HARTLEY'S UNDERSEA WALK BERMUDA |
Our Bermuda dive boat THE RAINBOW RUNNER survived the Bermuda Triangle by going from Miami ,where she was built, across the top of the Bahamas, and straight through the Bermuda Triangle to Bermuda. We made the 1000 mile trip in three days and nights. She was custom-built in Florida in 1988, according to the specific needs of a helmet diving vessel. She is powered by a NA 3208 Caterpillar diesel, has four water tight bulkheads, and more safety equipment, back-up systems and life jackets than required by law. Custom-built for your comfort. |
Rainbow Runner is the name of a pelagic fish. In 1984 we bought a wooden boat called Reef Runner. After Hurricane Emily destroyed that grand old fifty-footer in 1987. We wanted to have a new name that would still remind us of our first vessel. |
There is a spacious cabin, with 6'3" headroom and very large windows, where you will hear the briefing. I am sitting between the glass bottom panels in this photo while briefing our eager divers. Below decks there is an electric toilet in the bathroom (head), and a changing room, which also serves as a shower. Lockers are not necessary because we are literally all in the same boat. I often threaten that if anything is missing; I will personally frisk all the women. I have not had the chance to make good on my threat. Though we do not do glass bottom tours, divers can have a preview. Helmet diving is our specialty, and it is said that we do it better than any one else. Above the hard cabin is a large sunbathing area (bring sunscreen), with a canopy over the helm area. If a shower passes over we simply close the tempered glass windows. Some operators main area is only covered with a canvas shelter as opposed to a secure rigid cabin. |
For a tantalizing preview, there is a glass bottom. Once we are at the reef, grey snappers will assemble in formation under it (sometimes they take flash pictures back at the visitors). There is a skeg that extends from the end of the keel, under the prop therby protecting it, to the bottom of the rudder. In our area the depth between the coral flats is about 35 feet. With less current the bottom is muddy. The reefs surrounding the coral flats rise to two to four feet of the surface, depending on the tide. We dive on a sandy area on the edge of a flat.
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Timid Person Now Fearless Adventurer |
"I never would imagine that I could have as much courage to do such a thing as today. I can't swim, I don't like messing up my hair and I definately don't like touching the slimy stuff. But after today I guess I can do anything now! Well almost" Valarie Butcher Queens, NY |