My apologies, PH, whilst making comments in jest I seem to have struck a nerve - I didn't realise that you were so sensitive.
I refer them because for me they are the best opperator at Tutukaka, they suport our dive club very well, they let us dive where we want, they offer great lunches, they have one of the fastest newest boats there, and I have become good friends with them.
Yes they do have a referal scheme but they give me such a good deal that I would feel bad claiming on referals.
I'm glad that you qualified that they are the best operator "for you", rather than the best operator - which would be a fairly bold statement to make. And you've acknowledged that there is a financial arrangement between you and them, which is useful for people to know when making judgements about which charter to use on the basis of other peoples referrals and recommendations.
PKD do have a fast boat, which makes them one of several options for a quick trip out to the Knights, along with Bluzone. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of either of these boats as a diving platform - Bluzone's boat, Rumblefish, just seems a little anti-social with the way the tank rack splits the boat into two halves. PKD's boat, Shadowfax, is just a little cramped for my liking. NZ Dive claim that their boat can do the journey in 25 minutes, which would make it the fastest boat around - I guess I should get out with them one day to see what it's like as if it is a 25 minute trip then that makes it super easy to do a three dive day, which only a few of the charters offer.
My favourite boats are Arrow, owned by Yukon, and D!T's Bright Arrow. These are fantastic boats to dive off, and really suit both the techie days and the cruisy days. Noel's a fantastic skipper, and always gives you the choice of where to go and keeps a watchful eye on the days events without being intrusive.
I've had some fantastic weekend trips on Pacific Hideaway - as a boat, it could do with a ladder at the back, but other than that is perfect in terms of seaworthiness and being a good diving platform. Mark, Denise and Pete are awesome.... and Mark's lamb shanks are to die for. I've never been out with OceanBlue, but have done some good courses with Janine... and Kevin is a great guy too. Hopefully this winter we'll get to take advantage of one of their four day trips around the Hen and Chicks, Mokohinaus and Poor Knights Islands (provided the skiing doesn't take over too much).
I've not been out with Knight Diver since it changed hands, but should really give them a go to see how much they've changed. I'd like to get out on Norseman as well, the boat is a bit of a legend in it's own right.
I guess when I've done a few more hundred trips and have covered all the charters that I've not used yet, then maybe I might be able to make a better judgement as to which of the charters is my favourite - though at this stage, the jury is still out.