TwistedSifter

When you see a boat do you ever think; that’s it? Can’t you do anything else? In some circles (let’s call them anti-boat-ites) the comparison is often made to the snorkeler. Relegated to the surface, they are 2-dimensional players in a 3-D game.

Enter the Scubacraft. A relatively affordable ‘recreational submersible’ capable of taking your friends tubing and then diving with ease to depths of 30 meters (98.5 feet) or more. Yes this toy can be yours; starting at the low introductory price of $165,000 USD.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

- Scubacraft uses patented technology that allows it to transform its buoyancy from a floating craft into a streamlined submersible
- The craft is powered on the surface by a combustion engine and underwater by electric thrusters and batteries
- In normal operation, Scubacraft is designed to have slight positive buoyancy at all times. If at any time the craft loses power it will slowly float back to the surface in a controlled manner
- If so required, Scubacraft will be able to lose its positive buoyancy in a special ‘park’ mode, thus allowing occupants to depart from the craft and perhaps swim off to explore inside a shipwreck

KEY FEATURES:

- Advanced safety features include an automatic depth control (ADC) system that assists the operator in maintaining depth, controlling ascent and descent
- VHF radio, underwater communications, lights and GPS are accessories that further enhance safety and performance in operation
- Scubacraft also features an integrated SMB (Surface Marker Buoy) system that indicates its presence underwater to all surface craft and incorporates an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) transmitter
- The modular configuration allows for the electric system to be removed and replaced as necessary, adding extra batteries for extended operations or more thrusters for more power. A wide range of accessories including lights and cameras can be added to extend its underwater capability and enhance the user’s experience.
- With no exposed propeller and the ability to operate in very shallow water, the technology has advantages over conventional surface craft even before it submerges underwater.
- A wet submersible, the entire structure is free flooding and components are individually sealed to pressure

THE SC6

Specs:
Capacity: 6 persons
Engine type: 4 stroke, inline 4 cylinder DOHC
Maximum power: 250 Hp forced induction
Range: 241 km (150 miles)
Mass: 700 Kg (1,543 lbs)
Surface performance: 80 kph (50 mph)
Payload: 800 Kg (1,763 lbs)
Maximum depth: 30 meters standard (50 meters optional) | 100 - 164 feet

Dimensions
Overall length: 5.6 meters (18.4 ft)
Overall width: 2.3 meters (7.5 ft)
Overall height: 2.0 meters (6.6 ft)

THE SC3

Specs:
Capacity: 3 persons
Engine type: 4 stroke, inline 4 cylinder DOHC
Maximum power: 160 Hp naturally aspirated
Range: 161 km (100 miles)
Mass: 390 Kg (860 lbs)
Surface performance: 80 kph (50 mph)
Payload: 400 Kg (882 lbs)
Maximum depth: 30 meters standard (50 meters optional) | 100 - 164 feet

Dimensions
Overall length: 4.5 meters (14.8 ft)
Overall width: 2.1 meters (6.9 ft)
Overall height: 1.8 meters (5.9)

All pictures and information courtesy of Scubacraft. Please visit their website for more information: www.scubacraft.com

If you’re on Twitter or Facebook, let’s connect!


If you enjoyed this article, the Sifter highly recommends: Experience The Joy of Flight in the Icon A5 Light Sport Aircraft