boat selection

Question
Hi. I'm an active scuba diver, and have been thinking of getting my own boat. I
would like to carry six people and gear out on Lake Michigan. Perhaps as far as
four to six miles off shore. My question i how do I begin the selction process?
Are there certain things I need based on my criteria? Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi Chris...Thanks for selecting the undersigned to reply to your inquiry. I'm a retired diver with extensive experience in the Great Lakes and Carribean.

Yes, criteria is very important. First of all, accommodating 6 people  onboard requires a boat with appropriate seating capacity and space to neatly store all diving gear, incl. mandatory/optional boat safety equipment. You may prefer the convenience of a covered aft deck during foul weather while dressing or undressing, as well as a head (toilet), and a galley (kitchen)for food storage/preparation. Frequency of use of your boat is an important issue to consider, and whether you may develop a small diving business in the future, comnplete with air refills via a compressor, and offer overnight/weekend  trips with on land camping.

In order to fulfill such criteria, you would require a boat no less than 21ft, such as a work boat, small tug, or cuddy cabin designed hull. On the other hand, a 25-26ft. cabin cruiser could meet minimal requirements. Whatever the design, a spacious non-slip surfaced aft deck is important, incl. an easy reboarding method. Also, ask yourself the importantance of having a swim platform?

As far as power is concerned keep in mind the overall weight you'll be transporting with 6 people + diving gear and all of your equipment. A jet-drive system or an outboard motor on a work boat or a similarly designed vessel is fine, but most boats under 30ft. are usually equipped with a single inboard/outboard (I/O)or sterndrive engine, and boats over 30ft. usually have single or twin inboards.

Hull construction is probably the most difficult decision to make, because fiberglass, aluminum and steel have their pros & cons, but affordability and maintenance also become important issues, notwithstanding winter storage in or out of the water. Would you consider living aboard all year?

Fibergalss scratches easily. It flexes and deteriorates over time and can develop osmossis (water leakage), which can be a very costly repair. From the moment of production, the gelcoat surface is constantly shrinking, creating small hairline cracks, and it requires constant waxing to prevent fading and to keep it shiny. Don't beach it, otherwise the bottom could be badly scored.

In many ways, welded aluminum and steel hulls are comparable. Avoid a rivetted aluminum hull. Steel is heavier and stronger, but rusts. Eventually, the rust needs to be completely removed and the hull's interior and exterior will have to be refinnished. I preffer a deep 'V' aluminum. It's tough, cheaper, lighter, more fuel efficient, and once in a while you'll need to repaint it.

The choice is yours Chris, but most important, if you decide to acquire a pre-owned vessel, be sure to engage a reliable and qualified marine surveyor before you make an offer of any kind, and equally important, do a water test run of no less than 1 hour, which will give you plenty of time to check out the design and functionality of the boat, and to make certain everything is fully operational. How old are the batteries? How many hours are on the engine and when was it last overhauled or rebuilt and by whom? The surveyor will also advise you whether the asking price is in order, based on the boat's overall condition. They can save you a lot of money, and usually charge by the foot length.

Next, compare the cost of insurance from one company to another, and the protection they offer. What about docking? Check out the costs, conveniences, and security aspects associated with keeping the boat at a marina versus a public dock. Is a licence required to operate a pleasure craft, such as in Canada? No doubt you'll want a VHF radio to monitor weather, communicate with other vessels, and to send emergency/distress calls. Find out what other equipment is being offered with the boat, and what shape it is in. Does it necessitate replacement? Would you prefer to upgrade? Do you have enough lifejackets and will they properly fit all persons you expect onboard? Do you have all mandatory equipment specified by the Coast Guard? Are you a member of the U.S. Power Squadron? If not, join! It will be of immense value in the long run.

It's anticipated I've given you some food for thought.

Safe Boating
Ron