ScubaJet Pro for Paddle Boarding – Review 2023

The ScubaJet is a battery-powered jet propulsion system that can be used across multiple watersports. It comes in 3 different versions, each with its own power and performance profile.

We tested the ScubaJet Pro and Pro XR versions, the more powerful models, and put them on a paddle board to see how it works as a motorized attachment. We also attached it to an inflatable kayak to see how much fun it is.

We were interested in how long the battery lasted, how fast we could cruise and how well we could steer with the jet running.

The modular nature of this electric paddle board accessory means that you can configure it to your needs with the ScubaJet company stating that it is the most versatile water jet system in the world.

We wanted to see how how this jet system turns an inflatable SUP into an electric paddle board.

More than a Gimmick

Feeling the board accelerate with just a murmur of the electric motor put smiles on our faces. It’s not like paddle boarding, it’s something else. But it’s definitely fun.

When attached under your paddle board the ScubaJet, completely transforms the experience of paddle boarding. It tracks straight and can be used for longer tours or when currents get too strong for some.

The BlueTooth connection allows you to control the speed of the jet through slowly twisting the throttle on the wrist watch. This will provide you with gradual acceleration until you find your desired speed. Speeding up and slowing down is intuitive and easy, allowing you to adapt your speed for any given situation.

Stopping on the other hand, is slightly tricky as you need to slowly decelerate in order to maintain your balance on the board. While acceleration is gradual–even when turning the control dial to 100%–deceleration is abrupt.

Turning the board while under propulsion was also tricky in the beginning. At first it seems quite difficult to turn as using paddle strokes only makes slight changes to your course.

We discovered that the easiest way to turn while the ScubaJet is active is by using your paddle as a rudder to ‘steer’ your paddle board in the right direction.

Sculling while on lower speeds will also achieve 180 degree turns at a radius of around 6-8 feet.

What was also evident during testing was the utility of a wider paddle. Looking at the paddle that comes with the Manta by Onean, steering would be much improved with such a steering paddle.

Controlling the Jet

The ScubaJet is made of high grade aluminum, has stainless steel components, and features a rotomoulded high-density polyethylene impeller.

The remote control bundle needed for use with a SUP includes a watch remote control and the SSC BT Link. When setting up the ScubaJet you’ll need to attach the SSC BT link in order to pair the jet to the remote. The SSC BT Link has to be placed on the top of the board as Bluetooth doesn’t work through water.

Using the ScubaJet on a board is intuitive and easy as the throttle is easy to use. On the watch control, there is one dial that increases and decreases power. The LCD screen shows this in terms of percentage.

Turning the power up to 100% makes the jet increase gradually so as to avoid sudden jolts.

A safety feature of the ScubaJet is that if the remote falls in the water, the connection will be lost and ScubaJet will stop. For this reason, make sure that if you fall in the water the watch also gets submerged. This functions like a dead man switch.

Surprising Speed

As a motorized attachment the ScubaJet can provide a considerable amount of speed to your SUP or kayak. The ScubaJet Pro XR motor provides an output of 1000W allowing you to really pick up some speed when pushing the ScubaJet to 100%. Increasing your paddle board’s speed to this level offers you an exceptional experience and brings you another level of fun.

When we tested the ScubaJet Pro XR with the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12, we were able to reach a speed of 7 mph (11 kph), an impressive feat considering that this is just an attachment and not an integrated part of the board.

To maximize speed we managed almost 9 mph when paddling as well, speeding past rowers and kayakers.

We only tested the attachment on a lake with flat water so we are not sure how it would perform against light chop or waves, however we did cross the wake of a boat at one point and found that the added speed helped the paddle board cut through it.

How the ScubaJet performs in open water will depend just as much on the paddle board and the paddler. But the extra propulsion definitely helps.

This makes us quite confident that the ScubaJet would be more of a help than a hindrance if used in light chop.

Mounting the ScubaJet

Using the ScubaJet as a way to motorize your paddleboard or kayak is ideal as it can be purchased with a fin box adapter. This adapter weighs 0.5 kgs and can be easily mounted and connected to your board or kayak given that the vessel has a standard US fin box or slide-in fin box system.

When attaching the ScubaJet to a slide-in fin box, no screws are necessary; however the clip must be engaged to ensure grip. Alternatively, when attaching the ScubaJet to a US fin box the included screws must be adjusted using an Allen key so make sure to have one handy.

