Mashable reports on what may be the simplest, safest personal ‘submarine’ yet.
Why is this called a semi-submarine? The entire boat is not submerged, but it’s more like a pontoon boat with a transparent waterproof compartment hanging from its middle.
That means James Cameron is not going to be using one of these subs for that deep-water shoot for his Avatar sequel, but it’s still suitable for giving you an eye-popping view of the undersea world. Think of it as more akin to snorkeling than scuba diving.
The little boat cruises along at a leisurely sightseeing pace that’s unspecified by its maker, which will only say that its batteries will last eight hours at cruising speed or four hours at top speed.
There’s more at the link, including several more photographs.
That looks like all sorts of fun! Imagine having someone fishing from the top deck, while passengers watched the fish being reeled in from below; or cruising over a shallow reef, able to look down and see all the marine life in dry comfort.
On the other hand, towing that thing on a trailer, or launching it from the average boat ramp, is going to be a problem and a half . . .
Peter
For what it's worth I'd say cruise is 1.5 – 2 knots and top speed is 2.5 – 3 knots.
I think it's designed to be lifted into the water using slings like you would find on a Travelift. I would expect to see it for rent at a caribbean resort.
If I get the chance, I'll be first in line!
That's really cool! I might write something like it into the undersea world I'm currently constructing in fiction.
Even a glass bottom boat is called a semi-submarine, all it has to have is some portholes with glass below the water line.
Want! Although getting close enough to shore to fish the bank might get tricky.
Dang! I want one!