We have finally got our hands on the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 230, the supercharged version of Sea-Doo’s adventure model that sits alongside the hugely popular Sea-Doo Fish Pro range.
It delivers a power boost to Sea-Doo’s adventure ski – giving riders the best of both worlds. Practicality and comfort, combined with a lift in performance.
We reckon the regular, non-supercharged Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 is already one of the unsung heroes of the Sea-Doo line-up, but this 230 horsepower version steps it up a notch.
As we said in our earlier review of the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170, there’s so much more to this model than the massive windshield that gains so much attention.
In this review we go through all the features step by step, whether you’re considering the Explorer Pro 170 or the Explorer Pro 230.
We will also cover off the pros and cons, and go through everything you need to know before you buy.
Plus we have done VBox acceleration and top speed tests to determine just how much of a speed difference there really is.
Sea-Doo Explorer Pro: the story so far
The Sea-Doo Explorer Pro was introduced in late 2022 as a 2023 model.
Following the huge demand for its Fish Pro model series, Sea-Doo began to explore, so to speak, what else it could do with the same platform – and leant even further into the adventure theme by delivering another turn-key solution straight off the showroom floor.
To create the Explorer Pro, Sea-Doo added an extra storage platform to the rear deck to carry even more cargo, included a range of accessories, and fitted a windshield and additional dock tie points on the bow.
The original Explorer Pro launched with a non-supercharged 170 horsepower 1630cc three-cylinder engine.
Just one year later, Sea-Doo introduced the Explorer Pro 230 – with the supercharged, 230 horsepower version of the same engine.
As this review was published, the Explorer Pro 170 was heading into its fourth year in production … and the Explorer Pro 230 was heading into its third year in production.
The formula has been so successful, Sea-Doo hasn’t changed the colour-scheme since day one, staying with the dark grey bodywork with yellow highlights from year-to-year.
As the saying goes, if it aint broke, don’t fix it. Frankly, we like the consistent colour scheme, because it doesn’t date the ski from one year to the next.
Plus, both model variants look the same as each other. The only way to distinguish the Explorer Pro 230 from the 170 is the discreet horsepower label.
For 2026 the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro received some subtle but important upgrades.
Above: The 2026 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 with the new 10.25-inch touchscreen, the largest in the Jet Ski market to date.
The 2026 versions of the Explorer Pro 170 and Explorer Pro 230 come with Sea-Doo’s new 10.25-inch touchscreen – the largest ever fitted to a personal watercraft – and new toggle switches on the handlebars.
It also gets a new, wider and stronger handlebar riser, a scratch-resistant finish on the glovebox lid, and a screw-on cap for the USB charge port in the waterproof phone-holder compartment.
The 10.25-inch touchscreen debuted on the 2025 Sea-Doo GTX Limited 325 flagship ski and is now available on a total of seven Sea-Doo models for 2026.
Above: New handlebar riser on the 2026 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro.
One other important change for 2026 versions of the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro – the touchscreen Garmin navigation unit that was previously standard is now an optional accessory.
This test of the 2025 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 230 – and Explorer Pro 170 – is still relevant to what’s in showrooms today because the technology upgrades changes do not affect the way the craft rides.
Above: The 2026 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro now comes with a steering damper (yellow dial) to make the steering heavier or lighter.
Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 and 230 pricing
In Australia, the 2026 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 costs from $29,399 (ski only, exlcuding trailer and registration) and the 2026 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 230 costs from $30,899 – a premium of $1000.
In the US the 2026 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 costs from $US20,149 (ski only, exlcuding trailer and registration) and the 2026 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 230 costs from $US21,149 – a premium of $1000.
This positions the Explorer Pro between the Fish Pro Sport and Fish Pro Trophy in the Sea-Doo line-up.
It’s worth noting in Australia the price of the Explorer Pro went up by between $400 and $1000 from 2025 to 2026 – and US prices went up by $750 on both models – despite the Garmin navigation unit being deleted for the new model year.
The Sea-Doo website in Australia quotes a price of $2760 for the Garmin navigation touchscreen, plus $593 for the fish-finder and depth finder.
Sea-Doo corporate says it expects Explorer Pro buyers will use maps by pairing their phone to the new 10.25-inch instrument cluster.
Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 and 230 warranty and servicing
Routine servicing for the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 or 230 is recommended every 12 months or 100 hours of operation, whichever comes first.
Unlike motor vehicles, Jet Skis measure their use in engine hours – which is displayed on the instrument cluster, so you can keep track.
We would recommended getting your Sea-Doo – or any other Jet Ski – serviced at least once every year regardless of how few hours it has done, as preventative maintenance.
