SCUBA
- Thread starter C-Hawk
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starcrafttom
Active member
my wife is a warm weather diver and has been trying to get me to go. I just don't like the idea of sharks. I know " the chances of getting bit are ...." to damm high if its over 1%. Bears and lions are more my thing. at lest I was born to move in the same medium as they are.
Hey Ty,
Have to agree with Fishtales on the dive platform. My 22 gets uncomfortable with more than 2 divers and a tender. Not enough cockpit space. If you go that route or go with a 25, choose the swim platform carefully - most have ladders that aren't long enough and insufficent handholds above the platform.
I'm a PADI divemaster with other Padi, NAUI and Y certs - also a marine archaeologist, and I use my boat occasionally for work. Mostly survey work, but we did some diving recently to check sonar targets - one or two people had a pretty tough time hauling themselves over the transom.
Getting a litttle cold now for diving around here, but then I don't like to be in any kind of cold water unless I have to!
John
Have to agree with Fishtales on the dive platform. My 22 gets uncomfortable with more than 2 divers and a tender. Not enough cockpit space. If you go that route or go with a 25, choose the swim platform carefully - most have ladders that aren't long enough and insufficent handholds above the platform.
I'm a PADI divemaster with other Padi, NAUI and Y certs - also a marine archaeologist, and I use my boat occasionally for work. Mostly survey work, but we did some diving recently to check sonar targets - one or two people had a pretty tough time hauling themselves over the transom.
Getting a litttle cold now for diving around here, but then I don't like to be in any kind of cold water unless I have to!
John
I do a little diving from time to time: http://www.treasuresites.com
The CD-22 is not a good "dive boat." It is great for hookah though. I would recommend picking up a Brownie or other hookah unit and using that. The hookah allows you to live-boat free of tanks, and there's no issues when getting aboard.
I have a 390 (3 divers to 90 feet), get it ready, heave it over the side, and tether it off the back of the boat. http://www.browniedive.com/hooka/index.shtml (you'll understand the next part when you take a look at the 390 (click on it) or 290) I store the motor under the table, it is in a case and the bottom dishpan goes in the float -- once stored, next to the hull it is completely out of the way for two to dine on the table. The gear bag (hoses cumberbund belts masks, fins, etc). goes forward in the V and is completely out of the way there.
Tanks are great -- but they are a real hassle on a 22.
Matt Mattson
The CD-22 is not a good "dive boat." It is great for hookah though. I would recommend picking up a Brownie or other hookah unit and using that. The hookah allows you to live-boat free of tanks, and there's no issues when getting aboard.
I have a 390 (3 divers to 90 feet), get it ready, heave it over the side, and tether it off the back of the boat. http://www.browniedive.com/hooka/index.shtml (you'll understand the next part when you take a look at the 390 (click on it) or 290) I store the motor under the table, it is in a case and the bottom dishpan goes in the float -- once stored, next to the hull it is completely out of the way for two to dine on the table. The gear bag (hoses cumberbund belts masks, fins, etc). goes forward in the V and is completely out of the way there.
Tanks are great -- but they are a real hassle on a 22.
Matt Mattson
I haven't dived in about a year since the neck surgery. I still have all the equipment like tanks, BC's, regulators, a couple computers, and of course the CF200 DUI dry suit. Couple the dry suit with some Andes "undies" and you are as snug as a bug in the coldest of water.
I plan to explore more of the murky Chesapeake Bay this coming spring through fall. I like looking for "stuff" under bridges... especially old RR bridges. The CSX bridge across the Susquanna River in Perryville, MD is a good place to look for cool stuff. The only problen is its about 86' deep in the middle half of the river and the vis is less than 12" with a good Pelican dive light. The bridge is so old and been serviced so much there's a lot if scrap steel, cables, and an old RR hopper car (that's what I think it is) to get hung up on. I have had to remove the BC to get loose more than once, however, its still fun looking for stuff in a place not picked over by other divers.
I have recovered several big anchors that I have used lift bags to recover. Any other die hard divers out there?
I plan to explore more of the murky Chesapeake Bay this coming spring through fall. I like looking for "stuff" under bridges... especially old RR bridges. The CSX bridge across the Susquanna River in Perryville, MD is a good place to look for cool stuff. The only problen is its about 86' deep in the middle half of the river and the vis is less than 12" with a good Pelican dive light. The bridge is so old and been serviced so much there's a lot if scrap steel, cables, and an old RR hopper car (that's what I think it is) to get hung up on. I have had to remove the BC to get loose more than once, however, its still fun looking for stuff in a place not picked over by other divers.
I have recovered several big anchors that I have used lift bags to recover. Any other die hard divers out there?
wailedcentipede
New member
well i tried it out many years back, my friend took the dive course ... i picked up a used wet suit and tank and joined him .. their was no boat at the time it was off the dock at this lake ... were talking ice cold and head aches from the cold ... to start off i had a tendency to do left hand circles ..lol .. it lasted about 3 months and that was the end of that ... all in all the other kids were going deeper off the diving board ... wc
i also tried out sky-diving after nine jumps that was the end of that also ... my finger grip's are still embedded on the wing strut ... lol ...
i also tried out sky-diving after nine jumps that was the end of that also ... my finger grip's are still embedded on the wing strut ... lol ...
