What is Seabreacher? The Ultimate Diving Machine
When talking about enjoying time on the water, we often think of boats, PWCs (personal watercraft), or kayaks and canoes. However, these vessels aren't the only way to be on (or in) the water.
Have you heard of the Seabreacher? It's an advanced submersible watercraft built by Innespace Productions. The machine is based on an aggressive dolphin and shark-inspired body with an impressive performance envelope.
Today, we talk about the Seabreacher and how to stay safe when using this machine – or boating!
What is the Seabreacher?
Are you ready to "boat" in a different way? Enter the Seabreacher.
This water vessel operates less like a boat and more like an aircraft on the water. The 260hp supercharged engine can propel the Seabreacher to a top speed of 50mph on the surface and 25mph below.
With an appearance that can look like a killer whale, shark, dolphin, or other sea creature, it sustains high-speed dives and then breaches the surface to launch completely out of the water.
Seabreacher uses a fully vectored thrust system to mimic the tail articulation of real aquatic animals like sharks and dolphins. The custom-tuned exhaust system also gives the vessel a more throaty growl as it tears across the surface.
Is it Safe?
The Seabreacher is approved for recreational boating by the U.S. Coast Guard. It's also been granted exemption from certain safety standards due to its unique configuration. It is classified as a personal watercraft.
As for staying dry when diving, inflatable aircraft seals keep the cockpit and engine bay 100% watertight. So, while there can be minor leaks if you forget to inflate the seals, the boat automatically pumps out water via the automatic bilge pumps.
What About Diving?
Because the Seabreacher is positively buoyant, it will always return to the surface. However, it needs speed to dive, which means the engine must run and pull in fresh air to breathe.
Feel free to see how deep you can go because as soon as you dive too deep, the air supply to the engine is cut off and immediately loses power. Then, it comes back to the surface.
Where Can You Use a Seabreacher?
Using a custom-built trailer, the Seabreacher can be launched at a regular boat ramp. It's no more difficult to launch than a conventional boat! Then, you're free to explore what it can do on a lake or other bodies of water.
Learning the basic operation of the Seabreacher, including surface navigation, is surprisingly quick. However, mastering longer dives and tricks can take a little longer.
How Much Does it Cost?
The price of a custom-built Seabreacher depends on the options you choose, but it ranges from $65,000 in the U.S. for a standard model to $85,000 for a high-performance, heavily customized version.
However, be prepared to wait for your new machine! There is often a waiting list for new orders.
How to Stay Safe When Using the Seabreacher
Just like when operating any boat, safety must be a priority if you have the opportunity to drive a Seabreacher.
Operators must make sure the vessel has property safety equipment and is working correctly before putting it to the test in the water. Even though the machine is positively buoyant, it's also a smart idea to wear a lifejacket when driving or riding in a Seabreacher.
Additionally, this watercraft is subject to the same rules of navigation that you would observe when driving a boat or PWC.
Remember: this machine can go fast! So, be sure you have a clear path free of other boaters, swimmers, jetskiers, or kayakers before increasing your speed or launching the Seabreacher high out of the water. Observing posted – and unposted – speed limits on the water is also crucial.
If something goes wrong while you're enjoying your Seabreacher, make sure you have a way to call for help – either a radio or your cellphone.
Ready to see the Seabreacher in action? Check out the video below!
Stay Safe When Operating Any Vessel on the Water
There is lots of fun to be had on the water this season! Before operating any kind of watercraft, make sure you understand critical water safety basics.
The best way to understand everything you need to know about safe boating – or Seabreaching – is to take a boater education course. BOATERexam wants everyone to enjoy more time on the water, so we offer U.S. state-approved and Canada-approved boating education courses to help you do just that.
So, no matter what type of vessel you use for water fun, get safety certified! In the U.S., find the course for your state and work through our online-only courses. If you boat in Canada, choose our Canada-approved online course.
Seabreacher image source: seabreacher.com
Originally published March 23, 2011. Content updated April 26, 2024.
