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SEAmagine That!

Luxury Submarines: Unlike most business models, sinking to never-before-reached depths is this organization's goal. SEAmagine Hydrospace Corporation builds acrylic two- and three-manned submersibles for scientific, commercial, and personal usage. The futuristic firm has delivered seven submersibles to customers in six countries so far. There is a thorough month-long training program for buyers, as a company instructor covers theory classes, practical lessons, emergency training drills, and everyday maintenance issues. Additionally, there is a 24/7 technical support hotline for owners who feel sunk.

Scientists have deployed these crafts to gather data on sea life, reefs, and corals. Three travel-related companies are offering tours to the public in these capsules. Vogue magazine used a SEAmagine vessel to complement a photo shoot in its February 2007 issue with lovely submersible fashion models.

Submerge yourself in the slideshow

Most portable submarines require a custom-built solution on the launching ship that makes owning a submersible somewhat cost-prohibitive even for well-to-do yachtsmen. SEAmagine has worked with Trekker Yachts to eliminate this, as all Trekker Yachts' adventure-class vessels are standardized to serve as launching ships without any modifications.

All of SEAmagine's models are ABS-certified. The three-seat, 60-inch cabin Triumph is the most technologically advanced version. It has a depth-rate of 1,500 feet, weighs 15,000 pounds, and both its height and width are nearly 10 feet. Utilizing eight thrusters, it propels beneath the water at 2 knots. The submersible's air supply is six hours, and it has reserve air supply and cabin power of more than 72 hours. The windows that provide an incredible fish-eye view in all directions, including directly below passengers, are 3.3 inches thick.

There is an array of peripherals that can be added to the subs, such as a high-definition camera, a robotic manipulator, an underwater lighting system, and an underwater GPS. There also are sampling devices, sampling collection trays, forward and side-scanning sonar, and an underwater modem.



Want to go for a ride?

The Undersea Hunter is offering rides to the public in the Cocos Islands of Costa Rica. Sub-Aqua Enterprises has tours "down under" off the West Coast of Australia. The Bubble Sub, which is in the Cayman Islands, will resume its rides in a two-man submersible in the future.

Take the plunge for a "sub-sea-quaint" time in a SEAmagine submersible!

For LxM James Rothaar