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Take a close look, she will never be this
clean again!!
This is at the factory the day we took delivery of the first 30' Island
Hopper.
We decided to run the boat back to Wilmington from Ft. Pierce,
Fla.
The trip took just over 3 days during which we saw every kind of
condition
from sunny weather to blowing 35 knots raining with waves busting clean
over the boat. What an awesome trip!! |
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After staying on the boat for 3
nights and
running all day (dark - dark) for just over three days, we arrived in
Wilmington
at 5:30 Monday evening. The next morning, there was 5" of snow on
the boat. Go figure!
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Cruise speed is from 19 - 22 knots
depending on how
loaded the boat is. Here, the 'Aquatic Safaris' is cruising light
at 23 knots.
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| 12' 4" of beam makes for a lot of
boat!! This boat
has plenty of space for a group of 12 divers + crew. The deck is
set at a foot above water level with large scuppers for excellent
drainage.
The railings are screaming, "You won't be falling off this boat!!" |
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Divers may exit the boat using either the
giant stride
through the cut-out in the stern of the boat, or the back roll off the
sides of the boat.
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| Visibility won't be a problem with these
large windows!!
All safety gear is easily accessible and compliant with US Coast Guard
requirements for an inspected vessel on a 100 mile route. |
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State of the art electronics include GPS with
differential
beacon receiver, lcd color scope, VHF with 23' antenna, SSB
radio.
The engine room is equipped with an automatic fire detector and Fireboy
fire fighting system. Automatic as well as manual bilge systems
were
standard for the dive model. |
| Custom benches allow for plenty of storage
underneath,
with plenty of room up top to hold any size tank. Divers can sit
down comfortably to don their gear, then move to the back of the boat
to
enter the ocean. |
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These great custom ladders have wide steps
with
handles
on each side to make exit from the water easier than ever!! |
| We tried our best to think of everything on
the 'Aquatic Safaris II', including water
cooler with ice cold water in it at all times. Thanks again for
checking
out our boats and we look forward to seeing you this summer!! |
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