Nautilus Underwater Superyacht

This surely has to take first prize in terms of creative thinking, and if the Nautilus actually achieves what its makers predict, then it promises to one of the most extraordinary and attention-grabbing vessels available in the world.

U-Boat Worx revealed their designs for a 1250-ton, 37.5m yacht-submarine at the 2022 Monaco Yacht Show. The ‘Nautilus’, its makers claim, is a vessel that is capable of performing equally as well on the surface as a superyacht as it is of operating beneath the waves as a full-blown submersible.

Since Jules Verne’s book 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was first published in 1870, people have dreamt of owning a luxury yacht with dive capabilities. Since this time too, inventors have proposed a number of impressive concepts, though sadly, none of these designs have ever come to full realisation. But drawing upon their world-renowned knowledge in the specialist field of submersibles, U-Boat Worx are now claiming to be the first to have engineered a realistic combination of luxury and safety in a fully certified private submersible of superyacht proportions.

Attributes & features

The diesel-electric Nautilus has a depth rating of 200 metres, a surface cruising speed of 9 knots and an underwater speed of 4 knots. When functioning as a boat, she offers a massive sundeck equipped with a freshwater pool, a bar and a luxurious entertaining dining table. This al fresco arrangement can then be retracted before the submersible slips below the waves. Nautilus’s interior features a 50 sq. m dinner and lounge area with four circular windows, each with a diameter close to 4 metres. The proposed design for the submarine yacht offers a master bedroom and four staterooms, as well as sleeping quarters for up to six crew. A fully equipped galley makes cooking an underwater meal simple and enjoyable; however, interior layouts are fully customisable by the client.

Tender too

In addition, and as a complement to the ‘mother ship’, a newly invented, completely pressure-resistant electrical tender is cleverly stowed under the Nautilus’s aft deck. The submersible tender, named the ‘Aronnax’, may also be used for transporting up to five scuba divers underwater to the intended dive spot.

U-Boat Worx state that the superyacht submarine will be able to stay under water for up to four days, but at cruising speed its underwater performance is just six hours. The vessel can also be docked alongside any quay that can accommodate a 6.5m draught.

Place your order

The Nautilus has a starting price of €25 million, and once ordered, the company states that an owner can expect to have the vessel delivered within 30 months. U-Boat Worx Chairman and founder Bert Houtman told PBR: ‘People who’ve decided to buy a yacht will now have to consider if their vessel of choice can also dive down to 200 metres!’

As an added bonus, the Nautilus apparently combats seasickness. ‘If the sea becomes too rough,’ said Houtman, ‘you simply dive and continue your voyage in seasick-free comfort beneath the ocean surface! With the Nautilus, the yachting market will never be the same again.’ Here at PBR, we think he might just be right!

Configurable Floorspace

The fully configurable 150 m2 floorspace creates not only the ideal space for a restaurant, casino or wedding venue but is perfectly suited for meetings and presentations and as well as corporate hospitality, networking and social events.

Nautilus underwater superyacht top facts

•  Nautilus is a 1250-ton, 37.5m vessel.
•  It can function as a yacht or as a submersible.
•  The diesel-electric Nautilus has a depth rating of 200 metres.
•  The cruising speed of the vessel is estimated to be 9 knots.
•  On-board facilities include a bar, pool, lounge and dining room, four luxury guest cabins, a spacious master bedroom and a galley.
•  Ten 4-metre-wide windows offer an exceptional view of the underwater world.
•  The Nautilus has a starting price of €25 million.
•  This superyacht submarine will be able to stay underwater for up to four days. At cruising speed, the underwater operating time is six hours.
•  Nautilus can be docked at any quay that can accommodate a 6.5m draught.