Message 3 of 3
Posted by member Dominic And Nicola on Thursday 9 October 2008

Hi Damon. Nicola and I dive off our Pilot...or did till we had 3 young children in close sucession but I can assure you we will re-vitalise our sub aqua passion! We entered in standard backwards-over-the-side fashion but got back onboard via a side mounted boarding ladder initially having de-kitted in the water. Worked well-ish but it takes a considerable stretch to clamber up that way and there is no initial foothold (tricky), and the boat rolls a lot. Later we improved the situation dramatically by fitting a boarding ladder over the transom. Its smaller but by entering the boat from the stern (with the engine off!) the Pilot is a very stable platform and barely moves. Moreover there is plenty to grab hold of and put feet on to get a purchase. WE do (did) most of our inshore diving off the coast of Dorset. Worbarrow Bay, Lulworth, Durdle Door etc. Fabulous! Dominic and Nicola. OOh! We must dust off our dry suits!

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Message 1 of 3
Posted by member Damian on Sunday 28 September 2008

I de-rig in the water and then I use an Avon Redcrest to get out of the water before climbing back into the boat. I inflate/deflate the Avon using a Hi Speed LVM 12v pump which when folded up,stows away easily. The alternative method is to put a small bathing platform on the back port or stb side. They can be purchased for about £120 but the dinghy method is far more flexible since it is used when not diving.

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