Re: Looking for a boat to go ocean SCUBA diving from...
I dive in Southern California off a 15' Avon inflatable. It's just about the most economical dive boat out there but it's proven to be a great platform for two divers. I've been over to Catalina a few times and becausue it's easy to tow, I've taken it to Northern California and up to Lake Powell in Utah
Be aware that wind is a big issue with an inflatable as the boat is very uncomfortable traveling at any kind of speed in wind chop. Other than that, you just have to watch the weather forecasts and use good judgment about weather conditions.
Here's some tips I use to make it easier to dive out of:
Get a good reliable motor that's been checked out by a mechanic.
Look for an outboard with a tiller rather than a console so you can get maximum deck space (every inch of deck space is priceless!)
Before you leave the dock, get half way suited up and set up your first tank. When you arrive at the dive site, hang the tanks over the side of the boat from gear lines and finish suiting up. Get in the water and put your rig on. With a little practice, it's very easy to get in and out of your rig in the water.
No need for a dive ladder -- it's easy to hop up onto the tubes when you're wearing fins if you're not wearing any weight. I love how stable the boat is -- there's no tipping when you get in/out or move around.
Get a
Pelican tank rack to store tanks upright and save deck space.
Keep all loose gear stowed in a soft dive bag otherwise the boat will look like a yard sale in about 15 minutes
I second what others have said about not skimping on the safety gear. I carry a PLB and a SPOT satellite messenger, handheld and fixed VHF radios plus all CG-requiste gear.
Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.