Breathing Observation Bubble
Bellaqua. Florida USA
Price: US$9,995 in 1998.

1 Person Submarine Scooter
Performance
Speed: 2.5 knts (4.5 kph)
Max. Depth: 12 m
Endurance
Power: 1 hour @ 4.5 kph
Air: 1 hour average
Dimensions
Length: 78 cm
Beam: 71 cm
Height: 130 m
Weight : 51 kg
Equipment
Dive Computer
Lights




Falling somewhere between SCUBA gear and a submarine is the Breathing Observation Bubble or BOB.
The operator sits astride it, somewhat like a motorcycle, and places their head into the acrylic, air filled dome mounted on the head piece, there is no need for a regulator. Air is constantly supplied to the dome from a scuba tank mounted on the front of BOB's fiberglass body. Movement is provided by an electric motor housed under the seat, along with a rechargeable 12v battery, giving a top speed of 2.5 knots and an endurance of 1 hour at that speed.
A combined steering wheel and instrument console provides full control and system monitoring, the dive computer registers dive times and depth, as well as calculating decompression times and descent/ascent rates.