A:No, the LifeBuoy is an electrical device that relies on a Lithium battery and does not require any fuel.
Q: What is the LifeBuoy’s maximum speed?
A: Approximately 11+ MPH in standard mode and 14+ MPH with Turbo Initiated
Q: What is the LifeBuoy’s speed when carrying a person?
A: Approximately 6 MPH
Q: What is the remote control's range?
A: The LifeBuoy's remote control has a 2,600 foot range or approximately 0.5 miles.
Q: Does the LifeBuoy automatically turn on in the water?
A: Yes, the LifeBuoy automatically turns on once in the water to enable operations. The LifeBuoy also has a manual on/off switch on the left side of the unit.
Q: Can the LifeBuoy be thrown into the water and, if so, from what height?
A: Yes, the LifeBuoy can be. thrown into the water from a maximum height of 60 ft.
Q: How long does it take the LifeBuoy to reach a person in the ocean 100 yards away?
A:The LifeBuoy is estimated to be 6x+ faster than a lifeguard in a rescue, able to reach a drowning victim 100 yards away in about22 seconds. In comparison, we estimate it will take a lifeguard (carrying the standard rescue tube in the ocean, with surf, waves, current, and wind), approximately 1.5 minutes (2.3 MPH).
Q: Is the LifeBuoy made out of plastic?
A: No, the LifeBuoy's hull is made out of fiberglass, which is much more durable, in our view, than plastic and drives through the water and tides more effectively - the same reason why they build boats out of fiberglass and not plastic. In addition, plastic degrades in the sun after a period of time and cannot be repaired if damaged, whereas fiberglass is readily repairable.
Q:What is the LifeBuoy rated for in terms of wave height and wind speed?
A: According to the manufacturer’s sea trials:
Wave height: 8 ft. (Rated 5 on the Douglas scale)
Wind: 30 knots (Rated 7 on the Beaufort scale)
Q: What is the LifeBuoy's payload and what is the weight it is able to transport in the water?
A: The LifeBuoy can support or transport approximately 440 lbs., which is equivalent to two people. The unit is also able to, therefore, transport other materials of similar weight or pull lines for floating environmental retention barriers or even small vessels, so as not to expose workers.
Q: Does the LifeBuoy have a camera?
A: Although a camera is not installed on the LifeBuoy, there is a camera mount on the bow or front of the unit to allow for use of a camera selected by the operator.
Q:Can the LifeBuoy operate at night or on dark stormy days?
A: Yes.There are two LED navigational lights representing port (left) and starboard (right) of the LifeBuoy.
Q: What happens if the LifeBuoy flips over, can it still operate?
A:Yes.The LifeBuoy has a self-righting technology, whereby the operator simply selects reverse on the included remote control by pushing backwards on the remotes accelerator or trigger.
Q: Does the LifeBuoy go in reverse?
A: Yes, the LifeBuoy is able to reverse in the water, however, the speed is much slower than in forward.
Q:How long does it take to fully charge the LifeBuoy’s battery?
A: The LifeBuoy takes 2-3 hours to fully charge from a low battery level.
Q:What is the LifeBuoy’s warranty?
A: Hero provides a 2-year warranty and offers an extended 5-year warranty at an additional cost. Under the warranty, Hero provides all service, parts, and labor, however, shipping is incurred by the customer.
Q: How far can the LifeBuoy travel on one battery charge?
A:The LifeBuoy can travel approximately 3 miles on a full battery charge.
Q: What is the LifeBuoy’s expected useful life?
A: Based on usage, the manufacturer estimates the LifeBuoy’s estimated useful life is approximately 10 Years, assuming the battery is replaced.
Q: How much does the LifeBuoy weigh?
A:The LifeBuoy weighs approximately 32 lbs.
Q:How many and what type of motors does the LifeBuoy use?
A: The LifeBuoy has 2 jet-type brushless motors at each end of the unit, taking in water and then pushing the water out to maneuver the LifeBuoy.
Q: What is the range of the LifeBuoy's remote control?
A:The LifeBuoy's remote control has a range of approximately 0.5 miles.
Q: How does sea level/elevation impact the range of the remote control unit?
A: Sea level does have some impact on the range of the remote control to communicate with the LifeBuoy - the increase in elevation from Sea Level to a 33 foot elevation, increases the remote control’s communication distance by approximately 650 feet or 20 feet for every 1 foot increase in elevation.The average 6 foot lifeguard chair, therefore, will theoretically increase the remote control’s communication capability by 120 feet, from ~2,600 feet to 2,700 feet (0.5+ miles).
Q:What colors is the LifeBuoy available in?
A: Orange, however, custom colors may be provided upon request.
Q:How does the remote control communicate with the LifeBuoy?
A: Communication is via radio frequency at 2.4gHz
Q:What is the LifeBuoy’s shipping weight?
A: The Lifebuoy shipping weight, with box, is approximately 60 lbs.
