Scuba or Hookah?

Can't advise on that but, strongly suggest you have a trip line on the anchor if anchor a lot.

I'm not qualified to give opinions on either, but the following is a quote from Ken Williams' blog. He and his wife have a 68' Nordhavn, and cruise extensively.

"Install a hookah system – We installed an air compressor that allows for diving without air tanks. It was a fun idea and does work, but in actual practice it never gets used. The good diving is never “right next to the boat” and the hoses for the hookah system are cumbersome to deploy. Part of the vision was that guests would enjoy play-diving in the water, but .. we very rarely have guests on the boat. It seemed a good idea, and probably would be a good idea for someone else, but for us the system was a waste of money and space."

If you are not a regular diver and snorkel most the time, then I would recommend a Hooka system for ease of diving to do a quick check on the anchor or running gear or retrieve something etc.

No need to haul out a tank, so it is less hassle.
However, as a keen diver, I always have 2 tanks and all my gear in the lazarette, so for me, it is unnecessary to have both systems.

A few times I have had to make a quick dive to check the props or untangle a buoy from an anchor for a friend and I have wished that I had a portable Hooka system, just for the ease of gearing up. The portable type follow you on the surface, whilst the other type stay on the boat, limiting your movement. You also need a lot less storage space, no tanks.

You will still need a Lycra suit, even in the warmest water due to the Irukandji. Not worth ruining a holiday for the sake of going without a "skin".

Both dive systems have the pro's and con's. Nothing beats a scuba dive on a good day at the reef.
For kids, the Hooka is a good way to introduce them to diving too.

Get both, the cost is not so bad and getting a SCUBA licence gives you more confidence underwater! Hooka only requires a very basic training course.

I carry two complete scuba setups. I also took an older regulator and set it up with a Brownie 50 ft line that I run off one of the tanks. Anytime I work on the boat or to check/repair something underway I always use the Brownie regulator. Much easier and more maneuverable than a scuba setup. My favorite is hanging out under the boat at Staniel Cay with the sharks on the Brownie. Most of the time I'm away from the boat I'm either spear fishing or conch diving so no tanks, only free diving.

Ditto on the Rescue Divers licence. Got mine before PADI got so bad that they started issuing certificates at any excuse, as long as you paid! I am surprised more novice divers are not lost considering how this organisation qualifies it's divers, especially with resort dive industry.
Interesting records from the Trauma unit, maybe because most the abalone divers, if not all, use Hooka?
Mate, if you are running out of storage on the new 65 now, maybe you should order the 75'

As a diver since the age of seventeen, I have used tanks and floating hookah units. Trying to cope with a floating hookah unit being pulled behind you, to your side, or even in front of you in anything other than a flat calm sea condition is an exercise in self abuse. Takes enjoyment right out of diving. Would never desire to utilize a floating hookah again. In cases where one is willing to be constrained by an onboard compressor, and the hose length limitation, there is utility, but little else to recommend that type of hookah, in my opinion.

Nigel

For clearing the anchor or props, I'd recommend a small 20-30 cu ft tank (rescue tank sized) and a real simple outfit, probably don't even need a BCD just a tank harness and a dedicated regulator. Quick and easy to use and stow. For your recreational diving I'd stay with the tanks - aluminum 60's or 80s

rc
Agreed it's all preference. 10 ways to skin a Kat. I can fill my rescue bottle about 4-5 times off an 80. I have the air gauge right at the J valve - don't need no darn instruments if I'm only going 20 feet. Think of this too, why the heck is he anchoring in the reef. I was taught to anchor in the sand outside the reef and let the wind or current carry me over the nice stuff? No? If you're worried about losing the boat use a wreck reel tied off the stern

I use the hooka to do zincs and clean the props.

Nigel

You wasted our time, You said you were worried about too much kit. Now you tell us it does not matter/ Blah, We all could have told you to put 2 80's on in your first post