As promised in a recent post about Diver Propelled Vehicles titled "Aqua Scooter" , online March 22 2017, here's another on the same topic but with better quality, higher performance machines. The ones featured in that article were definitely simple, tourist orientated units and geared to be used by just about anyone, with speeds to match. that is to say....sloooooow!! haha!
This one's about what may be considered a higher classification of DPVs, a few having military applications and some for use by commercial divers, but some are basic tow-behind models for the public, perhaps geared to thsoe more physically fit and able. Many of the latter are readily available and fairly inexpensive but still requiring some physical strength and operating skills. I saw a few of the basic tow-behind models online for $300 or $400 and they look extremely user friendly, portable and a lot of fun. Even if you were just snorkeling, it would be a great way to see a lot of what you want to see without totally burning all your energy. One of the things I found about 'free diving' (in my strictly amateur way) is that you can sure use up a lot of energy, and subsequently a lot of air, just getting down to a depth where you can see all the cool stuff. Of course, if you'd be using one of these machines to explore depths that required SCUBA gear, you'd have to take into account your ascension rates and equalizing times.
One day I can see them building something that would be a combination of the DPVs featured in each of the posts...a true motorcycle style machine which you can ride underwater, complete with self contained air tanks for breathing.
And, for another teaser, keep an eye out for my future blog on a dual use, two wheeled machine that works on land and in the water!!
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| If you think this looks 'military grade', you're right |
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| Room for two divers |
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| A somewhat typical tow-behind type scooter |
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| This one's called a "Bladefish' |
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| Some of the better and more expensive style scooters are straddled, which allows hands free |
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| Another sled style, good for hauling gear and other such cargo |
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| These little tow-behinds are relatively inexpensive ($300) and are great for snorkelling |
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| Not sure how this one would work but included it as something different |
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| Bigger units give higher speeds |
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| To see this unit in action, check out the GIF below |
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