The Nautilus is a 1,250-ton, 37.5 meter underwater superyacht. Unveiled at the recent Monaco Yacht Show, the vessel can function both as an on-water yacht and a submersible. In yacht mode, the Nautilus affords a spacious sun deck, a freshwater pool, a bar and a dining table. Inside, you will find a 50 square meter dinner and lounge area with four circular windows measuring nearly four meters in diameter each. The blueprint also calls for a master cabin, four additional staterooms and sleeping quarters for up to six crew members. A full galley makes meal prep and cooking a breeze, above or below the water. The interior layout can be fully customized to meet a client’s specific needs and wants.
The diesel-electric will have a depth rating of 200 meters (around 656 feet), a surface cruise speed of nine knots and an underwater speed of four knots. The vessel can stay under water for up to four days at a time, with underwater endurance at cruise speed set at six hours. A tender, the Aronnax, is stowed under the aft deck. Seasickness and treacherous weather conditions will likely become a concern of the past for owners. As U-Boat Worx founder Bert Houtman notes, if the sea becomes too rough, simply dive and continue your voyage in comfort.
U-Boat Worx is a leader in the market for small submersibles with a range of personal underwater vehicles available to the buying public. While still not exactly cheap, the Nemo series starts at 545,000 euro and can accommodate two passengers to a depth of up to 100 meters, or around 330 feet. The U-Boat Work Nautilus starts at 25 million euro, a figure that will no doubt climb once customizations are factored in. Orders are expected to be ready within 30 months, we are told.
