We're looking at options for a general purpose boat for the Pacific coast - pretty much in protected or near-shore waters, Georgia Straits area. We are divers, and want to be able to get into the boat without incredible contortions, but we also want a boat that can get around and is easy to work with. We have a few years with our Hobie 18 (which has entirely different purposes and will be kept), but this will be intended as a simple, fun, easy to live with powerboat. Likely will be trailer stored near a launch or harbor rather than in the water full time.
Just based on the waters we'll be in and the weights and size of dive gear, I'm thinking a 12-15 ft boat with a 20-30 HP motor is a good place to start - but what does the collective wisdom say?
I also am wrestling with the question of diver return-to-boat issues - one way to address this is a catamaran design, another would be a RIB-specific ladder such as an Armstrong (pricey!). Any experience to offer here?
Thanks!
Just based on the waters we'll be in and the weights and size of dive gear, I'm thinking a 12-15 ft boat with a 20-30 HP motor is a good place to start - but what does the collective wisdom say?
I also am wrestling with the question of diver return-to-boat issues - one way to address this is a catamaran design, another would be a RIB-specific ladder such as an Armstrong (pricey!). Any experience to offer here?
Thanks!