for me....they said there would be a $40 charge!

I think there was a slight misunderstanding here. We normally don't haul tanks back or forth because we believe that what we do for one, we should do for all, and it's impractical to transport 30 tanks (and gear if needed) back and forth each week. However, we do try to make exceptions in unusual circumstances.

I happened to overhear the in-store part of your conversation with Trevor, one of our employees. When it was done, I asked him what it was all about. He was under the impression that you were asking him what he, Trevor, would charge to transport the tank. Since he's not on the boat that day and would need to drive down to Long Beach and then back, he quoted you the $40 (which I told him was awfully steep). He said he thought that was fair given the time involved and that he really didn't want to do it, but that it was a moot point anyhow since you had declined his price.

Bottom line on this is that I personally will be on the boat and I'll be happy to take the tank back for you at no extra charge. (However, you've got to carry it to my car.) Hook up with me on the boat and we'll get it all squared away. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

- Ken

 

[miket]

Ken rules!

 

[joetex0777]

Ken, thanks for the clarifacation and your generous offer. This is to be my first experience diving in SoCal and didn't know what the norm was on this type of thing. I was a little shocked by Trevor's $40 "offer".
I am excited about diving with your outfit this weekend and I look forward to meeting you.

Thanks again,
Joe

 

[NarcosisDiver88]

My name is Trevor, and I am the employee in question, over at Reef Seekers. I was half kidding when blair asked me, and I figured she would get that accross. For what its worth, I have brought other peoples tanks back on numberous occations, at no charge, because I happen to live very close to the shop. I didnt mean for it to sound like I was trying to impose a 40$ surcharge. On the off chance that we make it onto a boat together, I will take your tank back at no charge . Thanks for understanding, Trevor.

 

[miket]

Welcome to the Messageboard Trevor!

- MikeT

 

[Diver_Jan]

Hi Joe

My name is Jan and I will be one of the DM's aboard the Cee Ray this Sunday. We will gladly find you a buddy and/or give you an escort.

Once you are on the boat, we will direct you in the proper procedures: tank placement, gear storage, bunk assignments, and paper work. Don't forget your 'C' Card!

You mentioned that you have never dove SoCal waters before. You are in for a real treat. Our vast kelp forests are beautiful with lots of marine life. Recently, Catalina has been home to the Scythe Butterflyfish in which we have been able to spot on numerous occassions.

Water temps have varied, so be sure you have enough protection. We normally wear a 7mm wetsuit here with hood. Be sure too, to have enough weight. If you are uncertain re weight, we offer a weight check prior to the first dive.

Am looking forward in meeting you. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

BTW, Welcome to Scuba Board! Ken and Trevor too!