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Which is the best sea scooter for diving and snorkeling
Using a sea scooter for snorkeling or diving will take your adventures to the highest level! These propulsion vehicles provide the user with the ability to move faster on the surface as well as underwater. They are useful accessories for commercial activities and fun toys on holidays! This comparison helps you to choose the best underwater scooter!
Written by Anett Szaszi
Anett is a certified scuba diver, freediver, and an expert in snorkeling with more than 10 years of experience. She fell in love with the ocean while snorkeling in the Red Sea on a vacation to Egypt back in 2008. Since then, she has been traveling to discover the world’s best snorkeling spots and sharing her experience and tips to inspire others. Find her photos on @anett.szaszi Instagram too!
To decide which is the best sea scooter for you, consider what activities you want to use it for. For commercial purposes, you need to get a powerful, high-end model that features long battery life, advanced depth rating, and can carry 2-3 divers at the same time along with equipment.
But if you will use it just for fun, look at the cheaper compact models that offer smaller ranges and lower speeds. Important is to buy your DPV from a reliable manufacturer that provides you with a warranty and necessary replacement parts.
Our Pick: LEFEET Underwater Scooter S1Pro
This compact-size underwater scooter from LEFEET was made for travel. After seeing how bulky the first sea scooters were, we were pleasantly surprised that the S1 Pro is compact and lightweight.
It can be easily put into your carry-on without taking up all the space in it. The sleek design provides not only easy transportation but also superb maneuverability underwater and safer passing through caves and wrecks.
The S1 Pro has a 4400mAh battery; this capacity ensures extended run-time (16% more compared to the S1 model) without causing difficult moments at airport security as such batteries are allowed on planes. (Remember that batteries must go in the carry-on and never in the checked bag!)
Regarding performance, you can expect to provide you with an ultimate underwater experience; offering 8kg/18lbs of thrust and a top speed of 1.8m/s (14% increase in power compared to its predecessor) it easily propels you through the water whether you are snorkeling, freediving with it, or want to use it a pool.
However, if you intend to use this sea scooter for diving, you may want a greater thrust. Luckily, you can easily do so thanks to the product’s modular design, meaning that you have the ability to use two engines. Moreover, the LEFEET S1 Pro can also be used to power paddle boards with the corded adaptor. The camera mount makes it easy to record your adventures.
Given 3 speed levels, you can easily adjust the speed depending on how much thrust you need. Note that using it at full speed, the operation time drops significantly to approx. 20 minutes. However, using it at a low rate, the battery lasts up to 60-70 minutes, which we found pretty good.
The all-metal, aviation-grade aluminum alloy frame and carbon fiber composite propeller ensure that the S1 Pro has high-level corrosion resistance and extreme sturdiness.
To sum it up, we enjoyed testing this underwater scooter and think that if you are looking for a quality DPV without breaking the bank, you won’t regret buying the LEFEET S1 Pro!
Key Features:
- 5.51lbs / 2.5kg weight including battery
- 4400mAh battery capacity
- Up to 60-70 minutes battery life
- 3 Speeds: low/med/high
- Waterproof up to 40m/130ft
- durable aviation-grade aluminum alloy frame and carbon fiber composite propeller
- Sleek And Efficient Design
- Superior Performance; 8kg/18lbs Of Thrust, 1.8m/s Top Speed
- Built-In Mount For Easy Action Camera Attachment
- 40M/130ft Depth Rating
Pros:
- Compact yet powerful
- Up to 1 hour operation
- Fits into luggage
- Air travel compliant
- Easy to assemble
- Straightforward operation
- Modular design
- Compact yet sturdy
- Great maneuverability
- Can be used in both saltwater and freshwater
- Quick battery change
- Variety of accessories available such as floating fins, multi-purpose mound, one-hand rail, dual jet rail, scuba tank mount
Cons:
- little loud operation
- using on top speed, the battery only lasts about 20 minutes
- the product is negatively buoyant, so it weighs you down when not in use
Conclusion:
Overall, the LEFEET S1 Pro is an excellent value-for-money choice in the sea scooter market. It is one of the most powerful and fastest models in this price range.
