PHOTOS: Nick Verola
Several megayachts tote personal submarines these days. One sub in particular, though, marks a few significant firsts. Not only is it the first in a new series from Triton Submarines, but also it’s the first personal sub capable of diving to about 3,300 feet (1,000 meters). Furthermore, it has the largest acrylic pressure hull on the market. Meet the Triton 3300/6, with a custom Tiffany Blue paint job, too.
According to representatives for the owner, who has a 466-foot (142-meter) Lürssen, the above-mentioned depth was important. This allows seeing sea life much farther below the surface. Notably, Triton Submarines previously built 11 other subs capable of diving this deep, for resorts and other commercial operators. “Triton was chosen for their submersible experience, outstanding design, and relentless attention to build quality,” asserts Simon England, who through SEMarine served as the owner’s technical consultant. England’s report back to the owner after putting the Triton 3300/6 to the test probably came with a smile. “The dive I took with Triton during the integration planning phase was the highlight of my year,” he says.
A big part of that comes from the visibility afforded by the acrylic hull. It measures more than eight feet (2.5 meters) in diameter outside. Therefore, you can see not only well forward, but also above and below you. Inside, meanwhile, it provides more than 177 cubic feet (5 cubic meters) of volume. Triton Submarines likens that to the corresponding volume of a Cessna Citation CJ2+ private jet.
That volume makes the guest experience aboard the Triton 3300/6 all the more comfortable. Six custom leather club chairs let them settle in for the ride of a lifetime. “The focus was very much more on luxury and the guest experience rather than extreme depth,” confirms John Ramsay, Triton’s principal designer. “I’m particularly proud of the level of comfort and space we have achieved in a submersible that is less than 50-percent heavier than our three-person equivalent.” Furthermore, he notes, this new sub is actually about eight inches (20 centimeters) lower height-wise than the three-person model. In combination with a lifting system compatible with yachts’ overhead gantry cranes, it’s tender-garage-friendly.
Triton is increasingly fielding requests for larger-capacity personal subs. Therefore, expect more developments to come. In fact, several seven- and nine-passenger models are nearing delivery.
Triton Submarines tritonsubs.com
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