The standard warranty coverage for Sea-Doo in the US is one year; in Australia the warranty is two years, though Sea-Doo occasionally offers three-year coverage during special promotions, such as when clearing the previous year’s inventory, so be sure to check the Sea-Doo Australia website for the latest offers.
Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 and 230 features and specs
The Explorer Pro is based on Sea-Doo’s popular ST3 platform, which also forms the basis of the GTX 170, Fish Pro Sport, Fish Pro Trophy, RXT-X performance ski and the GTX Limited series.
While this design has been around since late 2017 – when it was introduced as a 2018 model year – it is still as fresh and still as unique as ever, despite heading into its ninth year in production.
Although many Sea-Doo fans are used to it by now, one of the biggest advantages of the ST3 platform is the easy-access front storage compartment (pictured above).
The centre console and handlebars lift up as one after pressing two tabs. Unlike Yamaha and Kawasaki Jet Skis, the Sea-Doo design means the rider does not need to lean over the handlebars to access the front storage compartment.
While the bow storage is smaller in the Sea-Doo compared to its Yamaha FX and Kawasaki Ultra rivals, it is more practical and more user friendly.
Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 and 230 storage capacity
Here’s how the bow storage on the Explorer Pro compares to the current Yamaha FX and Kawasaki Ultra models.
- 2026 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro: 96 litres / 25.3 US gallons
- 2026 Yamaha FX: 130 litres / 34.3 US gallons
- 2026 Kawasaki Ultra: 124 litres / 32.7 US gallons
- Previous generation Kawasaki Ultra 212 litres / 56 US gallons
It’s worth noting the bow storage in the Sea-Doo has a maximum weight capacity of 14kg or about 30 US pounds, enough for a couple of beach towels and some dry clothes.
There are mesh pockets to store water bottles, sun screen and other essentials.
Within the console lid there is a small glove box with a waterproof compartment and a USB charging port. A strip of foam helps stop the phone from bouncing around.
However this storage compartment is small – and larger phones in bulky, waterproof cases can be a bit of a squeeze. Consider a short charging cable so it can fit under the plastic cover.
The Sea-Doo Explorer glovebox is smaller than its rivals.
Here’s how glovebox capacity (pictured above) compares with the equivalent Yamaha and Kawasaki models.
- 2026 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro: 2.9 litres / 0.8 US gallons
- 2026 Yamaha FX: 17 litres / 4.5 US gallons
- 2026 Kawasaki Ultra: 40 litres / 10.6 US gallons
Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 and 230 unique features
Uniquely in the Jet Ski market, the Explorer Pro has height and tilt adjustable handlebars, which means you can find the perfect riding position whether you’re sitting or standing.
The windscreen – also an industry first – is designed to deflect cold air in winter months.
While it does provide some cover from water spray, that is not its primary purpose and you can still get wet, especially in rough conditions.
In summer, it can even get a bit hot behind the windscreen, which is why there is a vent to allow air through when travelling at speed.
The windscreen is designed to easily snap forward if you bump it – avoiding injury.
And it just clicks back into place.
If you were to ride with the windscreen stowed forward, you may want to consider using some tape to prevent it rubbing the bodywork.
The windscreen can be removed completely but you will need tools for that; it’s not something that can be done quickly on the water.
The Explorer Pro has the same scuff guards as the Fish Pro along both sides of the top deck – finished in yellow – to prevent scratches from footwear.
For 2026, Sea-Doo has fitted wider mats with a grippier material.
Prior to 2026, the thin matting in the footwells was slippery when wet – compared to the grippier material used by Yamaha and Kawasaki.
The Explorer Pro has a dock tie rail around the bow, for added convenience, and it can be handy when trying to grab the ski or when loading it back onto the trailer.
While the Explorer Pro rear deck extension has more attachment points than the Fish Pro, plus it comes with an additional, detachable storage platform that fits between the rear deck extension and the rear seat.
This means the Explorer Pro can carry up to five fuel caddies, or mix and match a combination of extra fuel, a cooler box and a dry bag.
The Explorer Pro 170 and 230 come standard with a 100 litre or 26.4 US gallon dry bag. Other accessories are extra-cost options.
Be careful with the Linq accessory attachment points. While they pop in and out quickly and easily, they can snap if you’re rough with them or the load is too heavy.
Consider buying a couple of these plastic cleats to keep as spares. You’ll need tools to remove part of the deck to replace any broken parts, and it’s not something you can do on the water.
