The latest personal submarine to be targeted to the megayacht market is ready for production for its first buyers. It’s the U-Boat Worx HP Sport Sub 2, and it’s decidedly different in design.
From the candy apple red paint to the overall styling, the HP Sport Sub 2 doesn’t resemble any of U-Boat Worx’s previous models. The two-seater sub doesn’t resemble other companies’ subs, either. U-Boat Worx wanted a more modern, sleeker appearance to set it apart. It’s also lower in height compared to the company’s previous models, standing about 4’5” (1.36 meters) tall. That, with a weight of 4,850 pounds (2,200 kilograms), means the HP Sport Sub suits a variety of tender garages and their current launching systems. U-Boat Worx even claims the sub can be towed behind a car (though we can’t see a yacht owner having it transported up and down the coast that way).
The HP Sport Sub 2 is rated to a depth of 330 feet (100 meters) and can remain submerged up to six hours. The “HP” portion of the name stands for High Performance. U-Boat Worx has outfitted the HP Sport Sub 2 with six thrusters for better maneuverability, even at the surface. Underwater speed is reportedly 2 knots, and surface speed is 3 knots. If you upgrade the thrusters to more powerful options, the underwater speed increases 1 knot and surface speed increases by 2 knots.
Even with the differences, the HP Sport Sub 2 is still classed to DNV-GL standards. Another thing that has not changed compared to prior U-Boat Worx models: the access hatch. It’s positioned high enough above the waterline that you and your guests can enter and exit the sub while remaining dry.
Price: €1 million ($1.274 million at press time). Delivery starts in the fall of 2015.
Leave a Reply