TUSA's new SAV-7 Underwater Vehicle is a hands-free DPV. Rather than pulling a rider behind it, the SAV-7 features a "scooter saddle" that fits between a diver's legs and pushes him or her through the water. Featuring a 3 speed propeller pitch assembly that allows for precision speed control while zooming underwater, TUSA claims the SAV-7's design is intended to reduce fatigue on the user and allow for hands-free scooter operation, so a diver can shoot photos, conduct a fish count, or pretend he or she is Superman. With a max speed in the neighborhood of 2.5mph, the SAV-7 also boasts optional wings, which enables the unit to pull up to 2 additional divers.
The issue of inadvertently smashing into delicate corals notwithstanding, it looks like solid, fun little accessory. However, in the past, other hands-free DPVs have garnered mild criticism, so I don't know if TUSA's $2250 unit is going to be a big seller or not.
1. I don't get how this is a 'new' product, since it looks like Tusa just re-branded an Apollo AV-2 DPV:
http://www.apollosportsusa.com/Products/UWVehicles/index.htm
(unless that photo is of the wrong scooter)
Posted at 8:00PM on Nov 27th 2006 by Calvin Tang