Fast, fun, and oh so easy to use – no matter what kind of boating you’re into, those are some of the key attributes you want in a watercraft. And tens of thousands of boaters know that Sea-Doo provides all that and more.
“Sea-Doo practically invented the personal watercraft, and they just get better every year,” says Stephen St. Onge, owner of St. Onge Recreation.
Two of the most exciting Sea-Doo models this year are all about power and speed: the RXP-X and the RXT-X.
Both models offer arm-stretching acceleration, thanks to their 325 hp motor – the most powerful in the Sea-Doo line.
But while they have a similar power plant, the two boats are quite different in design, thanks in part to their unique hull shapes.
Performance in the RXP
The RXP-X is a race-ready performance craft, built from the bottom up to be fast and nimble. It sits astride the unique T-3 hull – which stands for Tight Turning T-Shape – and as the name implies, it can spin on a dime.
The hull features what’s known as a soft chine – that is, it curves gently from the bottom to the sides, allowing the rider to lean the vessel as hard as they want to take the tightest curves. The driver’s seat and the hand grips are both inspired by race designs, so the driver is securely locked in position – sit down, settle in, and the RXP-X almost seems to grip you.
There’s an optional passenger seat, so you can bring a friend along on your adventures.
Towing and more
But if you want to bring two friends – which is essential if you want to tow a skier or boarder behind you – then the RXT-X is the boat for you.
“The RXT has been a core part of Sea-Doo’s lineup since the early 2000s,” says Stephen. “But, of course, they just keep making it better.”
This three-seater sits atop a different hull shape than the RXP. It has a harder chine and a longer base, which makes for an incredibly stable vessel. “This is a great choice if you’re looking to go out cruising in choppy waters, or you want to go and explore Georgian Bay.”
It has a substantial swim platform and an impressive 40.6 gallons of on-board storage, so you can bring all the gear you want when you head out onto the water.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking the RXT-X is a staid, quiet little vessel. Sure, it’s a great choice as a family boat, but independent testing rates the RXT-X as going from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.8 seconds. So, if you feel the need for speed, you’ve got it available. “There’s a ton of flexibility in this boat, no matter what kind of riding you’re into.”
Both models come in two colour schemes – ice metal and matte green, or a fiery racing red. “That red is amazing – it’s my absolute favourite colour that Sea-Doo makes,” Stephen enthuses.
They are both equipped with a mountain of high-end features, including the BRP premium audio system, and the unique Lin-Q attachment system, which makes it incredibly simple to bring along everything from coolers to extra fuel tanks.
Switch Cruise LTD
But what if you love the way a PWC handles, but really want to bring more than two people along? No worries: Sea-Doo has you covered.
Enter the brand-new Switch Cruise LTD. The largest of the three Switch boats, the Cruise is available in lengths of 18 to 21 feet and can accommodate up to nine passengers.
The control system looks and feels familiar to anyone who has driven a PWC – or a motorcycle or ATV, for that matter. Rather than a steering wheel, there’s a set of handlebars with a throttle, shifter, and brakes.
Yes, brakes! Sea-Doo has had brakes on all their boats for over a decade, and the Switch is no exception. Because it’s a jet boat, it also has steering capacity even in neutral. “If you’ve ever struggled to dock your boat, then you absolutely need to try the Switch,” says Stephen. “It’s so easy and intuitive, it’s incredible.”
The at-your-fingertips controls offer various drive modes, including Ski and Eco, as well as adjustable trim controls.
The centre-mounted motor is concealed behind some truly impressive sound baffling, so that conversations are easy, even at speed. And nearly every element of the on-deck configuration is modular, meaning you can reposition seats at will to make conversation even easier.
“The Switch is truly a game-changer,” says Stephen. “If you want to get out on the water this summer, you owe it to yourself to come down and see for yourself what the Sea-Doo lineup has in store.”
The Fun BunchSt. Onge Recreation was established in 1991 and over the years it has become a premier multi-line, all-seasons recreational dealer. They carry 19 different brands of boats, personal watercraft, outboard motors, and many other summer and winter vehicles.
Known throughout Ontario for their comprehensive new and used recreational vehicle inventories, St. Onge has combined excellent customer service with top-notch repair and maintenance work.
Their state-of-the-art showroom is open six days a week, while their parts and service centres and finance department provide their clients with a one-stop shop for all their recreational vehicle needs.
“We’ve become known as The Fun Bunch,” says Stephen. “We’re the place where fun comes first.”
TEXT A. WAGNER-CHAZALON
