22' cruiser for diving

S

Sheepshead

New member
Hello C Brats!
I am new to this site. I've learned a lot so far!

I came across a c dory dealer while in Florida over the weekend.
I fell in love with these little boats, and they seem to be more affordable than I would have imagined.
I had been looking for a pilothouse type boat for diving.....Parkers etc.
The ones I saw just didn't excite me like the c dories.
I never considered cruising intercoastal on weekend trips in the past.
The C dory seems like it opens up a world of opportunities!

However, what does it do to my original plan?
I am looking at a 22' cruiser. Will it handle 4 divers / 8 tanks? One diver would also be me, the captain.....so 4 people onboard.
We do a lot of river diving in tidal rivers of South Carolina. We also have wrecks 15 miles offshore that I was hoping to be able to visit on a good calm day. Possible?
I searched the site, but came across more about the tomcat and angler when the diving subject comes up. Any advice appreciated.
Thank you.
 
I dived off my CD-22 for a few years with 2 divers and it worked fine but I sure would not have taken 4 divers with 8 tanks. Could it be done? I imagine but you would have to move some tanks into the berth area for balance and I feel the craft would be overloaded. I have taken 3 of us diving on my 25 and it was fine and I could see doing 4 but it would be tight. The 255 Tom Cat would be a far better dive boat. Everyone has their own comfort level and the CD-22 is a great boat with lots of versatility and for all your other uses could be perfect.

Just my opinion....Tom
 
I agree with Tom--The 22 (probably any 22 foot boat) would be way too crowded with 8 dive tanks, the gear for 4 divers and 4 divers. (There are some 23' boats like the "Contender CC, deep V, which is actually a 26 footer, where you could handle 4 divers)....Certainly some of the 22 foot cats might...but they have a large volume--but then the weight is an issue. The 25 to 27 foot cats are better dive boats.

Best for 4 is the Tom Cat--and also best for dealing with chop. Certainly the 25 if kept light otherwise, or the Venture 26 is a possibility. These come up in the used market fairly frequently--and are slower to sell on the East Coast Market. However I find them to be ideal Florida and East coast boats.

There are a few "commuter" models, which have seats on both sides, in the 22, which might make a dive boat--but I would only want two divers gearing up in the cockpit at a time. Also the dive ladder on the 25 is far superior to any on the 22 .
 
I dove off of a 16' c-dory Angler with success (see diving pics in my album in the Fla Keys). The max divers for that boat was 2 pp. A fun boat, excellent price, will handle rough waters while keeping you dry and comfy.

I now have a 22' c-dory Cruiser which can hold a max 4 divers incl gear etc. I dive regularly offshore Amelia Island and Jacksonville, Fla. Keep in mind that there are Great Whites in our Atlantic waters. I have seen one close up to know. They may be few in number in our area, as compared to California, but are still there, curious and always seem to approach from the rear. Lately ive been using sharkbanz (sharkbanz.com) with successful results or maybe the toothy buggers haven't been around so who knows?

While the 22 may be a bit crowded the advantages over a Parker would be both the fuel economy and price. If you're regularly diving with 4 pp, or as a dive charter, then the Tomcat would be an excellent choice for room and comfort.
 
Ive been diving from my 22' angler for 5+ years. 2 divers are fine, 3 on a calm day, 4 don't do it. you will be over weight and tripping over each other. You aren't going to like it and regret your choice.
 
I have three divers, including myself on my Tomcat 25. With large camera housings we barely have room. We usually let one person gear up before the next two. We carry six tanks each trip.

My last boat was a Crestliner 22 and we had to take turns gearing up in teams of two. A 22 would work but it would be crowded.
 
Well.....
I took a big step this weekend and deposited on a 22 angler at Wefings.
I am determined to make it into a nice dive boat with tank racks and a gear up bench.
I know other boats might have worked better, but I just really like the c dories!

I'm pretty sure it will do what I need it to do.
We do the same type river dive trips now on my 17 Carolina skiff.
No big cameras etc, mostly hunting for fossils in the tidal rivers.
I think the Angler will be a big improvement.
I may just have to give up on the offshore stuff unless its just two divers.

Anyway, I'm glad to be a part of the C DORY group! I'll update you all on my dive tweaks made to the boat.

Thanks.
 
Sheepshead":2du9x3a1 said:
Well.....
I took a big step this weekend and deposited on a 22 angler at Wefings.
I am determined to make it into a nice dive boat with tank racks and a gear up bench.
I know other boats might have worked better, but I just really like the c dories!

I'm pretty sure it will do what I need it to do.
We do the same type river dive trips now on my 17 Carolina skiff.
No big cameras etc, mostly hunting for fossils in the tidal rivers.
I think the Angler will be a big improvement.
I may just have to give up on the offshore stuff unless its just two divers.



Anyway, I'm glad to be a part of the C DORY group! I'll update you all on my dive tweaks made to the boat.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Awesome, congrats! Welcome to the group.
 
As mentioned above 22s are sensitive to weight in the cockpit. They were designed when lightweight 70 hp two strokes were standard.
Figure a way to move weight forward, don't be shy there. Think of the V-birth as the store room.
Welcome aboard!
 
Back
Top