water current velocity profiles

It depends how big your tidal streams are, how accurate you want it and if it's important research, product development or a college project.
Insufficient information...does not compute.
If it's small scall and you just want a quick 'look see' you could probably make something yourself.

A handfull of plastic streamers tied to rocks is somewhat cheaper than $11,500.
KrisDel^TM enterpises can sell you a complete 'box deluxe rock and streamer set' for...ooooh let me see....$500 ?
Del

Contact here for help with your projects. Navigate to Departments, Physical Sciences, Physical Oceanography. I used to work there. They may have old current meters they may not be using anymore. They are bulky and weigh around twenty pounds, so freight would be expensive. There may be West Coast facilities with old equipment, too. The folks at VIMS would be glad to help, I'm sure.