gemini waverider 470 as a dive boat????

jugglematt · 18 June 2004, 06:29

hi ho all
this is my first post.
i live in australia .and am looking at getting a rib , mainly for diving for 2-4 people.
the boat will have to be towed a long way each time we use it (aprox 900km return trip) so were trying to keep the weight to a minium.

weve had a good look around and the boat that seems to fit is the gemini470 waverider with a 50 hp merc.
are there any gemini users out there ?
is there anyone out there using a 470 waverider?
if so comments would be apreciated as to how these boats handle .

any pics of similar sized ribs set up for diving would be much apreciated
reguards
matt

The Jackeens · 18 June 2004, 06:57

G'day !!!!

We have a Gemini 5.05 and we absolutely love it...it's cheerful in most any conditions (bar storms when we shouldn't be out there anyway!)
Sadly, can't answer for diving tho' as I don't know how you'd manage for space etc. Just flagging up this post in the hope that Pete 7 will see it later and give you some proper advice!

Welcome to RIBNET!!!! You shall have a green blob for your good taste.

Missus

jugglematt · 18 June 2004, 12:52

thanks for your reply jackeens

your rib looks like lots of fun .
ribs seem to be gaining popularity in oz .
in fact i was told by the local gemini dealer i would have at least a 8 week wait on a new boat then a few more weeks for a fit out .
thy are sold out in oz and the next shipment is sold as well.
good recomendation for the boat but a bit frustrating for me .
ive also been unable to get a test ride in a gem 470 .

reguards
matt

Andre · 18 June 2004, 13:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by jugglematt

hi ho all
this is my first post.
i live in australia .and am looking at getting a rib , mainly for diving for 2-4 people.
the boat will have to be towed a long way each time we use it (aprox 900km return trip) so were trying to keep the weight to a minium.

matt

If for anything I think you should get a medal for the amount of towing you have to do just for a day or 2 of diving. I used to tow 25 miles after a full weekend ribbing and that was more then enough but 900 miles round trip now that is something

Welcome to RibNet

Andre

Phil Chitty · 18 June 2004, 13:21

Hey Jugglematt

Gemini is a great make of Rib.

I've had my 550 waverider for 4 months now and its a very capable boat.

Theres no reason why it won't make a fine dive boat.

Geminis arrive in groups here in the UK !!

jugglematt · 18 June 2004, 14:20

hi ho all
thanks for the replys .
andre just a small correction we travel 900kilometers(return trip) not miles .
that may still seem like a long way for a weekend of scuba ,,,but many travel long distances in oz for a weekend ,,or long weekend .most of the trip is on roads where you travel at 110kmhr so no big deal .

and when we get to the coast we dive on some lovley temperate water reefs ,great sponge life and marine critters .

hey phill . ive heard good things about the 550 gem nice photos , id also love to hear from folks using the 470 as i understand it has a different hull shape .

reguards
matt

Andre · 18 June 2004, 14:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by jugglematt

hi ho all
thanks for the replys .
andre just a small correction we travel 900kilometers(return trip) not miles .
that may still seem like a long way for a weekend of scuba ,,,but many travel long distances in oz for a weekend ,,or long weekend .most of the trip is on roads where you travel at 110kmhr so no big deal .

and when we get to the coast we dive on some lovley temperate water reefs ,great sponge life and marine critters .

reguards
matt

Well as you know we are used to miles hence my error but still 900km (562 miles) is still one heck of a trip but as you say diving in such warm waters makes it worthwhile

and your towing is not like our towing

Andre

EdwardH · 20 June 2004, 23:29

Hi Matt,

I live in Sydney and have a 5.05 Waverider.

I was also considering a 4.7 and 5.5 and I did some research. The 4.7 does indeed have a shallower V and considerably less deck space and for that reason I discounted it. If you could run to it - I would try and get the 5.05 - or even the 5.5 - even a second hand one if possible - the odd bargain does come up.

I went with the 5.05 because i got a great deal on an 'as new' second hand one with only 20 hours on the engine.

The standard Waverider consoles are quite large and take up quite a bit of deck space and I am currently considering upgrading my 5.05 to a 6.5m to give me a bit more space... so have a think before you settle on the 4.7 as you may quite quickly find you need more space.

