Underwater Scooter

[underwaterdan]

Anyone have any expirence with scooters? I was looking into them, but prices vary so greatly from scooter to scooter I was wondering if anyone recommends any?

[kobalap]

Originally Posted by underwaterdan

Anyone have any expirence with scooters? I was looking into them, but prices vary so greatly from scooter to scooter I was wondering if anyone recommends any?

It really depends on the diving you are doing. Examples:
- Gavin scooters have proven track record in deep cave exploration but they cost an arm and a leg and they weigh a ton (figuratively).
- X-scooters are relatively new and utilize newer technology. They can be easily carried for shore dives and boat dives. But they do not have the long track record for deep cave exploration and they still cost an arm and a leg.
- There are others I don't know much about like Silent Submersion and Oceanic Mako.
- On the other end of the spectrum, you have things like seadoo scooters. I hear they are okay if you kick hard enough while using them.

If I were to buy a scooter today, it would be an X-scooter with a built in camera. That scooter costs about 5k (US). It weighs about 35lbs without the camera installed and probably still under 40lbs with the camera installed. Easily carried for beach dives and boat dives (most of the diving I do). The built in camera makes it super simply to video each of your dives. But, you might need a second mortgage to buy one.

[jo8243]

I think DIR hates scooters.

[underwaterdan]

Wow 5k not in my price range. I have noticed you have to be carful with the depth each scooter will go in, and I read something about some having plastic gears which tend to ware out rather quick.

[in_cavediver]

Originally Posted by jo8243

I think DIR hates scooters.

Yep, that why the WKPP has so many right....

BUT, for all those that believe to be DIR means no scooters, please send to Indiana and a NON-Dir cave diver will take them where the sun don't shine.....(I'd even pay shipping...)

[kobalap]

Originally Posted by jo8243

I think DIR hates scooters.

Huh??

[woody]

Originally Posted by underwaterdan

Anyone have any experience with scooters? I was looking into them, but prices vary so greatly from scooter to scooter I was wondering if anyone recommends any?

I have experience with Gavins, Apollo, and the seadoos. What are your questions. Here are some observations. You get what you pay for.

Beginner (totally shallow recreational toy) ($100 - $400)
SeaDoos and the like. Fun toys for recreational diving. They have a little power and generally would require some effort on the divers part for decent movement. Good for those first timers to practice on. Not to fast to get in trouble with, and not to expensive if lost or broken.

Intermediate (More Advanced Scooter dives and some lighter Technical Dives) ($800 used -$1800 new)
Apollo or the Oceanic. Good Depth Rating. Great power for a single tank divers and good power for a doubles diver. I would suggest an Oceanic Mako for the more technically oriented diver. This scooter allows you to attach a harness to be towed behind and requires minimal effort on the divers part.

Advanced (Technically oriented Scooters) ($3000 - $4500)
Gavins, Silent Submersion, X-Scooters, and maybe the Hollis scooter to. Ultimate Power, Ultimate Range, and Ultimate Depths. The scooters are meant for technical diving. Way Fast!!!!!!!

[kobalap]

Just another point here, the "advanced" scooters are super pricey but they seem to hold their value pretty well.

In other words, if you get one on the used market, you probably won't lose too much if you had to sell it again.

[underwaterdan]

[quote=woody;55803]

Originally Posted by underwaterdan

Anyone have any experience with scooters? I was looking into them, but prices vary so greatly from scooter to scooter I was wondering if anyone recommends any?

Thanks woody! I think I am going to look at the interm ones, I am not an expert technical diver and this would be my first time using a scooter underwater so I want it to be reliable but safe... Thanks for your advice, now I have to look for ones in my price range!

[skdvr]

I have neverd used a scooter but here is a link to someone reviewing a seadoo scooter (there are several different models) and here is another thread talking about scooters, mainly the seadoo I think...

Phil