Other features worth mentioning, even though they are not unique to the Explorer Pro:
A rear boarding rail is standard, making it easier to climb back aboard after a quick dip in the water.
Sea-Doo’s reverse thrust debris removal system (known as IDF, for intelligent debris free) is standard on this model.
Sea-Doo’s highly regarded sound system – which has plenty of volume and bass – is also standard, as are knee pads on the underside of the centre console.
The new 10.25-inch touchscreen on the 2026 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro brings new functionality to the personal watercraft market.
Riders will be able to monitor the location of their buddies if they are riding Sea-Doo models with the same dash.
And are able to use an embedded version of the Navionics marine navigation app (when activated with a subscription).
Riders can also control music streaming functions by tapping the screen with their fingertips.
The new 10.25-inch touchscreen-equipped models also come with new rubber switches on the handlebars.
The user-friendly tabs can be toggled with your thumbs – without taking your hands off the handlebars or your eyes off the water.
Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 and 230 engines
The Explorer Pro 170 is powered by a 170 horsepower version of the Sea-Doo’s 1630cc, three-cylinder engine.
The Explorer Pro 230 tested here has a supercharged, 230 horsepower version of the same engine.
Previous testing found the non-supercharged 170 horsepower model to be the most fuel-efficient craft in the full-size, three-seat Jet Ski segment.
Based on previous tests by Watercraft Zone, the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 uses about 10 per cent less fuel than the Yamaha FX HO 1.9-litre four-cylinder and about 15 per cent less fuel than the Kawasaki Ultra 1.5-litre four-cylinder.
Given the extra performance of the supercharged engine, it’s not surprising to discover the Explorer Pro 230 is at least 20 per cent thirster than the Explorer Pro 170.
However, the Explorer Pro 230 uses less fuel than the 325 horsepower Sea-Doo models we have tested.
Fuel consumption varies depending on riding conditions and rider behaviour.
If you ride smoothly and efficiently in flat water such as rivers and lakes – and don’t run wide open throttle – you could eke out 100 to 120km (or 60 to 75 miles) on a single tank.
But if you’re aggressive with the throttle, push for top speed, and load heavy cargo on the rear deck, expect to burn through fuel more quickly than these estimates.
The Explorer Pro has a 70 litre or 18.5 US gallon fuel tank in the belly of the craft, but you can easily double this capacity by carrying additional Sea-Doo fuel caddies on the back.
Our advice: if you need to cover long distances, choose the Explorer Pro 170.
But if you prefer performance, the Explorer Pro 230 is the go, especially if you attach a couple of extra fuel caddies as a back up.
Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 and 230: what are they like to ride?
As with other Sea-Doo ST3-based models, the Explorer Pro feels best when the fuel tank is full, as the extra weight up front helps the bow cut through choppy water.
As the fuel load gets lighter, the concave design of the bow has a tendency to get pushed around – and in rough conditions, you often don’t know whether the ski will pivot left or right when the nose comes down.
In flat water such as rivers and lakes – which is more popular in the US – bow-hunt is a non-issue.
Mild wind chop doesn’t upset the front end too much either.
But when the going gets rough, you’ll want to hang onto the handlebars and brace for some unpredictability – and some rough landings.
The tilt and height adjustment of the handlebars is a game-changer, especially for taller riders.
Although it can take a while to feel comfortable to crouch or stand while riding, it’s much easier on your body when the going gets rough.
You may want to consider changing hand-grips to a simpler design than what comes standard.
The pronounced hand grips that come with the Explorer Pro tend to push your thumbs close to the plastic shrouds on the handlebars, and that can lead to blisters – even when wearing gloves.
The alternative is to adopt a wider stance, and make sure your thumbs are away from the plastic shrouds.
Or fit a set of rounder handgrips from the Sea-Doo RXT-X 325 performance ski.
The windscreen deflects some water spray, but that’s not its primary purpose. It works well at minimising wind blast.
It’s so effective at blocking the breeze, it can get hot if you’re sitting down on a summer ride. A small vent allows you to let air flow through.
Riding while sitting down – and with the air flap closed – the windscreen is so effective you can even wear a wide-brim, sun-protection hat at modest speeds without it blowing off.
Riding when standing, the shape of the windscreen diverts air into your face and chest to keep you cool.
The concave shape of the bow is the main reason Sea-Doo ST3 hull is a dryer ride than most other Jet Skis.
As with other ST3-based Sea-Doo models, there is plenty of room in the footwell and the narrow seat design means your legs aren’t chafing against the material.
It’s more comfortable to straddle the narrow seat on the Sea-Doo versus the wider seats on the Yamaha FX and Kawasaki Ultra Jet Skis, especially when crouching or standing.
