Dive Budz offers full service SCUBA boat hull cleaning.

First time cleanings are $1.50 – $2.00 per foot (boat length) depending on the condition of the boat bottom. Vessels that have considerable growth and require two (2) or more hours to service will be charged an hourly rate. For a free estimate on first time and/or scheduled service please contact Dive Budz. Included with a regular cleaning service are: Complete cleaning of algae, coral, barnacles, and other growth from vessel bottom, running gear, and all underwater hardware.

• Through cleaning of all thruhulls
• Complete hull inspection and written report
• Report on condition of all running gear and paint
• Report on zincs and replacement when needed*
• Retrieval of items lost overboard while docked**
• Emergency notification of critical or hazardous boat condition found at time of service

* cost of zinc includes zinc and installation **No charge if diver is due to service your vessel. Service call charges will apply for special arrangements.

Dive Budz offers the following propeller services

• Pull and replace props underwater
• Paint props with anti-fouling paint
• Send and pick up props for reconditioning, pitch change, welding, and/or balancing

Dive Budz also offers the following dive services

• Underwater video and photography of boat bottom, dock, seawall, etc.
• Search and recovery of items lost in water
• Remove and/or install shaft, trimtabs and other running gear
• Remove and/or install transducer, knotmeter, and other underwater hardware.
• Drill and install thruhulls and many other services

If you are interested in any services not listed on our site please contact Dive Budz. If they do not provide the service, they may know someone REPUTABLE who does. The services above are NOT included in regular cleanings and prices vary. For a free estimate please contact Dive Budz.

Ed Roberts – Diver

Phone: 727-488-3483

http://www.divebudz.com/

StPeteYachts.com offers exclusive, privately owned boats for charter in the Tampa Bay area. Choose from fast cruising powerboats or a 43′ Fountain Pajot, Sailing Catamaran for exploring Tampa Bay. Even Offshore Fishing. Spend the day with experienced captains cruising the Gulf and Intracoastal waters of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, John’s Pass, Dunedin – all of Tampa Bay – even as far as Sarasota.

The 38′ Four Winns Nauti-Dog is even dog friendly. Bring your pup along for the ride!

http://www.stpeteyachts.com/

This cartoon was originally created by a powerboater friend while in the BVI’s. We were discussing the differences in the islands, specifically Anegada. The flatness of this barrier island contrasts with the mountainous peaks of the rest of the British Virgin Islands, spurring the idea. Our friend said “Anegada is just a speed bump to the rest of the BVI’s” – and wala.

Ahh groin jokes. Always fun in my book. Throw in a beloved hero and it’s a win-win.

I think the idea for this one came along when it almost happened to yours truly. Tacking on a blustery day, my feet were tangled in the mess of lines on the cockpit (another fun word) floor. Knowing the jib would come around with force, I was looking for the sheet to wrap around the winch. There it was, ready and waiting to sneak attack my man area. Sneaky sheets.

Inspiration for this drawing comes from a sail to Beer Can Island in Tampa Bay one hot, calm day last June. We are trying to make good time running downwind, but feel like french fries under a heat lamp on the breeze-less, slow-moving point of sail. As glamorous as Wing and Wing looks, our boat creeps along and requires too much brain power and neck craning to keep the sails full.

After repeated jib flopps, someone suggests firing up the diesel in full reverse to keep the damn sails in place. This leads to the brilliant idea of just chucking out a stern anchor and cracking open more beer. It’s all about lookin’ good.

We’ve been struggling to find a way to utilize Mariola, the PyratSail 1980 Morgan 321. Our weekends are three day at best, limiting our cruising area to about a day sail from Boca Ciega Bay. So far these new modifications have increased our range and overall boating pleasure. Sailing Tampa Bay is finally enjoyable and efficient. For a larger picture of the mods please click here.

Ahoy! A new toon on the boards.  Maybe some Tampa Bay sailors have networked this way – I’ve actually had this happen with a powerboater.

Inspired by Holy Taco, a little game to play if you’re feeling bored at the next Sailing Raft-Up.

Barrett’s Privateers is one of our favorite sailing songs. A must-have on the CD-player when raising the sails for the first time. It’s our Amazing Grace. You’ve probably heard it blaring across Tampa Bay while you’re out sailing.

Thanks to JackKnife for forwarding this link – I never thought about looking up Stan Rogers. After a little more research, I discovered he died in a horrible plane runway fire at age 33.

Cold weather sucks, but his songs and boomin’ voice kindle thoughts of wool sweaters and crashing waves on rocky shorelines. I wish I was in Sherbrooke now!

Another great one – with an intro story of survival at sea: Mary Ellen Carter Rise Again