Choosing a Charter Boat

[Stone]

Since many Board members (myself included) ask for dive charter recommendations, I’m posting a list of considerations that might help new divers (or divers new to charter boats) choose the best boat.

How you prioritize these considerations helps you pick the boat. For example, one of the most highly recommended 6-packs out of Key Largo doesn’t make my list when I’m diving with ladies who require a head on the boat. Another example is boat size vs max number of divers: I would rather dive from a 45 ft cattle-maran with a 20 diver max than a 38 ft crewboat with a 28 diver max. You get the idea.

This list assumes sight-seeing charters, not charters on the Wahoo. I’m sure fellow board members will fill in the holes I’ve left.

Usually stated on the website:

1. Size (type) of boat
2. Max number of divers on boat
3. Cost per diver
4. Gear rental costs
5. Discounts (multi-day, group, multi-dive card, etc)
6. Nitrox availability
7. Dive sites visited
8. Type of diving (drift/anchor, deep/shallow, wreck/reef)
9. Head onboard
10. Freshwater shower
11. Drinks/snacks
12. Hotel package

Other considerations:

12. How are entry and exits made?
13. Do you have to follow a DM?
14. Is spearfishing/lobstering allowed?
15. How far is the boat from my hotel?
16. What’s the cancelation policy?
17. What safety features are on the boat? <EDIT: See MikeFerrara's post below>
18. Gear Storage
19. Gear cleaning
20. Gear pick-up from hotel
21. Camera table/dedicated rinse bucket <Kelpmermaid>
22. Warmth in the winter and shade in the summertime <Jarhead>

 

[kelpmermaid]

the presence of a designated camera/photo equipment table and rinse bucket.

 

[Stone]

It's on the list now.

 

[Jarhead]

but a canopy, shade or place to get out of the sun during SI.

Jarhead

 

[MikeFerrara]

How about....

A liscensed Capt.
A recall system.
O2 and first aid equipment.
Crew trained to use the O2 and first aid stuff
Diver accounting system.
Radio
A second person who can handle the boat (in case the Capt. is injured)
A second person who can use the radio (same reason as above)
Is the DM certified by a known agency or did his brother the Captain make him a DM?

In this country you might get away with assuming they have some of this but not everywhere.

 

[Stone]

Mike and Jarhead,

Updates made, thanks!

 

[Zept]

If tanks and weights are included:

-- Do they refill the tanks between dives, or do you switch your gear on to a new tank?
-- Compressors: type, number, noise level?

Zept

 

[art.chick]

On some charters out here, you are out at sea long enough to warrent multiple meals. We prefer boats that offer special meals (we are vegetarian, but some people want Kosher, etc.) on request.