The wide Sea-Doo footwells provide more foot room than the narrower design of the Yamaha FX.
However, they can fill with water when you come to a quick stop, so you may need to give the throttle a quick blast to empty them, so you have better stability when idling.
When washing the jet ski after your ride, it’s advisable to use a wet vacuum or a water extraction hose to empty the footwells.
The audio system works well and has more volume and bass that the audio systems on Yamaha and Kawasaki models we’ve tested.
Other details worth highlighting: the IDF reverse thrust debris removal system is easier to use than we expected.
Just push the button and follow the instructions on the dash. The whole process takes less than a minute from start to finish.
If possible, make sure you have some room behind the craft because it moves backwards slowly during the process.
Also make sure the craft is at least waist deep in water so you don’t pick up more debris.
Early versions of the debris removal tech were prone to failure and left riders without forward or reverse propulsion. However, Sea-Doo has since made numerous hardware upgrades.
Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 and 230 speed tests
So, how fast is the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 230 versus the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170?
We tested both craft with a full tank of fuel in flat water conditions – taking an average of four runs, two in each direction.
This is intended to balance the effects of headwinds, tailwinds and water current.
Your results may vary based on rider weight, wind direction, air temperature and water conditions.
The ambient temperature during the speed test was 15 degrees Celsius (or 59 degrees fahrenheit); the rider weighed 100kg or 220 pounds.
The VBox timing equipment uses satellite signals to measure speed, and we tested acceleration from 5kmh or 3mph because the slightest movement triggers the device.
As always, we tested the craft with the trim in the neutral position.
Below are the results in kilometres per hour.
Below are the results in miles per hour.
We intentionally have not published the acceleration times to 100kmh (or 62mph) because it varied widely.
It generally took about 10 seconds or more to eventually reach that velocity – and only did so with a tailwind. With a headwind top speed tapped out at about 98kmh or 61mph.
The Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 had a top speed of about 92kmh or 57mph. And hit 80kmh or 50mph in about 6.6 seconds, versus 4.4 seconds for the Explorer Pro 230 to reach the same velocity.
So the Explorer Pro 230 is about 2.2 seconds quicker to 80kmh or 50 mph compared to the Explorer Pro 170.
We also did a second round of tests on the Explorer Pro 230 with the trim up, to satisfy our curiosity.
Launching the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro with the trim all the way up saw it lose 0.2 of a second to 40kmh or 25mph on take off, but it made up for lost ground in the mid-range and hit 90kmh or 56mph about 0.2 seconds quicker than when the trim was in neutral.
Because this hull handles better with the trim in neutral, we recommend leaving it the standard setting.
There is one proviso, however. On long-distance river rides or lakes, you may prefer to run with the trim up to use a little less fuel.
Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 and 230: The verdict
As we said in our earlier review of the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170, the windscreen is not a gimmick. Although it deflects some water spray, it is brilliant at blocking the wind, which means you can beat the chill in cooler conditions.
The unique height and tilt adjustable handlebars make it easy to find a comfortable riding position – sitting or standing.
The rail on the bow provides more options for dock-tie points and is handy to grab onto when manoeuvring the ski on the trailer, or by the water’s edge.
The detachable accessory platform means you can carry more cargo and more fuel to travel further.
The sound system is awesome, and is way better than the audio system offered by Yamaha WaveRunner and Kawasaki Jet Ski.
The easy access front storage area is a triumph of industrial design and that alone is a reason to buy for many customers.
And the extra power from the supercharged engine delivers extra performance without completely blowing your fuel budget.
Downsides? There aren’t many. We are disappointed Sea-Doo has deleted the Garmin touchscreen navigation unit and made it an option for 2026.
We wish the bow didn’t bounce around as much in rough water, although rivers and lakes are fine.
On balance, we love this ski, and would add it to our list of favourites in the Sea-Doo line-up.
The Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 230 comes loaded with features, is practical and comfortable, and the supercharged engine delivers enough of a power boost to keep performance enthusiasts happy – while not being too much of a handful for novice riders.
Choosing between the 170 and 230 models really is a decision between fuel economy and long distance riding range.
The Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 is no slouch and will extend your fuel range by at least 20 per cent versus the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 230. It is genuinely one of our favourite skis on the market today.
But if you want to get to your destination quicker – and with a more responsive engine – the Explorer Pro 230 is also a great choice.
Footnote: Thanks to Sea-Doo Australia who loaned us this ski over two days in late 2025. As with all our coverage, this test is not sponsored content, and that means we can be honest in our review.
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