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Sea-Doo boats are no longer in production, but they were once well-known for their high-performance jet boats. The company stopped manufacturing boats in 2012 due to poor sales results caused by the financial crisis. Sea-Doo jet boats were powered by a jet propulsion system and one or two Rotax engines, offering 155-430 horsepower. The Rotax 1630 ACE-325 engine, for example, provides 325 HP and efficient, durable, and reliable handling. While Sea-Doo boats are no longer available, their engines continue to power other recreational vehicles, and the Scarab boat is considered the reincarnation of the Sea-Doo jet boat.
What You'll Learn
Sea-Doo Speedster engine options
The Speedster was initially manufactured with a 650cc, 160 HP, two-stroke engine. After a few years, Sea-Doo introduced the standard Rotax four-stroke, non-supercharged, 1494cc engine. In 2006, the company began offering Speedsters with twin supercharged engines, boosting performance to 410 HP.
The Speedster 150, with a length of 15 feet and a width of 7 feet, offered a top speed of 45-47 mph with the non-supercharged, single 155 HP engine. The 215 HP supercharged engine option pushed the top speed to 58-59 mph.
The Speedster 200, with its larger dimensions of 20 feet in length and 8 feet in width, had a wider range of engine options. The non-supercharged 310 HP engine provided a top speed of 52-54 mph, while the 370 HP supercharged engine increased the maximum speed to 56-58 mph. The most powerful Speedster 200 model, with 430 HP, could reach speeds of 67-68 mph, depending on load and weather conditions.
In terms of reliability, the non-supercharged Sea-Doo Speedsters are generally considered more dependable due to requiring less maintenance and having a lower chance of malfunctions. However, with proper care and attention, a supercharged boat can be just as reliable while offering more power.
It is worth noting that Sea-Doo boats are no longer in production as of 2012 due to poor sales results related to the financial crisis. As a result, aged parts and engines may require more maintenance, and it is recommended to replace the ceramic clutch washers in supercharged models to avoid major engine damage.
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Sea-Doo Sportster engine options
The Sea-Doo Sportster is a jet boat that is agile and full-featured. It is one of the most popular Sea-Doo jet boats ever made. Its popularity is due to many factors, including its fuel efficiency and impressive performance. The Sea-Doo Sportster comes with a standard 4-stroke Rotax 4-TEC TM engine, delivering 155 horsepower (hp). However, you can upgrade to the 4-stroke Supercharged Rotax 4-TEC TM engine, which delivers roughly 215 hp and has a maximum speed of 52.6 mph.
The Sea-Doo Sportster's deep V hull allows it to perform tight turns with full control and its low-sitting cockpit is freely maneuverable, giving the feeling of being right on the water. The boat's top speed is 51 mph, and it has a cruising speed of 35 mph. It has a dry weight of 1,454 lbs and a fuel capacity of 23 gallons in the base model and 21 gallons in the Supercharged model.
The Sea-Doo Sportster is unique in its appearance, with its aggressive and youthful aesthetic. It is available in several colours, including striking yellow. The jet boat also features eye-catching graphics, a ski pylon, a built-in cooler, and a DESS (digitally encoded security system). It is easy to start, with a simple push-button ignition, and it is remarkably quiet, thanks to its 3-cylinder Rotax marine engine.
The Sea-Doo Sportster is a safe, easy, and fun jet boat to ride. Its entire jet drive system is situated within the hull, allowing it to operate in very shallow waters. The absence of a propeller makes it safer for swimming around the transom. Additionally, the engine takes up less space and is lighter than a sterndrive engine, making the boat convenient to tow. However, one disadvantage is the possibility of the pump intake getting clogged by weeds or ropes.
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Sea-Doo Challenger engine options
The Sea-Doo Challenger was introduced in 1996 with a 782cc, 110 hp, single two-stroke Rotax engine. From 1997, a twin-engine option offering 220 hp was also available. In 2005, Sea-Doo released the Challenger with a four-stroke engine, offering 185 hp, and a supercharged 215 hp (later 255 hp) power source.
