The Monaco Yacht Show, known for its focus on superyacthing, came to a close this weekend with high spirits and strong forecasts. But one interesting trend to come out of Europe’s largest luxury boat show is leisure submarines.

Four new exhibitors, U-Boat Worx, Triton Submarines LLC, Seamagine Hydrospace Corporation, and Hawkes Ocean Technologies are all selling submarines as an accessory to the yacht.

 Yachts present the most outstanding platform for private submarine operations. The idea of having your own submersible is indescribable. Being able to dive wherever and whenever you want. – U-Boat Worx Website

While the brand name may be a little unsettling to Americans, U-Boat Worx founder and chairman, Bert Houtman, is on to something when he tells Bloomberg that “There is a change in attitude of super-yacht owners.” A thirst for adventure and an interest in cutting-edge technology will likely make this product a hot add-on to the yachting lifestyle. Many of today’s super yachts come with or are modified to include helipads, jet skis and smaller boats for going ashore, so a subversive could be a natural fit.

At a price point of $1.5 million to $4.2 million, these submarine manufactures are certainly targeting the right audience. However, there are likely to be barriers to entry for this type of product.  Education will be needed for Superyacht crews and owners alike. We don’t need UHNW’s crashing into reefs and atolls. Also, outreach to OEMs will be important for new Superyacht models to accommodate this growing new product.