Seabob F5 sea scooter review

Depending on the model and the sea conditions, the units are capable of speeds of around 14 to 20km/h on the surface and around 13 to 20km/h under water.

The propulsion system uses a high-speed impeller that sucks water into the unit and expels it out the back as thrust. The design is fully electric with a completely sealed lithium-ion battery system.

The sled feel almost weightless in the water thanks to their neutral buoyancy design. The controls are minimal: two handles, a trigger, and a display showing speed levels and battery information.

After using one, I realised that Seabobs are a surprisingly capable bit of gear that change how you interact with the water, whether you’re exploring reefs, snorkelling, or just adding a bit of adrenaline to a day on the boat.

The ride sensation is similar to bodyboarding behind a boat, except you’re in control of the speed and direction. Push the trigger to move the Seabob forward, shift your weight slightly downward and the Seabob dives, or lean up and it heads to the surface.

Because the propulsion system sits behind you and pulls rather than pushes, the unit feels balanced. Its hydrodynamic design is engineered to minimise drag and maximise efficiency, which helps the Seabob glide smoothly through water.

In clear water, which the Gold Coast thankfully delivered on our test day, it felt like flying under water.

The popular F5 base model Seabob offers up to 2.5kW performance with 480N maximum thrust delivered across four power levels, and weighs just 29kg. It’s generally priced at around $16,000.

The mid-range F5 S offers up to 4kW performance and produces up to 680N of thrust across six power levels, and weighs 34kg. It’s priced from $17,490 at JSW Powersports.

And if that’s not enough power, the F5 SR model has up to 4.5kW with up to 745N thrust across seven power levels, and weighs 34kg. It also comes with the Seabob Camsystem with two integrated cameras, a built-in storage system and Wi-Fi. The F5 SR model is priced from $19,990 at JSW Powersports.

On its website, manufacturer Cayago also specifies an F9 Series designed by Studio FA Porsche, and an SE63 built for Automobili Lamborghini. Performance has been upgraded to match the sporting aesthetics.

To enhance your Seabob experience, accessories include a carry bag, an all-terrain cart, a rack that mounts on a wall or the floor, a lifting wet dock with davit, a belt system to minimise muscle fatigue in your arms, a quick charger, and a weight for optimal buoyancy while scuba diving.

While you could buy a lot of snorkelling gear, dive trips or even a small tender for the same investment, a Seabob will add a layer of fun to your time on the water that no other water toy can.

Visit JSW Powersports for more information.

The full version of this article ran in the Apr-May (Volume 41.2) issue of Club Marine Magazine. Find out how you can  subscribe to Australia’s leading marine lifestyle magazine here.