The Ultimate Guide to Using an Inflatable Catamaran as a Dive Boat

For the dedicated diver, the boat is not the destination—it's the key that unlocks the underwater world.

For too long, Australian scuba divers have been sold a false choice: either join a crowded charter, or commit to the immense cost, storage, and maintenance of a traditional rigid-hull boat. A trailer, a tow vehicle, harbour mooring fees, yearly anti-fouling, fibreglass repairs—it's a heavy burden for what might be a dozen weekends of use a year. But what if there was a third way? A vessel that combines the stability of a much larger boat, the portability of a car-topper, and the low running costs that leave more in the budget for air fills and better regs.

This is the promise of the modern inflatable catamaran. Forget the flimsy, round-nosed tenders you see tied to jetties. We're talking about high-pressure, military-grade fabric vessels engineered for stability, performance, and practicality. They represent a fundamental rethink of what a private dive boat can be. They are not just an alternative; for small groups of two to four divers exploring local coastlines, they are arguably the superior solution.

This guide is for the serious diver considering independence. We'll cut through the marketing fluff and get into the practical realities of using an inflatable catamaran as a dedicated dive platform. We'll cover everything from gear staging and water entries to anchoring and choosing the right model for your specific needs.

Why is a Dive Boat Inflatable Catamaran the Smart Choice?

The advantages of an inflatable catamaran over both traditional rigid boats and conventional inflatable monohulls are not just incremental; they are transformative for the diving experience. The core of this superiority lies in the twin-hull design, which provides a level of stability and efficiency that single hulls simply cannot match.

Stability is the cornerstone of a safe and comfortable dive platform. When you're dealing with heavy cylinders, clumsy fins, and the precarious process of gearing up, a boat that pitches and rolls is more than an annoyance—it's a hazard. An inflatable catamaran, with its wide stance and two points of contact on the water, is exceptionally stable at rest. You can have two divers sitting on one tube to gear up, and the boat will barely list. Compare this to a V-hull boat, where a single person's movement can cause significant roll, and the difference is night and day.

This stability extends to performance under way. The catamaran design traps a cushion of air between the hulls, lifting the boat and reducing wetted surface area. This means less drag, better fuel economy, and a smoother ride through chop. You'll use less fuel to get to your dive site, and you'll arrive more refreshed and less beaten-up than you would in a comparable-sized rigid boat.

Finally, there's the sheer practicality. A boat like the AeroWave AeroCat 380 can be deflated, rolled up, and stored in the garage, ready for your next adventure. There are no mooring fees, no trailer registration, and no need for a dedicated ramp. You can launch from beaches, creek beds, and sheltered coves that are completely inaccessible to larger vessels, opening up a whole new world of unexplored local dive sites.

How Do You Get Back Into an Inflatable Dive Boat?

This is the single most common question we hear, and it's a critical one. The image of struggling to haul yourself over a large, round tube is a valid concern for anyone who's used a budget inflatable. However, premium inflatable catamarans are designed with easy re-entry in mind.

The Open Transom: A Diver's Best Friend

This is the absolute game-changer. Unlike monohull inflatables which have a continuous tube running around the stern, many inflatable catamarans feature an open-transom design. This creates a low, easily accessible platform at the back of the boat between the two hulls. There's no high tube to clamber over. You simply swim to the stern, remove your fins, and use the solid transom or a small step to slide or step back onto the air deck. It's the closest you can get to the ease of a dedicated dive platform on a multi-million dollar charter boat, but on a vessel you can fit in the back of your car.

Re-boarding Techniques for Inflatable Boats

Even with an open transom, knowing the right technique makes all the difference.

1. The Fin Push-Up: The classic method. Approach the side tube, place both hands flat on top, and use a powerful scissor kick with your fins to propel the top half of your body out of the water and onto the tube. From there, you can swing your legs in. This works best when you're fresh and the water is calm.

2. The Buddy Assist (Heave-Ho): A simple and effective method for a two-diver team. The first diver in the boat grabs the second diver's BCD straps or tank valve and provides an upward pull while the diver in the water kicks. It requires minimal effort from both parties and is the safest method in choppy conditions.

3. Ladders: Helpful or a Hindrance? While portable rope ladders or folding stainless steel ladders are available, they can be cumbersome on an inflatable. Rope ladders can be difficult to use with fins on, and rigid ladders can create potential chafe points on the PVC or Hypalon fabric. For most divers, the combination of an open transom and the buddy-assist method is far more efficient and safer than fiddling with a ladder. If you do opt for a ladder, ensure it has large, flat contact points to spread the load and avoid damaging the tubes.

Is There Enough Space for Dive Gear on an Inflatable Catamaran?

Yes, absolutely, provided you are organised. A common misconception is that inflatable boats are cramped and chaotic. With a bit of planning, a 3.8 to 4.5-metre inflatable catamaran can comfortably accommodate two to three divers and all their equipment for a two-tank dive day.

Strategic Gear Storage

Organisation is key. A cluttered deck is a dangerous deck. Here’s how to manage your kit:

• Tanks & BCDs: The best practice is to store your tanks with BCDs already attached. Lay them down on the high-pressure air deck, with the valves pointing towards the stern. Most divers find that placing them longitudinally along the boat's centreline or slightly off to one side works best. Use short straps looped through the boat's D-rings or seat straps to secure the cylinders and prevent them from rolling in transit. The robust, high-pressure air deck on models like the Aerowave Viper and AeroCat series (rated to 8–10 PSI) is more than tough enough to handle the weight and provides a forgiving, non-slip surface.

• Fins, Masks, and Weights: These items are notorious for getting lost or trodden on. This is where dedicated storage bags become invaluable. The Aerowave Viper Sovereign Bow Bag (A$250) is a perfect example. It straps to the bow, utilising otherwise dead space to keep masks, snorkels, cameras, and other delicate items safe and dry. Weight belts should be stowed securely on the floor, ideally in a small crate or bag to prevent lead from scuffing the deck.

• Dry Gear & Personal Items: A waterproof dry bag is non-negotiable for towels, keys, phones, and wallets. This can be clipped to a D-ring or stored inside the bow bag.

The Two-Diver Setup Checklist

Here’s a sample layout for a two-diver team on a boat like the Aerowave WaveRunner 380:

• Pre-Launch: Inflate boat to correct pressure (Tubes and Air Deck). Install seats.
• Loading: Place two BCD-mounted tanks on the floor, side-by-side, just forward of the transom. Secure with a strap.
• Place a small dive crate between the tanks for weight belts, knives, and other small accessories.
• Stow fins, masks, and snorkels in a bow bag or a dedicated mesh bag at the bow.
• Clip a dry bag with personal items to a D-ring under one of the seats.
• Place the anchor, rode, and dive flag in an easily accessible position near the helm.
• Ensure the fuel tank and outboard are clear and unobstructed.

This setup keeps the central deck area clear for moving around and gearing up, minimises trip hazards, and ensures the boat is correctly balanced.

Can You Do a Backward Roll Entry from an Inflatable Catamaran?

Yes, the backward roll (or 'diver's roll') is the preferred entry method from an inflatable boat. The stability of a catamaran makes this manoeuvre exceptionally safe and easy.

Here's the procedure:

1. Gear Up: Get fully kitted up while sitting on the floor of the boat for maximum stability.
2. Position: Swivel to sit on one of the main side tubes, facing into the boat. Your tank will be over the water.
3. Final Checks: Do your final buddy checks (air on, BCD connected, etc.). Put your mask on and regulator in your mouth.
4. The Roll: Place one hand over your mask and regulator, and the other on your weight belt or BCD straps. Simply tuck your chin and fall backwards into the water. The boat's tube is low to the water, so it's a very gentle entry.

The wide beam and immense stability of a catamaran mean the boat won't rock or list, even with a large diver rolling off the side. This is a significant advantage over deep-V monohulls, which can be much less forgiving.

Choosing the Right Inflatable Dive Boat Model

Not all inflatables are created equal. For diving, you need a boat with a robust fabric, a high-pressure floor, ample space, and a high payload capacity. At Easy Inflatables, our Aerowave catamarans are built with these demands in mind.

Our two flagship ranges, the AeroCat and the Viper, are both superb dive platforms, but they cater to slightly different priorities. The AeroCat is constructed from premium 1100 GSM / 0.9 mm VALMEX® fabric, while the flagship Viper series uses an even heavier-duty 1500 GSM / 1.2 mm VALMEX® Heavy Plus material for ultimate durability. This German-made fabric is the gold standard, with a proven lifespan of 10-12 years in the harsh Australian sun.

