C-Dory as Dive Boat?

vogtman · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 10:39 pm Post subject: C-Dory as Dive Boat?

I am looking at buying a boat to use as a dive boat, primarily in the gulf around the Florida panhandle. I would like to find something that is trailerable, but can also handle the open water so that I can visit dive sites a good distance out. I have little or no boating experience and plan to take some courses, but would like to find a boat that would make a good dive platform and that would allow me to continue to grow in it.

Any thoughts on the C-Dory (looking at 22 footer) as that type of platform? Specifically, has anyone used theirs as a dive platform, and how did you set it up?

thanks!

Bob Cat · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 11:51 pm Post subject:

Vogtman,

A man after my own heart!

Bob Cat here, the Brat formerly known as Scaley Waterman. And owner of the nearly completed Dive Cat. Dive Cat is a TomCat 255 with a 9CFM compressor and watermaker on board, to be used for 6 pack charters in Southern California. 45 years diving, divemaster, freediver, OUPV liscense, former dive equipment rep, 63 lobsters so far this season.

I picked a power catamaran for stability, space, economy, stability, space, and economy. Did I mention it is stable, has lots of space, and is economical? I searched for years before finding C-Dory and its TomCat.

Look at Dive Cat in the album and check out New TomCat 25 in All C-Dorys, All The Time. That's the whole story.

ALSO CHECK OUT the TomCat 24 for sale in the listings on the home page. I'll have well over 100k in mine before it is over. You could pick up something for delivery in the neighborhood and do a few diving related modification and have a great boat.

I will remain available for counsel and advice

Email if you want additional details.

Bob Cat

vogtman · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:48 am Post subject:

Wow, I looked at the pictures of your boat and have definite envy. Now I have some idea of what to aspire for.

Unfortunately, my budget at this time won't allow me to go the cat option. Have you ever dove the traditional C-Dory? I notice on your pictures that you've built a dive platform on the back. With the size of the 22' dory, it looks like there isn't room for a dive platform if twins are installed, which would pretty much leave a back entry from the side of the boat with a return up a side ladder. Does that seem right?

Basically, I've dove quite a bit off of larger commercial boats, and have a few dives off of really small motorboats in mexico where we did back entries from the side, but am not sure of the mechanics of trying to rig up a boat for myself.

Any further advice or links would be appreciated.

Thanks

Bob Cat · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:10 am Post subject:

Vogtman,

Check out the album for Fishtales, last page I think. Roger has a pole type ladder rigged to the gunwhale on the stb side of the cockpit. He likes it, and he's rigged heavy for cold water diving.

Bob Cat

Discovery · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:29 am Post subject:

Vogtman,

We are divers and have experience with CD 22's and TomCats. We owned a CD 22' Angler for about 13 years. We regularly used it as a dive boat for up to 4 divers. Used an over the gunnel dive ladder, mounted on the starboard side. The CD 22 is OK but crowded with 4 divers. The Angler, with the longer cockpit is roomier than a CD 22 Cruiser would be.

The TomCat 24 was a great dive platform. We used it with 4 divers with no problems. The rear ladder was great, and the swimstep better than the gunnel type ladder. Gives you a place to drop off your weight belt and other things.

The new TC255 should only be better than the TC24. Improved swimstep and dive ladder, and over 1 1/2' longer in the cockpit. Should be able to dive 4 with no problems, and maybe 6 divers if you had to. Time will tell.

Look at the TC24's for sale on the C-Brats or C-Dog listings. Check out Freebyrd, it should do a good job and is priced right.

Brent
TC255

Byrdman · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:51 am Post subject:

Vogtman: I see you are in GA. I keep my TomCat on Lake Martin in Alexander City, AL, about 1 1/2 hours drive time from Columbus. In fact, I may be going up to spend a couple of nights on her this week. Would be glad to show the boat to you. It is a great platform. Send me a PM or email and I can/will hook you up with my cell phone and directions if you are interested.

Byrdman
Montgomery, AL