One of the most notable features of the S1 Pro is its travel friendliness; it is not only compact and lightweight but fully air-travel compliant with even the additional batteries allowed in carry-on.
LEFEET S1 Pro is a good choice if you want a compact yet powerful sea scooter for snorkeling and diving or just looking for a cool underwater toy to upgrade your paddle boarding sessions or have fun swimming in the pool!
Other 5 Sea Scooter Models In 2023 That We Like
Yamaha Underwater Scooter 220Li Pro Series – For Scuba Divers
The Yamaha sea scooter range offers a wide variety of propulsion vehicles for any need. No matter you seek for a simpler model or a professional, you can find the perfect one that meets your needs the most.
Yamaha 220Li offers the fast speed and long battery life of the Pro Series. These cool features make this model one of the popular underwater scooters on Amazon.
- powerful yet energy efficient motor with 3.1mph/5km/h max speed
- 1 hour run time, LED battery indicator
- Depth rated up to 100ft/30m
It is ideal for surface swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving too with a depth rate of 100ft/30m. This lightweight yet powerful underwater vehicle can reach a cruising speed of 3.1 MPH / 5Kmh. Rechargeable battery (electric-car type smart battery) runs up to 1 hour. With D-ring attachment points and an action camera mount, the Yamaha 220Li is an ideal choice to use for surface activities and for underwater fun.
The 2-speed gear changer allows you to regulate your cruising speed easily. Automatic buoyancy adjustment system with self-filling ballasts and drain holes guarantees that the Yamaha 220Li sea scooter is neutrally buoyant in salt water for comfortable use. A powerful watercraft for any diving activity!
Sublue WhiteShark Underwater Scooter – Most Popular
The newest generation of sea scooters is here! The Sublue WhiteShark is one of the best sea scooter models nowadays that combines performance with portability and user-friendly design. Your underwater scooter doesn’t need to be bulky anymore! The Sublue WhiteShark has a total weight of 3.5 kgs only so you can take it for traveling too! 2 powerful motors can speed you up to 3.35 MPH/5.4 kmh.
- new generation underwater scooter for fun water activities
- compact, lightweight travel size model
- 2 powerful motors, 30 minutes battery time
- maximum speed 3.35 MPH/5.4kmh
Use it for cruising around on the surface or even for diving. The maximum depth is 130ft/40m, the rechargeable battery runs for up to 30 minutes. The universal interface hosts GoPro and most action cameras so you can easily record your adventures!
Geneinno Trident Underwater Scooter
The innovative manufacturer, Geneinno Trident made its first success in the underwater drone segment, and now they entered the market with the Geneinno Seascooter. The idea was to create a compact yet powerful watercraft that users could take everywhere and use in all conditions.
- compact model, fits in carry-on bags
- perfect for snorkeling/diving up to 100ft
- depth rate 164ft/50m, speed 4mph/6.4kmh
- battery time up to 45-60 mins, fast charging in 1.5 hours
Therefore, the Trident underwater scooter has a compact design so it fits even into airplane carry-on bags! Powerful motor with a maximum speed of 4mph/6.4kmh guarantees maximum fun along with high-level safety. The Trident underwater scooter is equipped with a lock to prevent accidental usage or accidents.
Thanks to the positive buoyant material, the vehicle stays afloat so you don’t need to worry about losing it. The increased depth rate (164ft/50m) makes it perfect to use not only for snorkeling but also for diving enthusiasts. Moreover, the Geneinno Seascooter is compatible with GoPro and supports LED lightning mounts to allow you capturing the best footage underwater!
Yamaha Explorer Sea Scooter – For Kids and Beginners
This entry-level Yamaha sea scooter is similar to old popular Sea Doo models: it offers everything that hobby users need and comes with an affordable price tag!
Thanks to the lightweight construction, easy operation and safety features such as auto-shutoff, protecting gills, waterproof circuitry, and floating chassis, the Yamaha Explorer is perfect for kids (8 years and older).
- entry-level model at affordable price
- lightweight design, easy-to-carry
- battery time up to 60 minutes with normal use
- perfect for kids 8+ years
Use it for snorkeling or take it diving, this Explorer water scooter is a good choice for the whole family! It can reach a cruising speed of 2.5 MPH/3.2 kmh and can be used in fresh and salt water too for up to 60 minutes. The maximum depth rate is 30ft/9m.
