The Best Underwater Sea Scooters & DPV Reviews
A underwater scooter, or diver propulsion vehicle ( DPV ) can make your dives a little bit easier – and more exciting – by gently propelling you through the water. Knowing what to look for in finding the best underwater scooter will help you cover more of the ocean with less effort while avoiding being caught out miles away from the shoreline.
Sea scooters are becoming more popular with the underwater enthusiasts who want the excitement of extra propulsion moving them along.
Because there are many different sizes, specifications, and cost variations in choosing a great sea scooter that we have put together the best rated underwater scooter list. Below is a list of the most popular sea scooters with the highest customer review ratings for Underwater Scooters.
I’ve compiled a short overview of all the underwater sea scooters I’ve reviewed so far. You can access each of the full reviews through other pages located here in the sidebar. Use the comparison chart to determine all of the important aspects of sea scooters reviews to help in your decision.
Underwater Sea Scooters & DPV Comparison 2017
| PICTURE | SCOOTER/ WEIGHT | SPEED/ RUN TIME | DEPTH/ RANGE | RATING PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | New TUSA SAV-7 EVO-2 Underwater Diver Propulsion Vehicle DPV Scooter WEIGHT 45 /LBS | 3 MPH 1.5 HOURS | 230 FT. 4.5 MILES | 5.0 $$$$$ |
 | New Hollis H-160 Sea Jet Underwater DPV Scooter WEIGHT 48 /LBS | 3 MPH 2 HOURS | 656 FT. | 5.0 $$$$$ |
 | Tusa SAV-7 Underwater Scooter WEIGHT 58 /LBS | 3 MPH 2 HOURS | 230 FT. 2.5 MILES | 4.7 $$$$ |
 | Sea Doo- SD15001-RS1 Underwater SeaScooter WEIGHT 21 /LBS | 4.3 MPH 1.5 HOURS | 130 FT. | 3.7 $$$$ |
 | Sea Doo RS2 Undewater Seascooter WEIGHT 20 /LBS | 3.7 MPH 1.25 HOURs | 130 FT. | 2.4 $$$ |
 | Sea Doo-RS3 Underwater Seascooter WEIGHT 19 /LBS | 3 MPH 1.25 HOURS | 100 FT. 2.5 MILES | 2.7 $$$ |
 | Sea Doo GTI Sea Scooter WEIGHT 18 /LBS | 2.5 MPH 2 HOURS | 115 FT. | 3.6 $$$ |
| PICTURE | SCOOTER/ WEIGHT | SPEED/ RUN TIME | DEPTH/ RANGE | RATING PRICE |
This Could Be YOU!
Be sure to look below for important features and things to consider when looking for the best Sea Scooter for you.
Best High Performance DPV Sea Scooters
The Tusa Sav 7 Evo is by far my personal favorite DPV, hands down. Why? It’s so very well built and very reliable but it has some great improved features over it’s sister sea scooter the Tusa SAV-7. The Tusa Sav-7 Evo saddle allows for natural, hands free riding. The scooter rests between your legs and pushes you effortlessly through the water allowing both hands free. If you are into underwater photography, videography, and spearfishing then the Tusa Sav-7 Evolution is best suited for those underwater scooter activities.
BEST FOR: Underwater activities such as spearfishing, photography
DEPTH: 230’
RUN TIME: 120 minutes
BUOYANCY: -8 oz
MAXIMUM SPEED: 2.8mph
PROS: Can pull two divers at a time, 3-speed propeller, extremely reliable, can be “hands free” allowing diver to take photos
CONS: Heavy unit, expensive
This new innovative DPV sets the standard and raised the bar in DPV tow behind vehicles. With 45lbs of thrust and a depth rating of 656 ft the H-160 is the DPV of choice. With removable trim weights you have the perfect trim for salt or fresh water diving. The H-160 is operable with one hand and has a trigger switch that allows divers to vary between power settings of 50%, 75% or 100%. You select the power setting and use the thumb lock to set the underwater cruise control. All of these features make the H-160 the DPV of choice for cave, wreck, and recreational diving.
BEST FOR: Cave, wreck diving
DEPTH: 656’
RUN TIME: 120 minutes
MAXIMUM SPEED: 3 mph
BUOYANCY: Undefined
PROS: Removable trim weights to suit fresh or saltwater diving, LED light at the front
CONS: Pitch propeller can be tricky to adjust at first
The Tusa SAV – 7 sea scooter is a slightly older model of and has been known to provide high quality equipment over the years. Even though this underwater scooter is a model that has been around a few years, the fact is that it’s still hanging around and being sold due to the outstanding quality, and durability of this outstanding diving scooter.
