Hi!

I want to build something that is mostly a remote controled sub. I'm sure you've heard of underwater scooters (for scuba) and of ROV (Remote Operated Vehicles) which are also used at depth and are cable controlled.

Here's what I want to do, both at the same time! I want to have something I can hold on to which will make me go faster, but also that I can let go of and remote control into spots I can't safely scuba into (such as wreck dives).

I've already done lots of research on scooters and the most powerful ones out there use at most 300W motors. They can pull a grown man at about 3-4 km/h (2-3 mph). They generate between 20 & 40 lbs of thrust. Here's a good example of one:
http://www.seascooter.net/

So all I'd need to do is basically build something like that, add some control fins and mount a camera at the front so I can take pictures in spots I can't get to Since I've never done a project like this, I would appreciate any and all help I can get. I saw lots of RC boats with 300W or more but I don't think they could pull a grown man with scuba gear on. I think I need to change the propeller and the RPM at which it turns.

I'd appreciate any and all help with this project. I'd prefer to use RC parts since they are smaller and cheaper then industrial DC motors.

Thanks!
Guillaume