TUSA SAV-7 EVO DPV – Best For Professionals
If you are looking for the best underwater scooter for professional use, search no further! The TUSA SAV-7 EVO Diver propulsion vehicle is what you need! TUSA sea scooters are designed for serious underwater adventures.
The newest SAV-7 EVO2 is depth-rated to 230ft/70m and features and an amazing 100 minutes run time. LED lights indicate the remaining battery, so you will always know when it’s time to resurface or returning to the shore.
- professional DPV up to 270ft/70m
- can carry 3 divers
- hands-free operation
- battery time up to 45-60 mins, LED level indicator
Moreover, it offers hands-free operation (the vehicle should be held between the legs). These facts make this underwater vehicle perfect for serious underwater projects no matter it is a technical training or underwater photography project.
TUSA SAV-7 Evo is able to pull 3 divers by using saddle wings. Carrying extra divers doesn’t affect significantly the performance. The 3 speed propeller along with rotational adjustment functions allows fine speed and position changes effortlessly at any time (top speed is 2.6mph/4.2 kmh).
Note: For a long time, the Canadian Sea Doo was the market leader in the underwater scooter segment, but they are not in this business anymore. The company from the underwater now focusing on jet-ski watercrafts and accessories only. Instead of Sea Doos, you can check the Yamaha sea scooter range that includes various Sea Doo like models.
What is a sea scooter?
Underwater propulsion vehicles (DPV – Diver propulsion vehicle) were invented for military purposes during the World War II. The idea was to extend the distance and/or depth range of autonomous divers by using battery powered propulsion vehicles.
In the early days, mainly the Italian and British Navy used underwater scooters with torpedoes attached to damage battleships. Later, advanced models gain popularity in the diving sector and became used while technical and cave diving. This technology not only helped divers to use the limited time underwater better, but also were useful when carrying bulky equipment.
Nowadays, these smart propulsion vehicles are still in scientific and military application. Moreover, DPVs are widely used by divers both for commercial and recreational purposes. Compact, portable sea scooters are available for swimming and snorkeling too!
Tip: Are you interested in modern water toys? Check out the best underwater drones too!
How does it work?
An underwater scooter has a watertight body that contains an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. When in operation, the motor drives 1 or 2 propellers depending on the design that are responsible for the propulsion.
The swimmer or diver can control the speed. Using a personal DPV helps to reach the desired depths and/or distance within a shorter time and with less effort.
Safe construction is important: the propeller cannot harm the user, marine life or other equipment. The DPV must be fully controllable by the diver or swimmer, cannot start accidentally. Removable buoyancy chambers should be included so the vehicle can stay neutrally buoyant underwater.
However, operating such a vehicle is easily learnable, it requires training and awareness. It is important to learn the proper control to avoid dangerous situations such as sudden depth changes or high speed-related injuries, damages.
How much does an underwater scooter cost?
You get a wide selection of DPVs nowadays. This is not a necessary equipment for snorkeling or diving, but it can make your underwater adventures more comfortable and fun. The sea scooter prices range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Luxury versions like the Seabob F5SR costs about 16500 USD, while an entry level Sea Doo can be purchased for as little as 250-300 USD. The most popular mid-range Yamaha underwater scooters are available for approx. 500-800 USD, while the professional ones like the TUSA SAV-7 EVO line cost approx. 3800-4000 USD.
How fast is a sea scooter?
The main purpose of using a propulsion vehicle is to move faster in the water so the speed is an important feature. Generally they can reach a slightly higher speed when using on the surface than underwater. The speed of course depends on the construction and on the type of the motor.
Cheaper entry level models have a maximum speed of 2-2.5 MPH/3.2-4 kmh. Powerful models like the Yamaha 500li can cruise as fast as 4.35MPH/7kmh. The newest Sublue WhiteShark features a top speed of 3.35 MPH/5.4 kmh. Currently, the Seabob is the fastest sea scooter on the market that is manufactured by the German Cayago Luxury Seatoys company. The Seabob F5SR’s maximum speed is 13.6 MPH / 22 Km/h.
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