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> Roger Carlson writes:
> Didn't see where this thread started, but I saw John Crea's continuation of
> it. There's another scooter out there that is basically an upgrade to, I
> think, the Mk VI. I forget who does it, but he remarkets it as something
> called a Retro.
Yes, this is the PREDATOR series of DPVs, manufactured by American Underwater
Vehicle in Florida. These DPVs are actually a "retrofit" for TEKNA scooters.
The motor, prop, and shroud from a TEKNA is taken out, rebuilt, and then added
to a custom fabricated 1/4" (6mm) thick 6061T aluminum hull.
Why use the guts from a TEKNA? Well, they're readily available in the USA,
making them an attractive "upgrade" for TEKNA owners. More importantly, the
direct drive TEKNA motor, prop, and shroud are more efficient than what's
found in a Farallon or Zepp.
PREDATORs are available in 3 models - the 2000, 3000, and 4000. The main
differences are the number of batters (2 for the 2000, 3 for the 3000, and so
on) and the required front tube length to hold the batteries.
One of the most attractive features of the PREDATOR is it's cost - about half
of what a Zepp goes for. Although the Zepp may be a tad quicker for the
first 30 to 40 minutes of cruise time, the PREDATOR is like the proverbial
"Energizer Bunny" - it keeps going and going and going - long after a Zepp
burns down. For example, my PREDATOR 4000 will burn at top speed (about 250
FPM) for 3 hours. I haven't been able to stay in the water long enough to
burn it down on the lower speeds. I can also burn it for about an hour at
full speed and recharge fully in about 2 hours (you can't do that with a Zepp).
You can tell I'm a bit biased - don't get me wrong, AquaZepp DPVs have many
excellent qualities - it just depends on who much you want to spend versus
what type of diving you want to do with the vehicle.
A host of other options (cruise seat, power optimizing board, cruise control,
etc) are also available. Further information can be obtained by calling
Arnold Jackson (owner of AUV) at (904) 669-5483. Anyone wanting any more
"user perspective" on the PREDATOR (I have a datasheet somewhere) can e-mail
me directly.
GregD
DISCLAIMER: This is not a commerical posting - merely a "plug" from a
satisfied customer.
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