Are personal watercraft the best small boats ever made? It’s a bold claim, but one that’s not without supporting proof.
Consider that a PWC is not only affordable but also accessible. Sea-Doo’s SPARK can be purchased for as little as $5,499. Broken into monthly payments, that comes out to less than most people’s coffee tabs. Even the flagship RXT-X 300 is a bargain when compared to sport boats capable of similar 65-plus mph top speeds. In addition to a thrilling, one-of-a-kind high-performance ride, it boasts 300 horsepower and an integrated 100-watt Bluetooth sound system. That’s an entire watercraft for less than the price of just an outboard motor of equal horsepower.
It’s that accessibility, however, that makes a PWC truly unique. Sea-Doo watercraft are lightweight enough to not require an oversize tow vehicle; the SPARK weighs in at a mere 405 pounds. They’re also compact enough to fit (with trailer) in the average single-car garage, and fuel-efficient enough to stretch your gas budget through an entire season of riding. Fuel-conserving features, like Sea-Doo’s Touring and ECO modes, tune engines to lower that consumption even more.
Also, consider a personal watercraft’s ease of operation. Basic controls are as familiar as a bicycle. Intelligent Brake & Reverse (iBR), a Sea-Doo innovation, adds the intuitive feeling of gears at idle speeds, transitioning from forward to neutral to reverse at the touch of a lever, and providing intuitive, worry-free handling around the dock, launch ramp or crowded marina space. The iBR feature also provides something few boats offer: stopping power at speed. Sea-Doo’s new ACE (Advanced Combustion Efficiency) engine platforms also provide exceptionally clean, fuel-efficient, quiet and reliable operation while remaining small and compact to ensure strong power-to-weight ratios. As to maintenance, Sea-Doo’s exclusive closed-loop cooling system functions much like the time-tested radiator on a car, eliminating the worry of salt or other environmental contaminants.
Personal watercraft also satisfy a wide audience. All are capable of touring, towing, carving a spray-flinging turn, and bringing together family and friends. The newest Sea-Doo designs add unmatched stability by lowering rider and passenger positions, thus lowering the center of gravity. Ergonomic saddle designs cradle the driver and passengers so that they feel secure, in control, and like an integral part of the machine.
Specialized models are ready to please a more discerning audience. Sea-Doo’s FISH PRO gives recreational to hardcore anglers a full-size Garmin navigation system/fish finder, quick-connect 45-quart cooler, and four adjustable rod holders in a 50-plus mph fishing machine that’s easier to launch and load, clean and store than a full-size boat. Sea-Doo’s LinQ accessory system, available on nearly every model, further personalizes the craft to the way individual owners use it, much like how apps fine-tune a smartphone. Plug-and-play accessories include coolers, gas caddies, additional storage options, tow pylons and more.
Need a closing argument? List the activities you, friends and family share, whether they be touring, watersports, fishing, or just sneaking off solo to work off life’s stress on a solitary thrill ride, and ask yourself one question: What craft gives you the best return on your investment?
