Boston Scuba

Lion’s Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata)

If you’ve been around the water you’ve probably seen this swarm of invaders floating around the sea surface. The Lion’s Mane jelly’s are common in spring and can be mesmerizing to watch, but like all wildlife give them space.

Until expeditions to the Arctic discovered individuals over 8ft wide, the largest recorded specimen was measured off the coast of Massachusetts in 1865 with a bell with a diameter of 6’10” /210 cm. Their 75-150 te****les can reach around 120ft/ 36.6 m long (note that this was before boats with propellers became commonplace!). That’s about 7m/22ft. longer than the largest recorded blue whale!

They show up in early spring here in Boston, you can see them close to the surface never getting much deeper tha 18m/60ft. They do sting, they’re not friendly like the comb jellies so hands to yourself, the stings won’t go through wetsuits or gear but any exposed skin is at risk of being stung, even by broken off te****le pieces floating in the water column.

They are beautiful to photography and an easy subject if you’re careful about the stingahzzz, they don’t hang around much longer in the season however so if you want to see them, now is the time… if you want to avoid them you don’t have much longer to wait.

Can’t wait to see you on the boat!!

The bow section of the City of Sailsbury shipwreck sits in just 21m/70ft. The stern rests shallower in around 12m/40ft just out of Boston Harbor. If you look around south of our usual anchor spot when diving the forward section you can find this big, intact section of the very tip of the bow laying on its starboard side. After numerous successful dives on this wreck for 3 years I only just discovered and was able to get what I could of a photograph last summer. Have you ever found the tip of the bow at the Sailsbury??

Summer charter schedule is back! Fill up your catch bags and SD cards. How would you guys feel about having a Boston Scuba Lobster Leaderboard? Whenever you come out with us we can track two categories: quantity and size, at the end of the year there will be prizes for winners… takers?

Start your diving season early and don’t stop! One of the best reasons to drysuit dive is to extend the dive season or even keep it year round up here. Capt Greg has a brand new scubapro evertech breathable drysuit in men’s XL. Brand new, never seen water, tags still on it just the wrong size. Normally about $2600, asking $2300. Can take a look at the shop during business hours.

And now, a little about the suit from the words of Scubapro.....

Breathable nylon/PU/nylon trilaminate design allows body perspiration evacuation, but keeps water out.
Seams are stitched then waterproofed taped twice for maximum reliability.
Front diagonal BDM metal dry zipper keeps water out and makes self-donning easy.
Si-Tech ring seal system for latex wrists and neck allows for the quick replacement of damaged latex seals or the use of optional silicone seals.
Quality Si-Tech valves ensure efficient and trouble-free airflow control.
Neoprene neck collar keeps the hood in place, makes it easier to position the hood when wearing gloves, and helps protect the latex neck seal.
Attached semi-rigid dive boots feature new soft yet protective soles that improve their anti-slip capabilities while enabling you to comfortably walk on objects like shells. Boots also include Velcro straps to improve fit while preventing air from traveling to feet, along with fin strap retainers.
Two large cargo pockets are equipped with D-rings, easy-to-see blue bungee, high-security overflaps and Velcro closures.
A hook is provided on the right-thigh utility pocket for attaching a hood, and I-Safe straps on both arms offer a secure mounting spot for a wrist computer.
Blue suspender system enhances fit and provides convenient lower suit support between dives.
Hood features an air vent system, smooth-skin collar, Diamond Span interior and a hook for securing to the cargo pocket.

SPECS
Drysuit Type Trilaminate
Thickness Other
Entry Style Diagonal Front Zip
Boot Type Attached Rubber Boots
Seal Material Latex
Weight
8.126 lb
Storage Bag Yes
Number of Pockets 2
Activity Technical

Focusing on the dive.

Busy class this weekend, the classroom is officially at capacity, not even standing room. What’s your favorite memory from your open water class?

I think we’re technically over the hump of winter… don’t forget to make sure that gear is serviced and ready!

Water is getting clear and there are big nudibranchs to see!!

The boat spaces are opening up and the water is still the same as it has been all summer. Diving this time of year can be great because the water is sometimes warmer than the air, and not too bad, the viz is increasing as it does cool down and seasonal currents change. Besides that Keep-ah’s heater is on for the season so it will be nice and toasty below to get a quick toast on. Soon we move to one charter a day since the sun starts setting so much earlier, so get on what we have left!