The Challenger comes in three different hull sizes:
- Challenger 180 – 18 feet long
- Challenger 210 – 21 feet long
- Challenger 230 – 23 feet long
The Challenger 180 with a 215 hp engine has a top speed of 43-45 mph. The 255 hp engine model can reach a maximum speed of 50 mph. The Challenger 210, with non-supercharged twin engines, has a top speed of 46 mph at 310 hp. The supercharged version with 430 hp can reach a maximum speed of 55 mph.
The Sea-Doo Challenger is considered as reliable as any other Sea-Doo personal watercraft, as they are all powered by similar engines. However, the non-supercharged models are generally more dependable as they require less maintenance and have a lower chance of malfunctions.
Sea-Doo stopped manufacturing jet boats in 2012 due to poor sales results and the financial crisis. The company started to focus on developing other recreational vehicles, such as Sea-Doo personal watercraft, Can-Ams, and Ski-Doos. Today, you can find Sea-Doo boats on the second-hand market, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on factors such as age, condition, and features.
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Sea-Doo Explorer engine options
The Sea-Doo Explorer was the first Sea-Doo boat on the market, released in 1993. It features a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) hull, similar to a regular Sea-Doo personal watercraft. Over the years, the Explorer was marketed with five different engine options, ranging from 55 HP (570cc) to 85 HP (718cc).
The Explorer model was cancelled in 2002, but it is still possible to find second-hand models for sale. If you're looking for something similar, you could consider the newest PWC-boat attachments.
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Sea-Doo engine reliability
Sea-Doos are known for their high-performance engines, which deliver extreme power but also require diligent care. One critical aspect of maintenance is the carbon ring, a seal on the driveshaft that prevents water from entering the hull. Neglecting this component can lead to water leaks and even cause the vessel to sink. Additionally, the supercharger, closed-loop cooling system, and other unique features demand extra attention to ensure optimal performance and prevent malfunctions.
When compared to its competitors, Sea-Doo engines have higher compression ratios and worse HP/cc ratios, resulting in increased stress on the engine internals and drivetrain. As a result, these engines require more frequent attention and higher-quality engine oil. The brand's innovative features, such as the iBR (brake and reverse system) and iDF (intelligent debris-free system), also necessitate careful maintenance according to the service manual.
In conclusion, Sea-Doo engines can be highly reliable if properly maintained. However, their complex systems and high-performance nature require a greater level of care and attention compared to some other PWC brands. By following the recommended maintenance schedule and seeking service from certified technicians, owners can ensure the long-term reliable performance of their Sea-Doo vessels.
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Frequently asked questions
The best engine for a Sea-Doo jet boat depends on the model. The Sea-Doo Explorer, the company's first jet boat model, had engine variants ranging from 55 to 85 horsepower. The Sea-Doo Speedster, released in 1994, initially featured a 650cc, 160 horsepower, two-stroke engine. The Sea-Doo Sportster, launched in 1995, was introduced with a dual 650cc, two-stroke engine that produced 160 horsepower. The Sea-Doo Challenger, which debuted in 1996, was originally equipped with a 782cc, 110 horsepower, single dual-stroke engine.
Jet boats offer several advantages over sterndrive boats. They can have a single or double engine and jet pumps, and they steer using a movable nozzle. Additionally, jet boats have a minimal draft and can operate in shallow water since the jet drive system is positioned within the hull, reducing the risk of damage. They are also safer for swimming as they have no external propeller, and their engines are more compact, making the boats lighter and easier to tow.
No, Sea-Doo stopped manufacturing jet boats in 2012 due to poor sales caused by the financial crisis. The company now focuses on developing other recreational vehicles, including personal watercraft, Ski-Doos, and Can-Ams.
Jet boats are more expensive to maintain, require more attention, and are less durable. They are also prone to sucking up ropes, seaweed, and other debris, which can cause operational issues. Additionally, jet boats are harder to steer in tight spaces and tend to be louder than other boat types.
The Sea-Doo Sportster and Speedster are considered reliable models, with the non-supercharged versions being especially dependable due to their lower maintenance requirements and reduced likelihood of malfunctions. However, with proper maintenance, supercharged models can also be reliable.
