DPVs are they all that?

[Kevrumbo]

Invaluable tool for exploration of a large historical shipwreck like the 888'/270m long WWII Aircraft Carrier USS Saratoga, sunk at Bikini Atoll by atomic bomb tests in 1946. However, it costs $400 in Airline Excess Weight Luggage Fees -each way both coming out there to Bikini/Kwajalein & going back home to Los Angeles!- and it's near the absolute maximum weight limit of 45kg/100lbs for check-in luggage (Dive-Xtras Sierra Model DPV).

I've also noticed that it does scare away marine life -although the Sea Lions do have fun "dog-fighting" with you here in Southern California waters. . .!

 

[diversteve]

If you check around, some resort destinations have rentals. Especially ones with shore diving - Maui, Grand Cayman come to mind. Typically escorted but we've also rented them twice on our own. Often they're Apollo's which generate enough thrust that they'll just about rip your mask off if you turn your head suddenly. They're also hand held/rideable instead of needing a tow harness/crotch ring like the better ones typically require.

 

[Randy g]

Almost as fun as ...

I rarely ever dive without my Genesis 1200.

 

[Superlyte27]

They are expensive to acquire and to maintain and repair.

That's not really accurate. The maintenance on them is very very light, until you need batteries. Many can go several years before needing batteries. I've never had to repair any of my scooters. I take good care of them. Worst case, you might break a prop, clutch, etc. But those can be replaced for 100 bucks or less.

Maintenance and repair not really a consideration most of the time. However, everything else above is pretty spot on.

---------- Post added February 20th, 2015 at 12:25 AM ----------

Depending on what you get, they are not that heavy. Mine weighs less than an Aluminum 80.

I haven't really had many problems with marine life. A few months ago I followed a giant manta ray for more than 30 minutes. It was about 15 feet away at 10 o'clock. We glided over the reef for quite a while. I was on a CCR. However, as soon as I hit my inflator button the ray took off like a rocket never to be seen again.

 

[eelnoraa]

Yes, it is fun. Too bad, I can't afford one.

 

[Dr. Lecter]

Worst case (non-Genesis) is you lose shaft seals, flood the thing, and have to cut it loose

 

[Kevrumbo]

Worst case (non-Genesis) is you lose shaft seals, flood the thing, and have to cut it loose

. . .or getting the prop & hub (non-Genesis) fouled-up in coral whips on a night dive in Subic Bay Philippines!

 

[fishb0y]

I just bought a Sierra to go with my Cuda... All my buddies are cheapskates.

 

[TONY CHANEY]

My buddy and I love to dive with them to the point that when we are with a class...we just oh crap...no scooters today. Very low maintance on my Mako and what a blast. The scooter has changed my diving. we usually not tap out due to coldness or nothing else to see instead of low air or tired. I tend to use about 1/3 of gas as I do without one.

 

[Drin]

I just bought a Sierra to go with my Cuda... All my buddies are cheapskates.
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Not ALL your buddies are cheapskates. I seem to recall that my 650 was a tad more expensive than your 400.