Sea-Doo dealers in Australia say they have been overwhelmed by customer demand for the 2022 Sea-Doo Switch, a revolutionary jet-powered tri-hull pontoon series that is new to the brand and to the pontoon segment.
The 2022 Sea-Doo Switch series is a range of jet-powered tri-hull pontoons available in three lengths and endless deck configurations thanks to its Lego-inspired click-in and click-out seating layout.
There are 13-foot, 18-foot and 21-foot models, all of which are 2.4 metres wide, making them road legal to tow on a trailer in Australia (where maximum trailer width allowed is 2.5 metres).
Each model is designed to carry five, seven, or nine passengers respectively. Seating that clicks in and out provides flexibility to use all or some of the available seats on each trip.
Power options include 100 horsepower, 130 horsepower or 170 horsepower non-supercharged 1630cc three cylinder engines borrowed from the Sea-Doo watercraft range, depending on the model.
Larger variants are available with the option of the supercharged 230 horsepower version of the 1630cc engine.
While the largest fuel bladder on a Sea-Doo personal watercraft is 70 litres, the Sea-Doo Switch has 109-litre fuel capacity.
Although the Sea-Doo Switch can be used for tow sports, it is intended to be a calm-water cruiser and party boat.
Prices in the US range from about $US20,000 to $US50,000 in round numbers – about $30,000 to $70,000 with Australian currency and shipping – with state taxes and options pushing the price beyond this scope.
For now, Sea-Doo dealers in Australia have advised the Sea-Doo Switch is exclusive to North America – at least for the first year – as production ramps up amid expected high demand.
Early estimates on Australian pricing peg the Sea-Doo Switch anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000 depending on the model, though this is yet to be confirmed and the range is still on a “wish list” for the Australian market.
Because of its unique tri-hull design, the Sea-Doo Switch is sold with a specially-designed trailer made by Sea-Doo.
Sea-Doo dealers in Australia have already started to receive enquiries about the Sea-Doo Switch, however Watercraft Zone has been told it likely won’t be sold here until 2023 at the earliest.
In addition to the craft’s overall flexibility and functionality – the Switch uses forward and reverse triggers borrowed from Sea-Doo watercraft for easy manouvres. It is the first vessel of its type with such controls.
Although it steers with handlebars rather than a wheel, the Sea-Doo Switch is classified as a boat.
That means, in Australia at least, the expectation is the Sea-Doo Switch can be used where Jet Skis cannot, including on Sydney Harbour.
For now, the Sea-Doo Switch is exclusive to the North American market.
But judging by the interest so far, it could join the Sea-Doo range in Australia in the next year or so.
Sea-Doo dealers contacted by Watercraft Zone said they have already started pleading the case with head office, to introduce the Switch in Australia as soon as production allows.
MORE: 2022 Sea-Doo RXP-X300, RXT-X300 get triple back treatment, price rises
MORE: Three Sea-Doo Fish Pro models for 2022
MORE: All our Sea-Doo coverage in one click
MORE: All our news coverage in one click
MORE: Follow us on Facebook so you don’t miss any future updates
Above: US prices and models shown, before state taxes, options, and registration. Not available in Australia as this article was published (August 2021).