Mr. Fisherman
New member
That Hooka is the Shizzle....
Just a quick note to put my two cents in. I am a NAUI instructor here in Fredericksburg, Virginia and also own The SCUBA Shack. I own Swee Pea, a 22 C-Dory. For most diving needs, the Hookah system can't be beat! Sone of the units will take two divers to 90 feet. Air is grade E, and it operates using a quart of gas with severla hours of run time.
I however favor the AirLine system over the Brownies. We sell both, but are happier with Airline - the first to come out with the direct drive system. The compressors they use are servicable all over the world. They are eaiser to maintain and use a sturdier connection system. But whatever system you decide on, they are PERFECT for the C-Dory. Total weight about 50 pounds for 3 divers. They store in a neat little package. Supply and endless supply of air.
In any case, any of you all who would like to purchase one I am willing to sell you one at a C-Brats special price. Just go to the Airline site www.airlinebyjsink.com/ and choose your system. Then Email me at SHACK1030@hotmail.com and I will be happy to quote you a price, no obligation. Even if you don't buy one from me, I will be happy to assist you in selecting the right unit for you.
Just remember that using a surface air supply is the same as SCUBA, in that a certification in diving is required. Same gas laws regarding decompression apply. In some ways, one needs to be especially careful because of the tremendous amount of bottom time you can accumulate.
I am not trying to solicit any business and am not trying to use this site to promote my business. But if my fellow C-Brats want a surface supply, I am willing to get you one so you can further enjoy your Dory.
Be well.
John
Swee Pea
I however favor the AirLine system over the Brownies. We sell both, but are happier with Airline - the first to come out with the direct drive system. The compressors they use are servicable all over the world. They are eaiser to maintain and use a sturdier connection system. But whatever system you decide on, they are PERFECT for the C-Dory. Total weight about 50 pounds for 3 divers. They store in a neat little package. Supply and endless supply of air.
In any case, any of you all who would like to purchase one I am willing to sell you one at a C-Brats special price. Just go to the Airline site www.airlinebyjsink.com/ and choose your system. Then Email me at SHACK1030@hotmail.com and I will be happy to quote you a price, no obligation. Even if you don't buy one from me, I will be happy to assist you in selecting the right unit for you.
Just remember that using a surface air supply is the same as SCUBA, in that a certification in diving is required. Same gas laws regarding decompression apply. In some ways, one needs to be especially careful because of the tremendous amount of bottom time you can accumulate.
I am not trying to solicit any business and am not trying to use this site to promote my business. But if my fellow C-Brats want a surface supply, I am willing to get you one so you can further enjoy your Dory.
Be well.
John
Swee Pea
John,
Brownie just went direct drive as well, the 390 I have looks to have the exact same compressor. Agree totally that hookah is the way to go. I have years experience diving 8 hours a day a for a few months in the gold season with them on gold dredges out west. Hard to see in this pic, but the blue thing up forward is the compressor for the dredge:
http://www.keeneeng.com/Merchant2/merch ... y_Code=5ID
Last year we had 5 of these and 7 divers working an 18' hole in the Umpqua River in Oregon.
If you can pick up a used hookah with a belt, don't turn that down either, the belts are reliable as long as you change them every season.
Hookah with the CD allows you to live/dive/boat anywhere in the world, free of wondering where you'll find air refills and of what quality the air will be when you find it. Highly recommended for this type of boat.
Brownie just went direct drive as well, the 390 I have looks to have the exact same compressor. Agree totally that hookah is the way to go. I have years experience diving 8 hours a day a for a few months in the gold season with them on gold dredges out west. Hard to see in this pic, but the blue thing up forward is the compressor for the dredge:
http://www.keeneeng.com/Merchant2/merch ... y_Code=5ID
Last year we had 5 of these and 7 divers working an 18' hole in the Umpqua River in Oregon.
If you can pick up a used hookah with a belt, don't turn that down either, the belts are reliable as long as you change them every season.
Hookah with the CD allows you to live/dive/boat anywhere in the world, free of wondering where you'll find air refills and of what quality the air will be when you find it. Highly recommended for this type of boat.
No wet suit--then consider a lycra protection suit. Most places with warm water along the US have stinging nettles or jelly fish etc.
The standard ladder on the swim step of a 22 C Dory is cramped for diving, and the ladder is not really long enough..my personal opinion, but I have used it...
4 people on a C Dory is fine, but the problem is the gear and getting gear on. I would consider an Angler, for larger cockpit area.
The standard ladder on the swim step of a 22 C Dory is cramped for diving, and the ladder is not really long enough..my personal opinion, but I have used it...
