Once upon a time, submarine exploration conjured dingy images of sailors slaving away in a cramped, leaky cabin. According to Digital Trends, modern luxury has brought us an impressive array of private submarines that avid explorers can enjoy at their leisure (if they possess the necessary wealth).
The types of submarines that you can buy for private enjoyment range from inexpensive personal underwater scooters to extensive submersible yachts with full amenities. Here are a few options you can go with if you’re looking to invest some of your savings in some underwater adventure.
Alex Smith of Boats.com writes that this underwater scooter device can be a serious temptation for those with some extra space in the garage.
The Spymaster Mini-submarine is a compact scooter-like submarine that allows divers to explore depths up to 12 meters with minimal training. The mini-sub is easy to use and transport, weighing in at less than 100kg. The buoyancy of the device is controlled by an inflatable bladder attached to a scuba tank. The mini-sub is powered by a 750W DC motor.
The Spymaster has a more affordable price of around $18,500, making it an option for those looking to spend less.
A more expensive option, the Seabreacher is available in slick “shark,” “dolphin,” and “killer whale” style models that provide extensive three-dimensional control. According to their website, the crafts are designed aerodynamically to be able to jump and flip in and out of the water.
The various models come with a wide array of personalized options. The craft is controlled by a set of hand sticks and pedals, and it handles almost more like an aircraft than a conventional submarine.
The Seabreacher is only designed for shallow depths, however. It is meant mainly for quickly submerging to around 5-6 feet in order to jump out of the water. Their latest models boast the capability of doing barrel rolls.
The Seabreacher is a fun option for those looking to spend a little bit more, at around $80,000.
SEAmagine Hydrospace Corporation offers a few higher-end personal submarines for more affluent enthusiasts. Their crafts range from $1-$3 million and can be deployed from an appropriately equipped yacht.
Their various models can seat up to eight people and can dive down to depths ranging from 150 meters all the way to 1500 meters!
These personal luxury submarines are obviously much pricier, but they’re a very attractive option for those looking for something a little more luxurious.
The DeepFlight Dragon is an elegantly futuristic model with the ability to hover. You can easily find the perfect spot using the craft’s intuitive controls and then settle down to enjoy the scenery.
The craft is certified safe by Lloyd’s Register and incorporates all of the typical safety features unique to DeepFlight submarines. Prices are at around $1.5 million.
An impressive combination of speedboat and submersible, the Marion Hyper-sub is a great toy for those looking for something a bit more adventurous.
On the surface, the Hyper-sub can deploy easily from a dock or beach and has two 480-horsepower Yanmar 6LY3-ETP diesel engines. It boasts a cruising speed of 38mph (26 knots).
Underwater, the Hyper-sub has extensive submersible capabilities. It can also rapidly recharge its batteries and air and can deploy with the ease of a surface craft. It boasts 30,000lbs of lift, giving it awesome performance and cargo capability.
This is a little more pricey option at around $3.5 million.
Just to give you a peek at the type of stuff you could buy if you really wanted to go nuts underwater, Migaloo submersible Yachts are kind of like the Hyper-sub, except they have a wide range of luxurious features such as swimming pools and a deployable mini-craft.
They have all the safety features and amenities you can expect from a $2 billion floating fortress. The company also offers personalized floating islands for those who want a little more than a submersible yacht.
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