DPV Project

[Jetdriver69]

New to the website but have a few questions for the experts on the site.

I fly for a wealthy family on a private jet that frequents many great diving spots on their many vacations.

Anyway, after spending a week in Bora Bora and doing some great snorkeling, I have want to build a DPV.

I’m thinking of the twin motor plans from Midwest Engineering but using 1/2 inch white acrylic plastic for the frame and 1/4 inch for the skins instead of wood and fiberglass.

My biggest limitation is that the DPV must fit in a standard suitcase cushioned by foam inserts.

Thinking of the saltwater Whitesnake 24 lb thrust trolling motors from Walmart for $133 each and the MightMax ML35 amp hour AGM battery for $67.

I have looked into single motor PVC plans but they won’t fit in a standard suitcase.

Although certified, I rarely dive due to the pressurization issues from flying at 45000 ft or higher and at cabin altitudes of 5-6000 ft for 10+ hours.

I know a 35 amp battery won’t power 2 motors at full power for 60 minutes but I’m hoping for 60-90 minutes at intermittent use.

I weigh 190 lbs so would 48 lbs total thrust be sufficient to propel me at a decent submerged rate.

I have built cars, kit airplanes and boats so the build process would not be a problem.

Thanks for any advise.

 

[Superlyte27]

Buy a used mako. Start from there.

 

[broncobowsher]

I know plenty of better trolling motors that will flood in the 2 feet of water they are designed to operate in. I would not expect them to live with the much higher pressures of diving. Plenty of other issues as well.

This will cost more and not work as well as a real DPV. When done it will be landfill material where a real DPV will be sold.

 

[Superlyte27]

You can buy a working mako with good batteries for $500. You can buy a dead one without batteries for even less. Start with that platform. It'll be more betta

 

[Jetdriver69]

What are the dimensions of the mako? It would need to fit in a big suitcase for easy traveling.

Where is the best place to source a good used one?

Would rather buy a dead one and replace the battery.

Thanks for the advice, no use reinventing the wheel.

 

[Superlyte27]

Right out of the box I bet it would fit my luggage.

 

[Jetdriver69]

I’ve been looking and haven’t seen a decent Mako for much less than a grand.

Do they come up for sale often?

 

[Jack Hammer]

I used to see them for around $500-$700 all the time, much less without batteries. Haven't noticed too many listed lately.

 

[Superlyte27]

A friend of mine bought one with bad batteries for $350 a few months ago. Post on CDF that you're looking for one. I bet there will be some available.