4 people on a C Dory is fine, but the problem is the gear and getting gear on. I would consider an Angler, for larger cockpit area.
john schuler
New member
Love to dive but only in tropical water. Bonaire in Jan. or Feb. is my special
place. I'm not brave enough to get in the water in the Northwest thats why
I got a C-Dory. Hopefully it will keep me out of the water.
:smiled john schuler :smiled
place. I'm not brave enough to get in the water in the Northwest thats why
I got a C-Dory. Hopefully it will keep me out of the water.
:smiled john schuler :smiled
I wonder... would any of the Dory folks be interested in some used top of the line Scuba equipment. I have a new DII CF200 drysuit with integrated gloves, DUI harness weight system, dive computers, and BC's. The BC's are all tech diver rated. All my tanks are steel with high pressure DIN valves, even the pony bottle. I guess this is ok on the C brats site... if not... Tyboo just let me know.
I had a mild stroke and my divemaster days are over... my stuff is too good just to let sit... Butch
I had a mild stroke and my divemaster days are over... my stuff is too good just to let sit... Butch
I can identify and certainly hope you bounce back quickly Butch, a mild stroke ended my flying two years ago.
As for emergency air on hookah:
Some of that depends on what you're doing and what kind of equipment you're diving with. On the dredges out west, we usually use no pony bottle (emergency air), because an accumulator is built into the system:
5" Keene Gold Dredge:
Proline 4" Gold Dredge
http://www.prolinemining.com/4_dredge.html
Keene system (same one used on dredges -- same base plate, same hose setup, minus the pump (that runs the dredge nozzle), set inside a tub inside a tractor inner tube:
The air hose comes out of the pump and attaches to a reserve air tank which pressurizes and floats on the surface of the water, cooling the air:
A second hose goes from the tank to your regulator. In the event of engine stoppage (common while working), the reserve tank gives ample time to get to the surface. Engine stoppage is not due to unreliability, but usually because someone shuts it off (your dredge partner is: cold, hungry, wet, wants to go home, shuts down to add gasoline, etc.,).
The Brownie System:
A direct-drive pump mated to the engine supplies air directly to the regulator. Emergency air is supplied via a micro-pony ("spare air") bottle incorporated into your weight belt with a line to a second regulator (so it's a redundant system). Many dive without the "spare air" bottle while on the Brownie and have done so for years (lobster divers using the Brownie 390's).
The Brownie 390 (3 divers to 90 feet)
Cumberbund belt (spare air cyl slips into pouch on front if you want that) -- Engine tote box -- direct-drive compressor)
Air tube for compressor (doubles as flag-stand) -- air fittings are push & click -- same inner tube type setup as Keene for engine/comp.
I dive with both systems (just depends on whether I'm out west or here at home (Brownie here).
As for emergency air on hookah:
Some of that depends on what you're doing and what kind of equipment you're diving with. On the dredges out west, we usually use no pony bottle (emergency air), because an accumulator is built into the system:
5" Keene Gold Dredge:
Proline 4" Gold Dredge
http://www.prolinemining.com/4_dredge.html
Keene system (same one used on dredges -- same base plate, same hose setup, minus the pump (that runs the dredge nozzle), set inside a tub inside a tractor inner tube:
The air hose comes out of the pump and attaches to a reserve air tank which pressurizes and floats on the surface of the water, cooling the air:
A second hose goes from the tank to your regulator. In the event of engine stoppage (common while working), the reserve tank gives ample time to get to the surface. Engine stoppage is not due to unreliability, but usually because someone shuts it off (your dredge partner is: cold, hungry, wet, wants to go home, shuts down to add gasoline, etc.,).
The Brownie System:
A direct-drive pump mated to the engine supplies air directly to the regulator. Emergency air is supplied via a micro-pony ("spare air") bottle incorporated into your weight belt with a line to a second regulator (so it's a redundant system). Many dive without the "spare air" bottle while on the Brownie and have done so for years (lobster divers using the Brownie 390's).
The Brownie 390 (3 divers to 90 feet)
Cumberbund belt (spare air cyl slips into pouch on front if you want that) -- Engine tote box -- direct-drive compressor)
Air tube for compressor (doubles as flag-stand) -- air fittings are push & click -- same inner tube type setup as Keene for engine/comp.
I dive with both systems (just depends on whether I'm out west or here at home (Brownie here).
Thanks Flagold, I figured there must be some sort of backup available. These Hookas are interesting, do you still need some type of BC? I dove many years ago before coming to Alaska. I've been thinking of braving the waters here and getting back into it. Hopefully this global warming thing will kick in and make the water a little more pleasant!
You won't need the BC with hookah. Most people who go to the hookah rig for casual diving don't go back to scuba. Scuba is great for cave, wreck penetration, etc., but for general just go down to cruise the bottom type diving and especially under 30 feet (where you don't have the lines from the compressor going straight down and tugging at you) the hookahs are far superior and much less fuss (pump up the inner tube, put the engine in the can, plug in the lines, toss it over and spend the day (week, month). As long as there's gas and oil in the engine, you can dive anywhere, free of refill concerns.