Here’s a comparison of models popular with divers:

For most two-person dive teams, the AeroWave AeroCat 380 hits the sweet spot of size, performance, and value. For those who frequently dive in rougher conditions or need the toughest possible construction, the Aerowave Viper 400 Sovereign is the undisputed champion. Its enclosed bow provides extra spray protection and a secure spot for an anchor well. For those needing to carry 3-4 divers regularly, the extra metre of internal space in the Aerowave Viper 450 Open Bow is well worth the investment.

Essential Accessories for Your Inflatable Dive Boat

Your boat is the platform, but the right accessories make your dive trips safer, easier, and more successful.

• Dive Flag: This is not optional—it's a legal requirement in Australia. You must display a Code Flag 'A' when divers are in the water. Ensure you have a sturdy, highly visible flag on a pole that can be mounted securely to the transom or a seat.
• Anchor System: You need an anchor that suits the seabed you'll be frequenting. A sand anchor (like a Danforth) is a good all-rounder, but a grapnel or reef anchor is better for rocky bottoms. Your anchor rode (the line connecting the anchor to the boat) should be at least five times the maximum depth you intend to anchor in. A 50-metre rode is a good starting point.
• Tube Protection: While VALMEX® fabric is incredibly tough, repeated abrasion from weight belts, tank bases, and spearguns can cause cosmetic scuffs over time. Our new handmade Aerowave Tube Chaps (A$1,000) are custom-fitted panels of heavy-duty material that protect the tops of your tubes exactly where you sit and gear up. They are a smart investment to keep your boat looking pristine.
• Electronics: A simple GPS/Fishfinder combo is a massive asset. It allows you to find and return to specific dive sites (wrecks, reefs) and provides critical depth information. It also serves as a primary navigation tool.
• Safety Gear: Beyond the dive flag, ensure you have an in-date flare kit, a V-sheet, a first-aid kit specifically for marine and dive incidents, a waterproof torch, and a reliable communication device like a VHF radio or a personal locator beacon (PLB).

Anchoring and Setup at the Dive Site

Your approach and setup at the dive site are critical for safety.

1. Assess the Site: On arrival, motor slowly around the intended dive area. Use your sounder to check depths and bottom composition. Observe the current and wind direction. Your goal is to anchor 'up-current' or 'up-wind' of the spot you want to dive, so the boat settles back over the target.
2. Prepare to Anchor: Before you cut the engine, get your anchor and rode ready. Make sure the line is flaked out on the deck and will run free without snagging.
3. Drop Anchor: Motor slowly up-current past your target spot. When you're the right distance away (e.g., 30 metres up-current for a 10m deep site), stop the boat, and deploy the anchor. Pay out line as the boat drifts back with the current.
4. Set the Anchor: Once you've paid out enough rode, snub the line on a cleat or D-ring. The anchor will dig in. You can check it's holding by lining up two objects on the shore. If they stay aligned, you're set. If they are moving relative to each other, your anchor is dragging, and you need to reset it.
5. Hoist the Dive Flag: Before any divers enter the water, your 'Alpha' flag must be flying and clearly visible to other boat traffic.
6. Final Prep: With the boat secure, you can complete your final gear-up in a stable, predictable environment.

The Bottom Line

An inflatable catamaran isn't just a viable dive boat; it is, for many Australian divers, the perfect dive boat. It removes the traditional barriers of cost, storage, and access that prevent so many from exploring our incredible coastline on their own terms. With unparalleled stability, incredible portability, and a design philosophy centred on practical use, boats like the Aerowave Viper and AeroCat series offer a level of freedom and capability that rigid hulls simply cannot match.

They require a thoughtful approach to gear management and procedure, but the payoff is immense: access to remote sites, the flexibility to dive on your schedule, and the pure joy of being self-sufficient on the water. If you're a serious diver looking to take the next step towards independence, it’s time to look past the old fibreglass paradigm and embrace the future of personal dive boating. To discuss which model would best suit your diving style, give our team a call on +61 2 4335 1603 or email sales@easyinflatables.com.au.

Related

• Aerowave Viper 400 Sovereign
• Inflatables accessories
• Aerowave WaveRunner 380 Series 3