SEABOB F9 vs F9S: Which One Belongs in Your Water Toy Lineup?

We've been selling water toys out of Fort Lauderdale since 2005, and few questions come up more at our counter than this one: SEABOB F9 vs F9S, which should I buy? They look nearly identical. They share the same Studio F. A. Porsche hull, the same 1,023 × 526 × 343 mm footprint, and the same thumb-trigger cockpit. But they don't ride the same, and the price gap is real. Here's how we'd decide if it were our money.

The Short Answer

The F9 is the easygoing all-rounder: lighter, gentler, and plenty of fun for kids, first-timers, and relaxed reef cruising. The F9S is the one we reach for when we want to drive. It has a 3.6 kW motor instead of 2.6 kW and 84 TP of thrust instead of 60, and the bigger battery and Driving Stability System come standard.

SEABOB F9 vs F9S: Side-by-Side Specs

Specs from CAYAGO's official SEABOB F9 technical data sheet. Prices shown on liquidsurfandsail.com as of October 2026. Special colors add to the price.

What the F9S Actually Adds

More motor, more thrust

Going from 60 to 84 TP is the difference you feel first. The F9 pulls you along nicely. The F9S gets moving with real urgency, and in Sport mode it's the most fun we've had on a SEABOB. If you've got a confident teenager or an adrenaline-chasing guest on board, they'll be on the S within five minutes.

Driving Stability System, standard

The F9S has extendable stern stabilizers on each side plus two foils on the underbody. CAYAGO calls it the Driving Stability System. In plain English, the craft stays planted at speed and carves turns cleanly. You can add it to an F9, but on the S it's included.

Bigger battery included

The F9S comes with the 1.2 kWh pack, and CAYAGO rates it at up to 50 minutes of sporty riding. On the F9, the same pack is an upgrade that stretches it from 40 to 60 minutes. That makes sense, since the F9 sips less power.

Chrome details

The F9 wears the matte Black Package. The S gets chrome design elements. It's purely cosmetic, but it looks fantastic against a white or Meteo Silver hull.

Watch Them in Action

Who Should Buy Which

Buy the F9 if…

• It's mostly for kids, newer riders, or relaxed snorkel-style cruising.
• You want the lightest one to lift: about 22.9 kg (50 lbs) in standard form.
• You'd rather put the $4,000+ difference toward a second unit, a cart, or a cover.

Buy the F9S if…

• You (or your guests) want real performance and a sporty, planted ride.
• You'd add the bigger battery and stability system to an F9 anyway.
• It's the flagship toy on a yacht, and you want the best one in the garage.

For Yacht Owners and Captains

Both models have the same dimensions, so stowage planning is identical. Our honest take for yachts is that many owners run one of each. The F9S is for the guest who wants a thrill, and the F9 is for the guest who just wants to see the reef. CAYAGO's adjustable depth limit (up to 25 m) and the automatic 3 m safety cut-off are worth walking guests through before they ride. Pair either one with a SEABOB cover to keep it out of the sun between charters.

For Families

For families, we usually point people to the F9. It's lighter, more forgiving, and Dive mode softens the throttle for gentle underwater cruising. If you've got older kids who will outgrow "gentle" in about a week, that's when the F9S starts to earn its price. Either way, a SEABOB cart or the all-terrain cart saves your back on the walk from the garage to the dock or the beach.

Our Take

If performance matters at all to you, buy the F9S. Once you price an F9 with the battery upgrade and stability system added, the S is the cleaner deal, and you get the extra motor on top. If the SEABOB is mainly for kids and casual cruising, the F9 is a fantastic machine, and you'll never feel shortchanged.

Shop the SEABOB F9 – from $11,825
Shop the SEABOB F9S – from $15,895

Ride Both Before You Decide

Specs only tell you so much, and the best way to choose is to ride them back to back. Come see us at FLIBS, booth #2082, in the northwest corner of the Broward County Convention Center. You can also sign up for our Demo Day and get in the water yourself.

SEABOB F9 vs F9S FAQ

What is the main difference between the SEABOB F9 and F9S?

The F9S has a 3.6 kW motor with 84 TP of thrust (vs. 2.6 kW and 60 TP on the F9). The 1.2 kWh Battery Capacity Plus, the Driving Stability System, and chrome design elements all come standard on the F9S.

How long does a SEABOB F9 or F9S run on a charge?

CAYAGO rates the F9 at up to 40 minutes of sporty riding (60 minutes with Battery Capacity Plus) and the F9S at up to 50 minutes.

How deep can the SEABOB F9 and F9S dive?

Both can be set to a maximum depth of 25 m (82 ft). A built-in depth sensor cuts the motor at 3 m (10 ft) as a safety default.

How much do the SEABOB F9 and F9S weigh?

The F9 weighs about 22.9 kg (50 lbs), or 24.8 kg (55 lbs) with Battery Capacity Plus. The F9S weighs about 25.9 kg (57 lbs).

How much does a SEABOB F9 vs F9S cost at Liquid Surf & Sail?

The SEABOB F9 starts at $11,825 and the F9S starts at $15,895 at liquidsurfandsail.com. Special colors cost extra.

Can I try a SEABOB before buying?

Yes. Visit us at FLIBS booth #2082 (northwest corner of the Broward County Convention Center) or sign up for our Demo Day.