Any Scuba Divers Out There

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 7:19 pm

How many of you guys dive? I am thinking of a trip to the Keys in March and am looking for dive buddies. Plan to stay on the boat in Pennekamp State Park, as it is only $26 a night for dockage including water and electric!! Can't beat that. Plus will save a bundle on diving and be able to stay down as long as we want. The downside is 800 miles roundtrip at 7-8 mpg in the truck while towing my F26. I figure on 120 gallons in the truck and the same in the boat. Would it be feasible or cost effective? What are ya'lls thoughts on it.

ready123 · Post by **ready123** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 8:03 pm

Cost wise better to go down there and stay in a Motel and go out on dive boats. To do it yourself you need a captain on the boat while you dive. Also the best diving is several miles offshore on the edge of the shelf... gulf stream. So the person on the boat needs to be capable of moving it to get the divers should they miss the boat.
The Park is really beginner dives.... great wreck at 100' called the Duane, coast guard cutter I believe. Can be penetrated.
Do a search for dive shops in Islamorada or Tavernier that is a good place to start from.

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 8:56 pm

Ready123, I have pondered the motel option and dive boats or renting a boat. I am considering a trip with at least a buddy and a bubble watcher or a foursome, with two up and two down at all times. All will be well versed in the basics of operating the boat in case of emergency.

As far as expenses, fuel in the truck and boat and dockage (overnighting in the boat) will total about $500.

However, if I stayed in motels 7 nights at say @100 per and dove only 1 two tank dives a day six days for me and my wife at $60 per/each, then we are talking $700 and $840 respectively or $1500 total.

And if you consider that i may dive 3 tanks a day and will be able to stay down as long as I please, then it makes it even more attractive. Additionally, my dive buds will be asked to kick in for fuel.

Lastly, I have towed the boat similar distances to the Florida panhandle, and as a precaution have three spares, two sets of bearings, two jackstands, a floor jack, grease gun and bearing greasing kit.

Any other thoughts or caveats (warnings).!?

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 9:06 pm

oops, miscalculated, add about $200 for the transient dockage.

Ultimate user here I come.

JuiceClark · Post by **JuiceClark** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 10:18 am

I've been down many times over the years driving and by boat. Drive down to Isla Morada and check everything out and do a few dives. Then, take the boat down the next time. Have some "inside" dives planned if the weather is bad and other back-up plans.

Hell, I only pay $20 bucks to dock at some guys shop just because I met him and his wife at a bar nearly 10 years ago. The Keys are like that...work you way around as a FL boy who'd like to start making an annual boat trip. You'll make a few pals who will make it a cheap trip from then on and will help if you get in a pinch. (know a mechanic, etc.)

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 7:41 pm

Thanks, Juiceclark for the input. I have been down and dove a few times off of dive boats. Had not thought of Islamorada, but will check it out. Pennekamp is nice cuz it has trailer and truck parking , clean bathrooms with showers and is reasonable. Wil try to develop some netwaorking while i am down.