When placing the ScubaJet on your vessel make sure the jet doesn’t stick out from the board or kayak as this offers an incorrect placement and can lead to problems when using the jet. It’s easier to set up the ScubaJet if you flip your board or kayak upside down.

It can be difficult to find the right attachment to motorize your paddle board or kayak. These attachments are often expensive and it is important to make sure you find one that is perfect for your needs. Unlike many of the competing products, the ScubaJet can be used for a number of different watersports including scuba diving and snorkeling as an underwater scooter.

Modular Battery System is Versatile

There are 3 different models of the ScubaJet depending on how much battery capacity you want. The ScubaJet Neo has just one battery with a capacity of 100Wh and a runtime of up to 56 minutes. The ScubaJet Pro configuration that is composed of two batteries has a capacity of 200Wh and a runtime of up to 108 minutes.

The ScubaJet has a stackable smart battery system allowing you to connect up to four smart batteries to extend the runtime. As an alternative to the smart batteries you can also get a high density battery (not applicable with the ScubaJet Neo) of either 200Wh or 400Wh offering more capacity with each stacked battery.

Finally, the ScubaJet Pro XR configuration has four stacked battery packs with a capacity of 400Wh and a runtime of up to 216 minutes. If you’re going to pay the extra money for a motorized board attachment we recommend going with the Pro or the Pro XR as the Neo will leave you wanting.

Although the batteries are expensive, we definitely recommend getting all four battery packs or the full high density batteries as it will double your battery life in the water making the ScubaJet last for much longer.

You can easily tell how much charge the battery has based on the intuitive battery status lights. The battery packs can be conveniently charged by stacking them together and charging them. Additionally, thanks to the innovative attachment system, putting the packs together is easy and intuitive.

Additionally, each smart battery module is airplane legal allowing you to bring your extra charges along to holidays and travel that requires taking a plane. It is important to note that the high density batteries offered by ScubaJet are not airplane legal and although they are cheaper they can’t be taken with you on planes.

In terms of being an attachment to motorize a paddle board or kayak, the ScubaJet’s battery setup is quite useful as you can decide the length and runtime of the device depending on what vessel you will be using.

Relatively Easy to Carry

Even though no bag accompanies the ScubaJet, it’s pretty easy to pack and carry.

Depending on the battery configuration, the ScubaJet will weigh either 6.6 lbs for the Pro or 10 lbs for the Pro RX. This makes it relatively lightweight and offers the ability to store it in a backpack or even in your iSUP bag depending on the size of the bag.

It’s cylindrical shape makes it easy to store, however it needs to be carried using two hands as it doesn’t have a carry handle or strap. The ScubaJet attachment is not as portable as some of the other attachments on the market, however it makes up for this in power.

Features

There are a number of key features that make the ScubaJet an ideal for motorizing your paddle board or kayak.

• Interchangeable tube sizes for different size paddle boards and kayaks.
• Innovative charging system allows you to charge all batteries simultaneously.
• LED Nose for illuminating your way when paddling at night.
• BT- Link that connects the remote control wrist watch to the ScubaJet.
• Remote control wrist watch that tells you speed, battery percentage and runtime.
• Adapter that is compatible with both slide in and US box fin systems.
• Fail safe shut-off to prevent runaway when you fall into the water.

Price/ Quality Ratio

We had fun with this. On a SUP it didn’t go fast enough to get the adrenaline pumping, but it certainly put a smile on our faces.

The ScubaJet is expensive, however it is an efficient, functional and reliable way to power your paddle board or kayak and if you have the money we think it’s well worth it. That said, if you are more worried about price and not so worried about quality, then you might be better off going with a cheaper, more affordable attachment like the Vaquita or the Bixpy J-2 Outboard Kit.

Given the fact that when you purchase a ScubaJet you get a jet propulsion system that is fun, and can be used for a number of different watersports, the quality and versatility of the device more than justifies the price.

If you take the ScubaJet as a product used for a number of different sports including scuba diving, snorkeling, freediving, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, then yes we definitely recommend the ScubaJet. Nevertheless, this product is not suitable for paddlers looking to motorize their vessel in the most affordable way as the product is expensive given its quality.

If we look at the ScubaJet simply as a board attachment, it offers a good level of power and runtime. It reliably and efficiently turns your paddle board or kayak into something more of an electrically powered vessel. For this reason, we recommend the ScubaJet Pro  for anybody looking for a high quality motorized attachment for their paddle board or kayak.