Dutch submersible manufacturer U-Boat Worx has launched its new ultra-compact two-person HP Sport Sub 2.
The high-performance submarine is designed for superyachts from 30 metres and can even be towed behind a car.
Founder and chairman of the Breda-based company, Bert Houtman, says the craft has a 100 meter depth rating and weighs only 2,200 kg. It has an ultra-low height of 136cm, but offers a high freeboard for easy boarding.
Two passengers can fit inside the compact space and the submersible is powered by a 21 kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery system. Accessories include imaging sonar, underwater lights and a communication and navigation system.
“The design is attractive, but above all, safe and functional,” says Houtman. “We’ve adopted a very different look compared to traditional submersibles, but without compromising safety and ease of use - the ability to easily board the craft at the surface, for example.
“The result is a modern and streamlined submersible with fantastic performance. Whether at the surface or underwater, its speed and maneuverability are exceptional.”
U-Boat Worx is calling the new craft a “subsea-Ferrari” and says it heralds a new generation of ultra-compact, high-performance personal submersibles.
The price is €1,000,000 and the first production models are scheduled for delivery for the autumn of 2015.
Moonen's 42m superyacht Sofia was built to accommodate a three-person U-Boat Worx C-Quester 3 submarine last year.