Here’s something new from Platypus Craft, a French company: The Platypus Swordfish, a 40-knot, 29’ 5” boat that has a submersible pod so you and half a dozen others can enjoy underwater views anywhere in the world.
The boat will be built by a subsidiary of L2 Concepts in Antibes that has worked on other submersible projects. It can be ordered with twin gas outboards, or eco-friendly all-electric power.
The Swordfish looks like a trimaran; its central hull is connected to the two outer hulls by arms. But push a button, and the central hull drops 6’ 5” under the surface. Passengers do not need an air tank. Air compressors provide air to them when the submersible pod is underwater.
The boat will be built with a composite construction using aluminum framing, fiberglass and carbon fiber laminates. The central pod is water ballasted and air sealed.
The gas version comes with two 100-hp outboards for a top speed of 34 knots, or two 200-hp outboards, for a top speed of 40 knots. The electric version will have two separate 12V battery packs with a 900 amp total and an eight-hour battery life.
The “yacht edition” of the Platypus Swordfish comes with a leather cockpit, carbon dash, double air compressor with six hoses, and four submersible high-power lights.
The first boat is expected to be built in 2022.
Specs.: LOA: 29’5”; Beam: 9’6”; Draft: 1’3”, surface mode, or 5’9” submersible mode; Disp.: 4,960 lbs.; Fuel: NA; Water: NA; Power: 2×100-hp or 2×200-hp gas engines or electric. Read more:
