MEET YOUR NEW UNDERWATER BEST FRIEND – AIRBUDDY
For anyone who spends significant time on the water, there is a specific kind of stress that comes from knowing the most important parts of your boat are the ones you can’t see. Whether it’s a sudden vibration suggesting a fouled propeller or the routine need to scrub the hull, the waterline often feels like a barrier between a quick fix and a major headache. Most of us try to manage with a mask and a snorkel, but the physical toll of repeatedly holding your breath while trying to work is exhausting and often leads to half-finished jobs.
On the other end of the spectrum is SCUBA gear, which is effective but brings a mountain of logistics, from heavy tanks that scratch the deck to the need for bulky compressors that eat up precious storage space. AirBuddy was created to occupy the perfect middle ground, acting as a lightweight, battery-powered floating air supply that follows you while you dive, giving you the time to breathe comfortably without the “heavy lifting” of traditional SCUBA dive gear.
As a tool for boat ownership, it is essentially like having an extra hand on board. Imagine you’ve picked up a stray fishing line or a bit of “ghost gear” around your shaft—a common mishap that can cause your engine to overheat or ruin your shaft seals. With this system, you can stay submerged for up to 55 minutes to calmly and safely cut away the debris with a clear, hands-on view. It turns what would be a frantic, breath-holding emergency into a controlled DIY task. The same logic applies to routine maintenance like cleaning the hull, inspecting your intake grates, or replacing sacrificial zincs. By doing these jobs yourself, you can save hundreds of dollars in professional diver fees every few weeks, meaning the system eventually pays for itself. It is even a lifesaver for those moments when an anchor gets wedged in the rocks; instead of cutting the line and losing your gear, you can simply dive down and guide it out.
When the work is done, the system shifts from a “workhorse” to a recreational companion. It is ideal for lobstering, as it allows you to cover much more ground than you ever could while breathholding, and it is equally perfect for exploring a reef or hunting for lost items with a metal detector. Because you aren’t wearing a heavy tank on your back, you experience a “swimming-like” weightlessness and freedom of movement that is much closer to snorkelling than traditional diving. It is even designed to be social, with a modular setup that allows two people to dive together from the same unit at a shallower depth.
Practicality is where the design really shines for boaters. The entire setup weighs only about 11.6 kg and fits into a compact bag, making it easy to stow in a locker or take ashore in a dinghy. Charging is as simple as plugging it into a standard wall socket, or even a 12V or 24V outlet if your boat runs on solar power. Most importantly, it is built with safety as the priority; the float contains a backup air supply that provides several extra breaths if the compressor malfunctioned, and an underwater siren lets you know when the battery is getting low so you have plenty of time to surface.
Whether you are facing a mechanical emergency or just want to see what’s beneath your keel, having this system on board ensures you are always prepared for life below the waterline.
To learn more, visit www.airbuddy.com
Published in print August-December 2026
