Super Sub Sets Speed Record—Sort of—for U-Boat Worx

UPDATE, NOVEMBER 21, 2022: The first U-Boat Worx Super Sub is still nearly a year from delivery, and already it has broken its own speed record. The submersible’s top speed should now be close to 10 knots.

Read on for our original article.

Since you own a superyacht, why not own a super sub? More accurately, why not own a Super Sub, a personal submarine from U-Boat Worx that clocks at 8 knots underwater? If that doesn’t sound so fast, it actually is. It’s the Dutch submersible manufacturer’s quickest craft yet, faster than other subs and even some marine creatures.

In fact, U-Boat Worx says the Super Sub is 5 knots faster than you typically find for a personal submarine. In addition, it’s 3 knots quicker than a sea turtle swimming at top speed. Sea turtles might just be some of the marine life in mind when U-Boat Worx created the craft, too, with a customer. They did so as part of its custom sub program. Specifically, the customer wanted to be able to keep pace with large species that get around relatively quickly. U-Boat Worx saw an opportunity to offer something similar to more clientele, so it decided to create a dedicated model.

The droplet-like design, along with four thrusters outputting 60 kW total, enable the Super Sub to do this. U-Boat Worx also says it engineered the craft for steep, 30-degree dives and climbs—smoothly, of course. Plus, the sub can dive down 984 feet (300 meters), while you keep a look out through the nearly 360-degree acrylic hull.

You and another passenger, along with a pilot, buckle in to supercar-like seats. Enjoy seeing schools of fish, sharks, sea turtles, you name it.

At 19,842 pounds (9,000 kilograms), the sub can lower into the water and hoist from your yacht’s deck, the way u-Boat Worx’s other subs do. The company also notes that the lithium-ion batteries aboard the craft are lower weight while still capable of supplying the thrusters’ needs.

Look for the first Super Sub to debut in 2023. Furthermore, look for more Super Sub models in the years to come.

U-Boat Worx uboatworx.com