BEST FOR: Underwater activities including photography, videography
DEPTH: 230’
RUN TIME: 80 minutes
BUOYANCY: Neutral
MAXIMUM SPEED: 2.6mph
PROS: Can pull two divers at a time, 3-speed propeller, able to ‘ride’ scooter to allow hands free
CONS: Older model, there are newer versions of this although the original still rates well
BEST RECREATIONAL UNDERWATER SCOOTERS
The new Sea-Doo Seascooter RS2 is a snorkeler’s or divers dream come true. With close to 1.5 hours of run time and a top speed just under 4 mph this outstanding scooter will get there quicker and with less effort to your favorite dive spot. The Seascooter RS 2’s offers speed control triggers, allowing the diver to toggle between gears to adjust the speed and acceleration of the scooter. This nice feature allows the scooter’s speed to be easily controlled all within the reach of the divers fingers.
BEST FOR: Speed
DEPTH: 130’
RUN TIME: 75 minutes
MAXIMUM SPEED: 3.7 mph
BUOYANCY: Neutral
PROS: Lightweight, ergonomic trigger, gear locking system, high speeds
CONS: Charge time 5-6 hours, materials not as high quality as more expensive models
Sea Doo RS1 Underwater Sea Scooter
If you are looking for a solid underwater scooter that goes up to 4.35 miles per hours, then you should consider looking into the Sea Doo RS1 Underwater SeaScooter. This underwater scooter has the ability to reach depths of up to 130 feet and last 90 minutes per charge. However, I must say upfront, that if there was only one underwater scooter that I like a bit better, and if money is not a huge concern, then I recommend looking into the Tusa SAV-7 Underwater Scooter as it is the best underwater scooter currently on the market in my opinion. Either way, you can’t go wrong with buying either one of these fine sea scooters.
Sea Doo RS3 Underwater Sea Scooter
The new Sea-Doo Seascooter RS3 is a do it all seascooter that is at home at the beach, lake and even your back yard pool. With 60 minutes of run time and a top speed 3 mph, you’ll enjoy every second. With the Seascooter RS3’s 2 speed transmission, you can cruise around at a slow crawl, or kick it into high gear and rocket your way to your next destination.
Sea Doo Explorer X Sea Scooter
It’s hard to get much better than the outstanding Sea Doo Explorer X sea scooter. Its designed for deep water diving with a max speed over 3 MPH and a depth of 130 feet. It offers a 3 stage speed control function with auto shutoff operation which is perfect for all types of dives. The pressure valve technology helps the unit depressurize. With a battery life run time of up to 2 hours per charge, you should have plenty of time to explore the underwater treasures.
Sea Doo VS Supercharged “PLUS” Sea Scooter
The SEA-DOO sea scooter VS Supercharged Plus has been developed for the more serious diver, it has a much more durable feel. This ultimate dive propulsion vehicle has been rated No.1 overall by Diving Science and Technology (DSAT) group. Built around portability and performance this nice sea scooter is designed to push your diving experience to a new level of excitement.
Sea Doo RS3 Underwater Sea Scooter
The new Sea-Doo Seascooter RS3 is a do it all seascooter that is at home at the beach, lake and even your back yard pool. With 60 minutes of run time and a top speed 3 mph, you’ll enjoy every second. With the Seascooter RS3’s 2 speed transmission, you can cruise around at a slow crawl, or kick it into high gear and rocket your way to your next destination.
Underwater Sea Scooter DPV 101
What To Consider In Finding The Best Underwater Sea Scooter DPV
If you are new to the world of underwater sea scooter DPV’s and have not yet had an opportunity to dive with a diver propulsion vehicle, allow me to introduce you to the exciting world of underwater sea scooter adventure. It is a pleasurable way to spend some relaxing time underwater. They will drift you over reefs, schools of delicately colored fish and bring you all the scenic views the underwater has to offer.
Usually most sea scooters operate in recreational diving such as in caves and deep water. The vehicles are exceptional at stretching the amount of breathing gas necessary to prevent diver decompression sickness. A few types can haul unwieldy gear. Some models go slowly, presenting an opportunity to see marine life up close and personal, and others can move three divers along at a very decent speed.
