Vintage gear vs. Modern Dive Boats?

[Queen]

Since I have (ahem) gotten a bit fluffy in recent years, and am looking at getting some of my own equipment again (been borrowing/renting...yuck), I'm curious if a dive boat operator will have a problem if I show up in vintage gear? I loved using my old stuff and would like to buy some new "old" stuff but don't want to waste the $$ if I'll be turned away by the operator. Any thoughts or experiences??

 

[captain]

Some will and some won't. Best to ask up front. I e-mailed several shops and it was about 50/50.

Tom

 

[Queen]

Thanks Tom, since I live a long way from really GOOD diving (and I'm not well off) it matters quite a bit. I can just see myself......showing up at the boat in my vintage finery and getting turned down like I'm wearing last years prom dress! Sad!

 

[Turtleguy9]

I would contact the dive operator in advance. I have the advantage , in that I work for a dive operator, and never say no to myself. Most operations need business,
so turning away customers is not to their advantage.
Aloha Turtleguy

 

[bryon]

Some boat operators do feel a bit uneasy when you show up with a vintage j-valved steel 72 strapped to a US divers pack, not a BC in sight, and then proceed to rig up your twin hose Aquamaster. One of the things I do - and I know its not in the 'full spirit of vintage diving ' - is to attach a pony bottle with a modern first/second stage regulator to the pack or main tank (and even rig up a SpareAir to the tank straps). You can then assure the dive boat operator that if your twin hose packs it in, or you run out of air (even with the j-valve), or you need to buddy breath with someone who has not worked with a twin hose – all you need to do is pull out the modern back-up reg. I’d also say that, at least when diving off someone else’s boat, you should dive with well maintained vintage gear. Showing up with a poorly maintained, pitted, dinged, and duct taped twin hose rig will surely not make fellow divers and the boat operator feel comfortable! my 2 drachmas on the topic.

Since I have (ahem) gotten a bit fluffy in recent years, and am looking at getting some of my own equipment again (been borrowing/renting...yuck), I'm curious if a dive boat operator will have a problem if I show up in vintage gear? I loved using my old stuff and would like to buy some new "old" stuff but don't want to waste the $$ if I'll be turned away by the operator. Any thoughts or experiences??