Aside from cracks, the biggest issue with submarine ownership is storage. That won’t be a problem for the latest personal sub by Dutch submersible maker U-Boat Worx though, because their Nemo sub is so tiny and light it can to be towed by a Mini Cooper…
U-Boat Worx has been in the business since 2005, but until Nemo, they’ve only been making made-to-order toys for the rich. The Nemo will also be an expensive toy, but it will be mass-produced, with some customization available.
Using tech from the Super Yacht Sub series, U-Boat delivers a submersible that is by far the lightest manned submarine in the world (2500 kg), and is about the size of two jet skis side by side (5 ft tall, 8 ft wide, 9 ft long), meaning it can be launched at a boat ramp or even brought to the beach.
Under water, it will be able to dive to 330 feet, giving the two passengers inside the glass bubble a water view they wouldn’t get with a snorkel and flippers.
It’s also got some speed and stamina. Reaching a top speed of 3 knots (5.56 km) under water, you won’t have to hurry back to the surface – as it can operate for 8 hours before returning to home base. It gets its power from four silent electrical thrusters, and is operated by a Playstation-type controller called ‘Manta’. A second wireless controller, called ‘Marlin’, can be used to steer the submarine from above the water – as you would a remote control boat.
Complete with air conditioning, sonar and fish finder, U-Boat Worx will also provide a training course with each Nemo purchase, consisting of 12 stress free days at their Sub Centre facility in Curacao, Caribbean -rum not included.
Of course, there is a tax on such a techy underwater machine – $1,060,800. There’s no better way to make a splash though, and it will make the perfect addition to your mega yacht – or dinghy.
By Bill Varetimidis
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