Do you use an underwater DPV (scooter)?

[PyrateJim]

I'm starting to look at purchasing an underwater scooter for exploration and to cover large amounts of ocean bottom real estate. It'll be used for both fresh and salt water. There are a couple of brands I am looking at now, but without giving those up and end up only talking about those, what brands and models do you use? Why? What shoudl I be looking for in a model? (speed, battery time, ect...)

 

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[mad4wrecks]

Jim, I like the Torpedo.

It is fairly lightweight, has plenty of thrust to propel a diver or excavate with, good run time, easy to recharge, very watertight, is rugged (we used to get rocks stuck in the blade all the time, and it never damaged the unit) and I like the magneto hand-held switch.

Tom

 

[PyrateJim]

Jim, I like the Torpedo.
Tom

Tom, is this the DPV from the company in Dunedin, Fl? If so, what model do you use, 2000, 2500 or 3500?

 

[mad4wrecks]

Yes, they are in Dunedin, near Tampa. The owner is a guy named Alfred Cho-Chung-Hing. Goes by Al.

I used the 2500 model.

 

[PyrateJim]

Thanks. Alfred and I go back a few years. In fact, we sell his scooters and they are one of the brands I was looking it. Actually, the 2500 to be specific.

 

[OldGold74]

I took a look at the site why did you choose the 2500 Tom, it has less run time Im interested as im looking for a new one and any comments are appreciated. thanks

 

[mad4wrecks]

The 2500 was just a good compromise between cost, run time, weight, and thrust. We did carry a spare battery that was always on re-charge and swapped it out after every dive. The battery stores right in the nose, is very easy to swap out.

 

[crzhors]

Check out <silent-submersion.com> They have the real thing! JD

 

[OldGold74]

Any comments on the sea doo explorer?

 

[Salvor6]

At $6,500 each the Silent Submersion is a freakin bargain! You could buy two of them!

 

[wreckdiver1715]

This is my favorite it's called the SeaBob, its a little pricey but it looks like an awesome machine.

 

[Salvor6]

SeaBob Cayago F-7: $21,990!

 

[OldGold74]

I used one last week increased my neck muscles and screwed the beer drinking needed a straw for a couple days just to get through after the test....too much torque for what I need.....how about the explorer then any one used it...

 

[FISHEYE]

I have 2 tekna DV-3X's run time with new batteries is 4 hours.I started out with a farallon MX3.Then started making them my self out of 15 and 40lb trolling motors.Useing 8 inch PVC or aluminum tube.If you have the cash,find a K10 hydrospeeder.The k10 isnt made anymore so i was just going to make one.I have 2 90lb thrust trolling motors here for it.

 

[Reef Dawg]

Mad4wrecks is right about his summation on the Torpedo brand.

I wanted to add one thing though about Torpedo that I think is a really functionable accessory. They have a simple rack system that is priced economically that allows a person to bolt (2) Torpedos together for added thrust, camera equipment and/or gear.

Because of the little difference in price, I'd suggest the Torpedo 3500 over the Torpedo 2000 or 2500. It has increased max depth capabilities, a lot more thrust and it's runtime (constant) is better.

I've used the Torpedo brand for years and they have a durability amongst other things that make them truly a must have.

 

[PyrateJim]

Because of the little difference in price, I'd suggest the Torpedo 3500 over the Torpedo 2000 or 2500. It has increased max depth capabilities, a lot more thrust and it's runtime (constant) is better.

I am not sure about the above. I got the following of the Torpedo DPV site: http://torpedodpv.com/models.php The only difference I can see between the 3500 and the 2500 is the speed. Am I missing something?


Torpedo 2000 Torpedo 2500 Torpedo 3500
Physical Dimensions:
Height (inch) 31 31 33
Diameter (inch) 10 10 10
Width (inch) 12 12 12
Depth Rating:
Feet: 170 170 170
Weight:
Without Battery 18 20 24
With Battery 44 46 50
Buoyancy:
Negative(lb) 1.5 2 2.5
Battery Time:
Minutes 80 55 45
Price: $849 $899 $1049

 

[Salvor6]

"Am I missing something?" Yes, run time, weight, bouyancy, hieght, price.

 

[Reef Dawg]

Torpedo 2500 - I've used this model for years before upgrading to the 3500 unit. The 2500 had leakage at depths exceeding 110 feet, the 3500 did not. The 2500's thrust factor is significantly lower than the pounds of thrust offered with the 3500.

As I said in my other post, the price differential between the 2500 and the 3500 is only $150.00, so taking that into consideration, it is well worth it to upgrade for the price to the 3500.

Now, run time is somewhat deceiving because you have a thrust factor (power) to consider. This being the case, again, I'd choose the 3500's runtime because it is a more powerful unit for what you described your uses would be.

Additonally, air usage is a consideration, and depending on the depth, our average dive times (air) were well within the maximum run time of the 3500 unit.

You'll have to excuse me, at times I lack the proper Java infusion in the mornings to be comprehensive. LOL

 

[OldGold74]

Makes sense Reef D........

 

[PyrateJim]

It's time to resurrect this threrad as it looks like it is time to buy. From what I can tell, for the poor man, the Torpedo 2500 is the one. Depth below 110 is not a question as those diving days are over for me. So it just becomes a question of battery time and speed, in that order.

I can get a pretty good deal on a new 2500 and an extra battery so am just looking for someone to help make up my mind.