Recomendations for a Sub $1,000 DPV

[chuckiii33]

Can anyone recommend a sub $1,000 DPV? I'm looking for the best bang for my buck, so if I would get pretty much the same quality for $500 as I would for $1000, obviously I'd rather get the $500. I'm just looking for something basic to get me around a little quicker when Lobstering off of a charter dive boat at depths up to about 70-115ft max. Ideally it would have easily changeable batteries for multiple dives. Ideally it would last an hour or so per charge.

Thank You in advance for your suggestions!

 

[Aquanomad]

You could watch for a used Sierra but be prepared to pay for a new battery if not immediately then soon. But I dont think its going to happen in your budget and I wouldnt get anything below that. Especially is your fitted in cold water gear.

 

[chuckiii33]

You could watch for a used Sierra but be prepared to pay for a new battery if not immediately then soon. But I dont think its going to happen in your budget and I wouldnt get anything below that. Especially is your fitted in cold water gear.

Florida boy here, so no cold water gear. The majority of the time I don't even wear a wetsuit. Just cruising around in the warm tropical waters off the coast of Florida. I also don't plan on doing any tech or cave diving with it. I just hate burning all of my air kicking away trying to stay in front of people to be the first one on the lobster spots. Just looking for something cheap to tow me around and conserve energy and air, nothing mission critical. Are the Are the Sea Doo RS1, RS2, and Explorer X just complete crap?

 

[Aquanomad]

Others would argue no but I say pool toys. Maybe fun for snorkeling but thats about it. You would be better served saving for a Sierra. And the advatage of site coverage and gas conservation are huge. Especially for OC divers.

 

[CCR Josh]

I know it's not sub-$1000, but for $1800 you should take a look at the AquaProp. Check out the comparison chart here: https://www.sub-gravity.com/aquaprop-comparison-chart/

It will probably be a while before you see any pop up at used prices as they are new, and brand new in the USA.

(Disclaimer - as you can see from the link in my signature, I am the distributor for these DPVs.... just wanted to put that out there since a moderator barked at me in another thread for not stating that up front )

 

[cool_hardware52]

You could watch for a used Sierra but be prepared to pay for a new battery if not immediately then soon. But I dont think its going to happen in your budget and I wouldnt get anything below that. Especially is your fitted in cold water gear.

The value to be had with a used Sierra is huge, almost exceeding the disappointment to had with a sub $1000 new scoot.........

Reasonable size and weight, good power, easy to service, huge installed base, responsive manufacturer.

Tobin

 

[diversteve]

I don't know if they're even still in production but: Torpedo, Diver Propulsion Vehicle, Home Page could be an option. If they are you could drive over to see one - made in Dunedin a little north of Clearwater. They're a little bigger/heavier than most of their competition. Being negative, they sell an optional BC for them. I've never ridden one but a guide in HI owns some and I saw them on the beach once - pretty substantial looking.



The biggest problem that I've observed with the Seadoos is that they're damn slow when you dive - even just with fins/bc/tank - too much drag. A guy on a boat had one. He didn't seem to be moving much faster than I could swim with effort. Mid-week it ate all the gears and was done. At that time he'd done about 10-12 dives and I'm pretty sure he bought it new for the trip.

Maybe look for a used Apollo AV1 also. I've ridden one on dives, they have enough go. I believe they're 3 speeds. Even have an optional BCD for it, manual inflate so you can float it on the surface. Apollo still sells replacement batteries on Amazon (you'll probably need one - the scooters are more than a few years discontinued) but you should be able to find one under $1000. I still see parts pop-up occasionally for them also rear shrouds and things.



Here's one. Used Dacor Underwater Scooter Tusa Apollo DPV | eBay I think it's too high priced though.

 

[JohnnyC]

Find a used Gavin on craigslist or the cave diver forums and see if you can pick one up cheap. As long as you're not planning on taking it anywhere traveling it should be fine. You could even get a smaller 24v battery and cut down the battery support and the tube and have a super short Gavin for piddling around the reef.

 

[Aquanomad]

Those aquaprops dont look bad for the price. And if it fits ones run time needs seems to hit a value mark for budget minded divers. Never saw those before.

 

[Randy g]

I would second a used Gavin or Mako. Both can be had for $1000+/- and both fast enough to have fun with. Especially if they have a rewound motor.

Stay away from the plastic cool pool toys. A waste of money...imho