1977 Carver Santa Cruz 2566

[Diver Tom]

Hi, My name is Tom and I'm a Diver... just got a Carver Santa Cruz 2566 from 1977. looking to turn it into a Dive Boat.
anyone with past experience in doing such a thing would be of great assistance to me.
I'm looking at trimming out the stern and adding a dive platform. I'm looking for advice on what can be done without losing structural integer of the vessel.
thanks,
Diver Tom

[RGrew176]

Welcome Aboard. Hopefully someone will be able to answer your questions. Good luck with your Santa Cruz.

[waybomb]

Welcome aboard.
Interesting
I can't help you with tips, but please keep us posted with the project!

[Diver Tom]

Hi Y'all, well I've anchored her in my drive way, and let the fun begin!
What I would like is an official Parts Manual for her. I've decided to name her AEGIR. Norse God of Water...
So if anyone has a PDF copy they would send me that would be of great help.
I've decided to start the rehab with a systems check of the major parts. engine, lower end, electrical. I'll post pics as I go. I will need to lift the main deck to overcome the top portion of the engine that is sticking above the main deck. I need a clean dance floor.

[tomschauer]

Welcome Tom. What do you mean by needing to lift the main deck to clear the engine? That should not have been a problem from the factory.
Maybe send some pics?

[Diver Tom]

currently the main deck has a large cover over the engine. taking up space that I will need for putting in benches to hold divers and tanks. my plan is to lift the main deck 6" to clear the parts of the engine that are protruding above the main deck enabling me to have flat deck space.

[km1125]

I'm not familiar with that model, so I looked around for some images. Is something like that what you're talking about? Are you planning to cut the transom on either side of the engine for better access to the swim(dive) platform?

Carver_2566_engine_cover.jpg

[km1125]

You'll want to think about weight distribution too. Think about putting in some type of brackets - even if just temporary ones - in the forward cabin to hold some of the spare tanks. That will take some of the weight off the stern and will help when you're trying to get up on plane.

[bud37]

Welcome to the forum...... You have a fairly narrow boat to start, remember when raising the floor, even 6", you will be altering the designed balance of the boat, making it less stable. Your COG will go up higher and you will get less freeboard height from the floor to the cockpit coaming top. Just my opinion as I see it.

[Diver Tom]

km1125, Yes, this is good picture of my issue. the owner of this boat turned the engine cover into a large seat with two seats on either side filling up the rest of the space. I will be posting pics very soon of my starting point and as I progress through the rehab. My plan is to remove the cover entirely, raise the floor, and replace deck with marine ply (painted and carpeted).
Add Dive platform and remove rear transom just above new main deck. build benches on port and starboard for 3 divers with tank each side. additional tanks will be stored in cabin or bow. Add outside shower, water heater, and a grill. I will install new electronics, navigation GPS, radio, Bimini tops to fly bridge and main deck, and underwater lighting. Bake sale to be started shortly.