Boating safety authorities in Queensland have been given a boost to their fleet of Jet Skis with the rollout of a number of Sea-Doo GTX 300 Limited and Sea-Doo Fish Pro models.
The Sea-Doo watercraft will patrol the vast Queensland coastline from the Gold Coast to Cairns, and be deployed in special operations in inland waterways.
A representative for Maritime Safety Queensland told Watercraft Zone the authority now has a fleet of eight personal watercraft which will be used to crack down on Jet Ski hoons and enforce general boating safety.
The eight Maritime Safety Queensland personal watercraft – distinguished by purple chequers, as well as blue and purple flashing lights – are in addition to more than half a dozen Jet Skis operated by Queensland Police and Queensland Fisheries.
The brand-new 2023 Sea-Doo GTX 300 Limited on display at this year’s Sanctuary Cove Boat Show – and was yet to hit the water – was also equipped with navigation lights for night riding.
Unlike most Australian jurisdictions, Queensland permits the use of Jet Skis and personal watercraft at night providing they are equipped with the correct navigation lights.
A representative for Maritime Safety Queensland told Watercraft Zone each Sea-Doo typically clocks up about 300 hours in 12 months, at which point they are changed over for new models.
When asked about the preference for Sea-Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner or Kawasaki Jet Ski models, a representative for Maritime Safety Queensland told Watercraft Zone officers prefer the design of Sea-Doo’s easy-access front storage compartment, which is especially handy “when we need to write tickets or hand out education material on the water.”
Although Maritime Safety Queensland is understood to receive a government fleet discount, the 2023 Sea-Doo GTX 300 Limited has a recommended retail price of $31,854 (excluding trailer and registration) in Australia.
The 2023 Sea-Doo GTX 300 Limited is powered by a 300-horsepower supercharged 1630cc three-cylinder engine.
The 2023 Sea-Doo Fish Pro Sport is powered by a 170-horsepower non-supercharged 1630cc three-cylinder engine.
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