I find it quite interesting that there are no topics here about the best boat to dive off. This to me is a hot topic amongst spearos right up there with what gun you use . So everyone talks about the SKI-VEE, the C-Ski and so on what makes each of these boats so good. I have heard of guys diving off racing ducks and they reckon that is the answer. Seems this could get interesting. Look forward to some good honest replies.

Heated topic indeed! check out...
ultimatespearfishing.com/spearo-forum/7-...econd-hand-boat.html

I love the idea of a race duck, used to fish off 1 all the time in MOZ, but have had some probs with the teeth of all thu cutz, now throwing in a bunch of spears etc??? just needs to be kitted for diving and its awesome. good tow, acts as trailor, use at dam etc, can fold up into the back of ur bakkie, light launching at the drop of a hat etc etc

Good topic!

You Natal guys have a bunch of very good boats up there that suit surf launching and diving very well. I bought an Orion 15 cat many years ago and she has given excellent service. The low gunwales are a treat for getting on and off so you can jump a bunch of yellowtail schools in the Cape without getting hammered.

I am, of course, a little (OK, maybe more than a little ) biased, but I think that you will struggle to find a better dive boat. I have had her out in some really horrible weather many times (by accident before the advent of the great online forecasting tools we now have), and I figure as long as the motors are looked after and you carry enough fuel, you can get through anything. I have often had her out for tuna off Cape Point, and made a number of memorable trips back to the point, from as far as 33 miles from the point, which is another 7 miles from the launch site.

One day I was out diving with two mates and we came back up False Bay past Hell's gate in what I estimate as 50 knots of NW. We made no more than 7 knots and all 3 were right up front, we had to wear our masks & snorkels to see anything!

I probably fish off her now more than dive, although I am treating her to a long awaited trip to Ponta in June. But as a dive boat, I have not seen a boat I would rate the same. The 18 foot Butt cats are good as well, but then you have a much heavier boat.

There is also the mono vs cat debate, but in small skis I rate the cat above the mono. If I were crossing the ocean in a sailboat, then the mono is an altogether safer boat in a big blow, just not as comfortbale as a cat when it's calm .

Cheers,

Tony

I think i may have said this all wrong. what makes the perfect boat if you were going to be spending loads of time re-building a boat for spearing what would be absolute must haves?

For spearing only: 2 things for me, spray coming over the front of a boat is a nightmare and guns lying all over the deck. Need good racks for guns.