Prices and specifications have been released for the 2023 Sea-Doo Switch – the first Jet Ski-powered pontoon party boat in Australia.
As previously reported, there will initially only be one top-of-the-range model – the 21-foot Sea-Doo Switch ‘Cruise’ powered by a 230-horsepower 1630cc three-cylinder Rotax engine – and one colour, Caribbean Blue.
Representatives for Sea-Doo Australia told Watercraft Zone the company surveyed several hundred local boaters, Jet Ski owners – and people who intended to buy a boat – before deciding on which version of the Switch to import.
“The response was overwhelming,” said Lloyd Jaber, a senior advisor for BRP Australia, the distributor of Sea-Doo watercraft.
“When we asked our research participants which model they preferred, they all preferred the larger and more powerful versions.
“We also chose blue rather than offer a range of colours like they do in the US, as that is the most popular colour choice in North America.”
When asked if the Sea-Doo Switch was designed to appeal to boaters or Jet Ski owners, Mr Jaber said:
“We are expecting a broad range of customers. Some are boaters, some have previously owned a Jet Ski. But the Switch sits in a very unique part of the boat market.
“The pontoon segment is still growing in Australia and we know there is no other craft quite like the Sea-Doo Switch.”
The Sea-Doo executive confirmed not all Sea-Doo watercraft dealers in Australia will stock the Switch “but we will have representation in the major capital cities.”
When asked for sales predictions, the Sea-Doo executive said the company initially has cautious forecasts.
“It really will be up to dealers and customers to determine how many we order,” said Mr Jaber.
“We have craft coming before the end of the year, but we want all dealers who are selling the Switch to have a demonstrator model before we start delivering to customers.”
As previously reported, the Sea-Doo Switch will make its public debut at the 2023 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show on the Gold Coast this weekend.
There are two examples: one on display and another in the water for demonstration rides.
The official price estimate for the Sea-Doo Switch Cruise in Australia is listed at $115,000 including trailer and registration, according to information released by Sea-Doo overnight.
The vessel is shipped with a specially-designed galvanised trailer from the US to suit the tri-hull design of the vessel.
In the US, the Sea-Doo Switch Cruise is listed at $US47,000 when taxes and surcharges are included, which is the equivalent of about $AU70,000 in Australian currency at today’s conversion rates.
When asked about the large price premium compared to the cost of the Sea-Doo Switch in the US, Mr Jaber told Watercraft Zone:
“We have imported the top-of-the-range model and included as standard certain features that are optional in the US. The cost of shipping is also significant.”
While Sea-Doo personal watercraft are covered by a two-year warranty in Australia – except during special promotions when three-year coverage is offered – the Sea-Doo Switch comes with a two-year warranty on most components and a 10-year warranty on the deck and tri-hull.
The Sea-Doo executive said the Switch will embark on a national tour after the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show as more demonstrator models arrive in Australia.
“Once every Switch dealer has (an example to display) then we can start delivering them to customers.”
As previously reported, the large flat floor means the Sea-Doo Switch can comfortably accommodate more passengers than most boats of a similar size.
In the US the Sea-Doo Switch is available in three lengths (13ft, 18ft, and 21ft) and with three engine power outputs (130hp, 170hp, and 230hp).
Occupant capacity on US models ranges from five to 10 passengers – depending on the configuration – however Australian examples of the Sea-Doo Switch have a maximum capacity of 8 persons including the driver.
Despite being powered by a jet pump and operated via forward and reverse triggers mounted on a handlebar (just like a Jet Ski) Watercraft Zone understands the Sea-Doo Switch is approved for use on Sydney Harbour, where Jet Skis have been banned since October 2001.
The use of Jet Ski power delivers a level of low-speed manoeuvrability never before seen in the pontoon category.
Although the Sea-Doo Switch is primarily designed to operate in flat water such as rivers and lakes, the tri-hull design means it can also handle mild chop.
Below is the complete list of details released by Sea-Doo Australia overnight ahead of the 2023 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show on the Gold Coast.
2023 Sea-Doo Switch Cruise Highlights:
- Maximum capacity: 8 persons
- Tri-hull design
- Flat deck (configurable seating, storage, tables and cooler boxes)
- Maximum load capacity: 675kg
- Dry weight: 1156kg
- Fuel capacity: 110 litres
- Standard storage capacity: 910 litres (including under floor)
- Vessel length: 6.2 metres
- Vessel width: 2.4 metres
- Vessel height: 2.1 metres
- Draft: 510mm in maximum load condition
- Supercharged 1630cc three-cylinder Rotax engine (230hp)
- Top speed: 70km/h
- 4.5-inch digital instrument display
- Steering controls: Accelerator and reverse triggers on handlebar
- Debris-removal tech
- Premium audio
- Glovebox with USB power outlet
- Bimini top
- Wind deflector
- Clear side-view panels
- Rear swim platform
- Retractable boarding ladder
- LED navigation lights
- LED courtesy lights
- Four integrated cleats/dock-tie points
- Trailer length: 6.52 metres
- Trailer width: 2.3 metres
- Trailer weight: 336kg
- Trailer type: Galvanised, with brakes
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