Caribbean Explorer II

[slingshot]

Can anyone post some recent photos of the boat? I've seen the usual photos from the EV website, and some random relatively low res photos from dive travel sites, even a few from photo sharing sites, but would love some pictures showing the layout of the dive deck and public spaces to help plan a trip. Any tips on how to handle diving with cameras given the entry off the side? Thanks in advance!

 

[divengolf]

On cameras, you jump in from the side gates, about a 6 foot drop. Then they toss your camera and hope you can catch it before it sinks.

Well-maybe not.

They either lower the camera to you on a line with a quick disconnect clip or you float to the stern dive platform and they hand it to you. When you finish, they take it from you at the stern as usual.

BTW NEVER let them put it into the rinse tank. Tell them to put it either on the deck out of the way or on the camera table. Then you can rinse it as soon as you get clear of your dive gear. Many accidents/flooding happen when rigs bang together in the rinse tank as the boat rolls.

PS: When you do your 6 foot drop, bring your feet together before you hit the water and point the tips of your fins up. Makes for a more comfortable entry. Plus have enough air in your BC to pop back up if you want to retrieve a camera.

 

[Brodydog]

Here are some photos from our trip the week of 11/28/2011.

And as Divengolf said, they do an excellent job of getting your camera to you after you jump in. You can stay right at your entry point and they lower the camera down on a rope with your camera attached to the quick release. You yank on a zip tie attached to quick realease and slip your camera strap from the quick release clip. Couldn't be any easier. If there is any current just hang on to the granny line at your entry point while they lower the camera.

 

[Brodydog]

And these photos were taken in May 09. These may give a little better view.

 

[slingshot]

Figured it was a line or a swim to the transom. Thanks for the info and the excellent photos.

 

[slingshot]

Finally decided to make this trip happen. Thanks again for the replies!

 

[DeputyDan]

The pictures make me sad cause I am here at work and not there!

 

[donhealy]

The camera table on the CEX II is much bigger and better located than on the T&C II. They ask that you charge your batteries at the charge station rather than your room. It actually works well that way.

Don't expect to talk with anyone on the sun deck while the boat is under power. you won't be able to hear well enough to carry on a conversation.

The picts. are a great representation of the dive deck.

BTW, if you really don't want to do a giant stride you can go off the back. But the crew appreciates it if you use the gate. Back rolls don't work well, its a long drop.

Have a good time. I really enjoyed the boat.

 

[highdesert]

The gray plastic mats lying on the benches are actually made to be a high traction floor covering that drains water. It's effective, but the little nubs on the surface will shred the stitching on your wetsuit. When we came back, I had to do some sewing and cement reinforcing of the seams on the butt and thighs of our wetsuits. Beware!

I see Tuna is still aboard!

 

[kennedy]

we just returned from this trip - Tuna ROCKS - what a great guy and DM.