How to Build Your Own Dive Boat

Plan the boat you are going to build before you start building it. Consider cost of materials, how much space you need inside for your equipment, the maximum weight the boat can be before it becomes a burden and the gas mileage implications you will face when you use it. In other words, go for practical above visual appeal, and add a personal touch and a little style later. Build either a dive kayak, a soft-bottomed inflatable, a rigid inflatable, a trailer hard-boat or a sailboat, depending on what you want.

Things You'll Need

  • AutoCAD
  • Hypalon
  • Fibreglass
  • Aluminum
  • Seating
  • Welder
  • Safety goggles
  • Protective clothing
  • Sealant
  • Keel
  • Rudder & collar
  • Propeller
  • Anti-fouling paint
  • Engine
  • Exhaust
  • Shot (Weight, line and buoy)
  • Wiring
  • Marine radio
  • Battery
  • Gang switch
  • Ladder
  • Ladder hooks
  • Nuts and bolts
  • Wrench
  • Oxygen tank
  • Tank holder
  • First aid kit
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Plan your boat. Consider size, cost and required functionality. Aluminum diving boats range from 4 to 14 meters, according to Diving Boats. As an example, a 6.5 meter boat needs a supporting beam of 2.5 meters. Draw some simple designs to estimate interior space. Balance on-board comfort against storage options and towing requirements. Decide on boat type. Dive kayaks are inexpensive to make, and easy to launch, but have limited range. Soft-bottomed inflatables are cheap, light and easy to tow but cramped. Rigid inflatables are fast and comfortable but harder to climb into and tow. Hard boats and sailboats can be moored in slips, but cost more and are challenging to construct.

    • 2

      List the materials you need and their prices. Create a budget with a total predicted cost. Set goals for each stage of the process, such as: "by January the basic structure will be complete". Create a more detailed plan using professional quality AutoCAD drawings or ask for expert help.

    • 3

      Build the basic structure. Create a hull: base; sides; beam and bow (outer ring). Add a roof, pilot chair and seating to larger designs. Use Hypalon to make a soft-bottomed boat. Add a fibreglass mid-section to create a rigid inflatable boat. For larger, hard boats or sailboats, purchase a kit. Aluminum is a safe, light material often used in kits. The kit plates (which form the base and sides) should be at least 6 feet wide, as explained by Bruce Roberts. Wear safety goggles and protective clothing. Weld the plates together according to the kit diagrams. Edge and seal with sealant. Attach a keel (for stability), rudder (steering) and propeller (converts power to motion). Paint the base with anti-fouling paint.

    • 4

      Purchase and install an on-board engine and an exhaust system. Add a two-stroke or four-stroke outboard. Four strokes are best for purpose, but cost more and weigh more. Get a two-stroke engine for smaller boats. Install a diving shot, consisting of a weight (to drop at the diving spot), a buoy (to aid diver mobility) and a line (connects the two). The weight is 44 pounds. The line is made from polypropylene.

    • 5

      Install electrics and a marine radio to keep contact with other boats and shore staff. Add a rechargeable battery, wiring and a gang switch. Fix a ladder to the edge of the boat for easy access from the water. Make it adjustable and movable if you need to detach it and pull it in (smaller boats) or fully-fixed and rigid (larger boats). Use bolts, two edge hooks and a wrench to attach the ladder. Put oxygen tanks on-board. Secure them into place using tank holders. Put a first aid kit in a safe, dry place.