We have compiled a complete comparison list of the most popular sea scooters on the market today. We are constantly updating the list so be certain to check back in with us. Click on the “Read Review Here” button to follow the complete sea scooter review and product details. Below is a brief description of important aspects that are needed in determing the best suited sea scooter for your diving experience, and expected level of sea scooter performance you may require.
Things to Consider
- Buoyancy. Buoyancy is usually a neutral to slight positive depending on the model. A slight positive buoyancy ensures that if scooter is left unattended, it will slowly reach the surface. Neutral buoyancy is used mostly for professional underwater scooters, when left unattended but connected to the diver, it will float freely in the water and will not disturb the diver at work by pulling him up or down.
- Size of underwater scooters. They vary from small pool toys for kids to professional underwater scooters. Small scooters weigh 12 pounds and can pull single diver at limited speed and usually have limited endurance (30 minutes maximum, maybe little bit more if not pushed too hard). Larger underwater scooters weigh up to 20-30 pounds and can easily be handled with one adult on the boat deck or shoreline area.
- Depth range. This can vary from several meters to 40 meters. At 40 meters this is a safe limit for safe scuba diving using ordinary air for breathing. Even then, one must use diving tables for decompression, unless dives were rather short (again, for safety reasons, check diving tables). If you are free diver, then use these devices according to your maximum diving depth and be very careful.
- Power output. Batteries can vary from a few hundreds watts to few kilowatts. The stronger engine doesn’t mean more noise, since expensive models usually have better acoustic insulation, better bearings and better and larger propellers. Smaller underwater scooters often have high-pitch sound due to use of smaller, faster rotating electric motor and propeller. The energy source is almost exclusively batteries with the most common batteries being the NiCd, NiMH, LiPo and various lithium batteries.
- Endurance. Again this depends on the size of the scooter, battery type, size, capacity, and the way the scooter is used. When scooter is pushed heavily and driven hard, it drains the battery fast, with running times often less than 10-15 minutes for cheap models. On the other hand, big scooters equipped with lithium batteries and large propellers, when used for slower diving around, can last for hours. Most of the these devices have rechargeable batteries that are easily replaced. Always a good idea to have multiple batteries on charge to help extend your scooter usage.
- Scooter prices. This can vary from $100 or so dollars on up to several thousands (or even more) dollars in the most professional sea scooters. Those cheap ones are barely more than pool toys, while expensive ones are professional grade equipment that can withstand severe usage in a more hostile environment. If you have such expensive equipment (designed to be used by professional divers in extreme environments) and you use it carefully and maintain it as required, it performs flawlessly for long period of time.
Because there are many different sizes, specifications, and cost variations in choosing a great sea scooter that we have put together the best and most complete underwater scooter list. Below is the most popular sea scooters with the highest customer review ratings for Underwater Scooters for each category listed. For more in depth decision making details be certain to read our Get Started Intro To Sea Scooters and the Beginners Guide To GoPro’s For Underwater Video guides. We cover all the reputable brands including Sea Doo, Apollo, New Hollis, SeaBob, and many others. There is a budget and sea scooter to fit almost everyone.
Best Underwater Sea Scooter DPV Reviews Of 2017
The Blade Fish XT for high performance at blazing speeds! If you want speed you’ve got it with the 3 speed BladeFish XT. At a total weight of only 14 pounds the BladeFish XT underwater scooter is amazingly portable yet still very powerful considering it is such a light sea scooter. It features a super light and extremely fast charging 20 cell Lithium-Ion battery that gives you a run-time of up to 90 minutes. The Li-ion battery can be fully recharged in only 4 hours but you can “Quick Charge” it in a little over an hour.
The Sea Doo Pro Sea Scooter is an upgrade over the Dolphin and Aqua Ranger scooter models. If you are just looking for an underwater scooter for the kids to be used in a pool then look at the Dolphin and Aqua Ranger underwater scooter reviews for the two above. If you are looking for a scooter a little more serious then the Pro Scooter is an introductory unit that can be used for snorkeling and shallow scuba diving.
The Sea Doo GTI Sea Scooter is the big brother of the Sea Doo Pro Sea Scooter. The Sea Doo GTI Sea scooter can be used in essentially any water. Unlike some of the lower priced underwater scooters, this one will perform well in almost any type of condition. It offers a big performer in a tiny package – the Sea Doo Seascooter GTI sea scooter offers the perfect balance of power, weight, depth, and run time.