fishing and scuba diving shallow rivers, light to trailer with mid size truck??

[Alaninga]

I'm still looking for a boat of about 18'-20' and after searching 'deck boats' I'm now thinking I might just find what will suit me in a large JON boat. I want to scuba dive and fish in a river that has obstructions so I need shallow draft. Might go the jet route for extra safety around divers/swimmers, and I will probably FISH out of the boat more than anything. Pulling tubers/skiers and family boating is a need as well.
ONE THING I keep having a hard time finding is EASY ENTRY/EXIT into water by divers and swimmers, hence a GOOD ladder somewhere on the boat, not a flimsy 'almost nice' ladder! That is why I looked at pontoons and deck boats for a while.
Anyone been down this path? A friend suggested a JON boat and either a side or CENTER console with casting platforms for and aft. I'm thinking a GOOD LADDER might have to be a custom build [why a boat company doesn't offer one from factory is confusing].
Thought about the G3 forward center console 18' jet....just not finding the boat I want!
help...what think?!

 

[robert graham]

Re: fishing and scuba diving shallow rivers, light to trailer with mid size truck??

Mine is an 1870 Xpress Jon boat, I built an 8'X7' wooden deck(pitch tent) up front for fishing, camping, diving, etc....have a telescoping dive ladder clipped to front deck(removable), Bimini top,side console, etc....It's sorta an SUV boat, rugged, OD Green....we've really enjoyed cruising/camping on the boat on the St Johns River, Fl., and other rivers. Sea Ark Boats may have just what you want with a tunnel hull for shallow water!

 

[smclear]

Re: fishing and scuba diving shallow rivers, light to trailer with mid size truck??

Good luck finding a "stock" boat that has easy access for a diver. If you find one, post the info. I have certainly NOT seen every boat made, but I've seen a lot, and none offer what I would consider an easy access for divers. I am a diver and would love to find something that offers easy re-entry into the boat. Let me know what you find.

A jet is probably not the best option for skiing/tubing. I have a small jet boat and while it is fully capable of pulling skiers/tubers, it doesn't do it real well. How it compares to an outboard jet I couldn't say, all I can comment on is my small (15') jet. A tuber or large skier can really pull the boat around when turning.

In order to accommodate all things you want (fishing, diving, water sports), I think you'll find you have to do some compromising.

 

[snowforfun4]

Re: fishing and scuba diving shallow rivers, light to trailer with mid size truck??

Mine is an 1870 Xpress Jon boat, I built an 8'X7' wooden deck(pitch tent) up front for fishing, camping, diving, etc....have a telescoping dive ladder clipped to front deck(removable), Bimini top,side console, etc....It's sorta an SUV boat, rugged, OD Green....we've really enjoyed cruising/camping on the boat on the St Johns River, Fl., and other rivers. Sea Ark Boats may have just what you want with a tunnel hull for shallow water!

Sounds like a cool boat, got any pictures you can post?

 

[Alaninga]

Re: fishing and scuba diving shallow rivers, light to trailer with mid size truck??



I've thought about a custom ladder for my boat, rear mount. I need a slightly larger boat to accomodate 3 or 4 divers. 2 or 3 are about max in my boat. It is rated for 4 persons. I have pushed my boat ashore and entered river there, and also have anchored in mid river using diver first, then equipment handed over which works ok. Just need a better entry/exit ladder.
In this boat I stand tanks upright in livewell which is the middle bench seat.
I'll also post a 14' boat I used to river dive out of!
I once saw a center console fiberglass boat called a "Redfin" meant for bay fishing but it had a great rear entry steps molded into the deck/hull at the back.
SURELY somebody makes a good utility dive boat for shallow waters!!! [Guess I'm back to making one up from a large 20' or so jon boat.] I think it's 'do-able'.