Article Author:

Captain D.J.
Master Instructor

Hi folks!

We FINALLY got the Tropical Voyager back up to Key Largo and out on a couple of dive trips. You might remember, it took us 14 hours to tow it to Marathon, but it only took 3 hours to drive her back! However, not only the trip down to Marathon was a marathon…

We spent almost two weeks longer than anyone ever planned working out the kinks and fine tuning everything. Besides the hull and needing some fresh paint on the deck, she is almost a brand new boat from the inside out. Besides the motor, transmission and fuel system, we replaced all the wiring throughout the boat, cleaned the fuel tank, installed a new steering system, reconditioned the prop, had the shaft straightened, new stuffing box, I mean, just about every part of the boat is new. Even the bridge is completely reconfigured with the new computer screens that dislpay the engine, GPS and depth…

If you’ve been diving with us, you probably remember that she had the Detroit Diesel 6v92 for power, and of course when the motor was not running perfect, it was a bit smoky and didn’t go very fast. That will be a distant memory, she runs out to the reef at a brisk 15kts now, and there is no smell or exhaust what so ever.

Special thanks to Rob King who was there nearly every day helping and sweating alongside of Pete and myself! Captain Dan was down helping for several days as well. I also certainly can’t forget to thank Cherry, Jack, and Whitney who are three interns who now know I wasn’t kidding when I told them�what I tell all internship candidates, which is:�we can’t always go diving and we have to get dirty in the boat yard every once in a while!

Of course we worked so hard to get the boat done before Labor Day weekend, it just figures that the storm was close enough to the Keys to cause just enough wind to make it too rough to dive. Unfortunately we have a lot of divers standing around trying to find something to do..

Enjoy the photos, however, keep in mind, they do not even begin to show you all the hours and sweat that went into this project.��We look forward to taking you out on the all new Tropical Voyager!

Article Author:

Eric
Open Water Scuba Instructor

With tropical storm Faye making her presence we employees at Rainbow Reef had a few free days to play around. Captain Bill was gracious enough to take us out for a couple deep dives on the Bibb and Duane wrecks. For those who aren’t familiar with these beautiful ships, there previous lives were as Coast Guard Cutters. And both had colorful careers in the military. Now they lay in 125 foot of water for the thousands of divers that visit them annually. The seas were still a bit green from the storm and there was a pretty good surface current. Our hopes of decent viz was gradually disappearing. But as we descended upon the Bibb the clouds parted and the current subsided and what lay before us was The Bibb covered in aquatic life, our hopes were renewed. Divers included Cherry, Jack, Heather, Raph, Brad, James and myself. With Brad, James, Jack and I spearfishing.

Many people who aren’t truly educated about the sport of spearfishing may find it inhumane or unsportsmanlike. This could not be further from the truth. As spearfishermen we can be the most sportsman like fishermen taking only the fish we’re hunting and only enough for our personal consumption.

The Bibb had more life on it than I’d had ever seen in the past. Schools of Bar Jacks, Hog fish and juvenile grouper. Even a 400 lb Goliath Grouper was hanging out as well. As we hit the wreck Jack and I went for the stern as Brad and James made there way to the bow. As we rounded the stern 4 big Amber Jacks came into view and I was able to land one of them, after quite a fight. James and Brad had similar luck with a nice black grouper. Bibb hunt = success!

After a long surface interval we made our way to the Duane, my favorite wreck in the Keys. Down we went and hitting the wreck at 100 feet we all were in awe. The Bibb had a lot of life the Duane was engulfed in it! Schools of snapper, spade fish, barracuda, sharks, sting rays, goliath grouper and on and on and on. Not to mention the biggest Hog fish I’ve ever seen, which James was fortunate enough to land. I was equally happy after landing a huge grouper that holed up under the hull at 125 feet. Jack was excited after stoneing his first fish, but that excitement didn’t last long as a barracuda promptly thanked him and took it off his spearshaft. Undaunted he was able to stone a hog fish which was part of our celebretory BBQ that night. Its hard to explain the satisfaction you get as you prepare a delicous BBQ with friends and share stories and a couple beers of the days hunt. I love this life!!!