Many cruisers like the idea of carrying scuba gear, both for underwater exploration and underwater repair and maintenance jobs, but are thwarted by the expense and sheer bulk of the equipment involved. Now the folks at Mantus Anchors have shattered that barrier with a new compact lightweight mini-scuba kit that is both easy to stow and easy to use. With an all-up weight of just 15lb, the kit includes a portable 2-liter aluminum tank, first- and second-stage regulators, an ergonomic tank harness, a pressure gauge and a backpack to carry it all. The tank can be pressurized to 3,000 psi and, when full, is good for 15-20 minutes of dive time at a depth of around 30ft. It’s conceived for use at a maximum recommended depth of 45ft, so most users should need no buoyancy vest. The tank harness includes pockets for dive weights so individual divers can fine-tune their static buoyancy. Spare tanks cost just $150 a pop, so it’s easy to carry enough to get you to the next dive shop for refills. Or, if you like to exercise, you can carry a hand-pump that can jam a tank in about 20 minutes. Proper scuba certification is required.
$599. Mantus Anchors, mantusanchors.com
Return to 2017 Pittman Innovations Awards
February 2017
