My Blacktip Leaked Yesterday

[MrChen]

I was able to work with Dive Xtras for a shipping label and paid them $63 (with tax) for it. I dropped it off at UPS last week. It's expected to be delivered tomorrow. In the meantime, I scored a good deal on a used Tusa Sav7 Evo3 with Lithium battery and charger. I used it a couple of days ago and will be selling my BT once it's repaired.

 

[MrChen]

My BT was delivered today. I received the following email:

We just received your RMA at Dive Xtras. I have unpacked it and we have the following items:

BlavkTip Tech : Tail 6336
Tech Tube w/ nose
Strap Kit & Front Bolt Snap
Handle off with Trigger.

I'm going to evaluate it now and let you know what we find and options on proceeding. We wont do any work till we have communicated and got your authorization. Depending on how busy we are, this may take up to 2 weeks.

Regards
Support
Dive Xtras

 

[runsongas]

didn't think the tusa's had enough thrust to be compared to the blacktips?

 

[MrChen]

didn't think the tusa's had enough thrust to be compared to the blacktips?

In my experience, the Tusa's are faster. Both seeing others on the Tusa's and now having rid one. Battery life is superior too. The downside is how much the Tusa's weigh, they are heavy.

 

[MrChen]

Tusa stats:
Speed: 2.8 mph
Range in Open Water: 5.9 miles

TUSA | DPV/Scooter | SAV-7 EVO3

tusa.com

Blacktip stats:
Continuous Max Speed: 210 ft/min (2.44 mph)
Boost: 238 ft/min (2.7 mph)
Range: 3.5 miles

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0451/1046/0581/files/BlackTip_Tech_Travel_Performance.png?v=1599778972

I rode the Tusa at full speed or near full speed for 3 dives averaging 50 min each. My blacktip with 12ah batteries would have died.

 

[MrChen]

At cruising speed with 12ah batteries, per the chart, the tech is about 150ft/min which is 1.7mph. I've successfully ran the BT at cruising speeds for 3 dives with the battery showing 2 bars at the end. I easily pushed 2+mph on the Tusa the majority of all 3 dives with battery to spare. The BT can't keep up with that.

 

[grantmac]

You can get a custom pack for the BT which would offer a lot more performance for not a lot more cost than 2x12ah name brand PTBs. Plus then you won't get an imbalance error.
I believe you lose the battery indicator (for what that's worth).
I'd be curious to know how the Tusa deals with a higher drag configuration. Something the BT doesn't do well either.

 

[MrChen]

You can get a custom pack for the BT which would offer a lot more performance for not a lot more cost than 2x12ah name brand PTBs. Plus then you won't get an imbalance error.
I believe you lose the battery indicator (for what that's worth).
I'd be curious to know how the Tusa deals with a higher drag configuration. Something the BT doesn't do well either.

I find it comical, but the manual says you can tow a lot of people.

 

[MrChen]

I had to poke them to get a response, but I finally got a response today...

Thanks for your patience, I have evaluated your items and found The flood spot cannot be determined although due to the water intrusion unit does not seal. The unit will need a full overhaul and the motor is now seized and electronics all need replaced.

To fix these issue will require the following costs:

I will send you an order for the costs from our online store. As soon as we receive payment we will fix them ASAP and return them to you.

If you would like to add any additional items to ship in the same order, please let me know and I will add them.

Depending on how busy we are this process may take up to 2 weeks.

Regards
Support
Dive Xtras

 

[MrChen]

The flood spot cannot be determined

I read this and think, then it isn't something I did. I cleaned the o-rings prior to the dive like I clean my DSLR camera prior to every dive. The unit failed after 8 months of use.

How do they justify billing someone for what in my opinion is a not my fault and within the warranty period? If a warranty item fails and causes the flood, then it's no longer covered under warranty?