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Hi Dean. Yes, it's possible and I've seen it myself. No modifications to
scuba regulators is needed. Just need to adapt the regulator to hose
connections, and supply the air to the motor housing. If you can see your
thrusters from inside the sub, you'll see a few bubbles coming out. Too many
bubbles and the seal is leaking. No bubbles and maybe water is getting in. Not
much air is required for this task and some people use a manifold system to
connect various tanks together and route air where it's needed. Better to have
more air than you need than run short.Remember that scuba air is oil-less, so
you can't fill up at the gas station. You said you're a diver, so many of the
same rules apply.
I will be using Minnkota motors at first. They're affordable and easy to
service.I plan on upgrading to a magnetic coupled motor purpose built for manned
submersibles later on. There are several on the market but are pretty
pricy.
We just had a string of questions go round about hydraulic motors, and it
seems the consensus is the power conversion is low compared to electrics,
although there have been some high dollar research subs made using them. From
what I've been able to see, the big tourist subs and research subs are being
retrofitted with electrics.
If I remember, you're planning on a depth of 400 feet. You'll need lights
down there....It's dark!
Again, welcome aboard, and good luck in your adventure.Frank
D.
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