Also, its worth scouting about on boatpoint or the web for a dealer not local to you who may have some 'in stock' and be prepared to deal.

Pete7 · 21 June 2004, 08:09

Matt, go for the Gemini, and the 5m like the Jackeens. Fab little boat and lots more room than an Avon which really is quite narrow and only medium V. I saw the Jackeens Gemini cross Chichester bar yesterday in nasty wind over tide conditions and it handled very well, quite impressive for 5m. Huge under deck storeage space will be useful for the drinks cooler etc.

I would have no problem with four divers and even twin sets in the Gemini. They have a 75 hp four stroke and the boat seems unfazed by the weight, so do think of at least 60 hp for divers, 75 would be better and a 90 2 stoke would bring big smiles.

Although you are towing huge distances, I don't think you would notice the difference between a 4.7 and 5m rib but at see you will with the extra space and deep v of the Gemini.

Pete

The Jackeens · 21 June 2004, 17:45

Very pleased with that report Pete...as you have a lot of diving and teaching diving experience.

Can only agree with you about the boat...it's a lot of fun...and those were big waves on the Bar yesterday...

You still have to make your own mind up Matt!!!
But at least you have a couple of opinions...
If you log on again could you tell us all which part of Oz??

Missus

Rogue Wave · 21 June 2004, 21:24

I think the Gemini is the only boat made in South Africa that will still be looking good and in ghood condition after 5 years of regular use.

I am really impressed by them and am in the process of buying one.

regardsa

The Jackeens · 21 June 2004, 21:52

Good choice Waver , We'll be like twins ...

Missus

Nick Hearne · 22 June 2004, 07:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

I think the Gemini is the only boat made in South Africa that will still be looking good and in ghood condition after 5 years of regular use.

I am really impressed by them and am in the process of buying one.

regardsa

So which one are you going for?
Nick

EdwardH · 22 June 2004, 07:21

Matt,

There is a 2002 5.05 on Boatpoint for $25K.

Its been there for a while, so you could probably pick it up for 21/22K?

(For those in the UK trying to do the maths - thats about 9k GBP...

http://boatpoint.ninemsn.com.au/mark...1&txtKeywords=

Manos · 22 June 2004, 08:29

We use to have a 5mtr GEMINI. Yellow hull ornage/red tubes. Had it for over 12 years. Great boat had a lot of fun with it.
Due to its size when we went out in force 5 and above the rides were wet but in Greece during the summer a splash or two or even three of some sea water under 35 deg C is always very welcome

Great dive boat if you use a jokey seat rather than proper seats. You can fit a four bottle, bottle SS rack aft as the jockey seat is mounted middle-ish and your passengers can seat on either side on the tubes. If you keep a speed of 18-20 knots everyone will be happy in most states of sea and weather.
We use to have the 5mtr with a 75 Mariner and 17" aluminium standard prop. Acceleration was excellent and use to top 38knots whatever the weight in it at 5500revs if my memory is correct.
The 19" standard prop with that size engine with weight on the boat was not that great.

Rogue Wave · 22 June 2004, 15:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

So which one are you going for?
Nick

We are getting a 7.8 with an Opti 225. so Missus I guess the twins will be like Arnie and Danni.

Regards
Stuart

Louise · 22 June 2004, 15:29

Sounds great, Stu. When do you expect to take delivery?

What's this one gonna be called?

The Jackeens · 22 June 2004, 16:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

We are getting a 7.8 with an Opti 225. so Missus I guess the twins will be like Arnie and Danni.

Regards
Stuart

Nice One

Missus

Nick Hearne · 22 June 2004, 16:44

Look for woods to seeing it & your unbiased opinion on it!

Nick

Rogue Wave · 22 June 2004, 18:36

I guess I deserved that after upsetting the Ribeye boys.!

This is my actual unbiased opinion in the worls of the 4.7 mtre Rib

I think the best by far is an Avon Searider 4.7 followed by a 4.8 Ribcraft or Little Delta. The comes the Gemini. Living in Oz makes the Gemini an awful lot easier to get hold of

Manos it will be calle either 'Are You Experienced', 'Voodoo Chile', 'Take it Home' or 'Freebird'