Sea-Doo says the current generation ST3 platform – the codename given to the hull and top-deck design that forms the basis of most models in its line-up – is not about to be replaced anytime soon.
A new generation of the Sea-Doo ST3 platform – or a successor to it – was expected to be unveiled some time in 2026 as a 2027 model because Sea-Doo historically has had nine-year product cycles.
The current generation of the ST3 hull and top deck was unveiled in 2017 as a 2018 model year.
However, the global product strategy manager of Sea-Doo, Christian Comtois, says the current generation ST3 hull and top deck still have plenty of life left, and hinted there may even be some subtle upgrades in the coming years.
Sea-Doo recently updated six of its ST3-based models for 2026 with the new 10.25-inch touchscreen for the digital instrument cluster, the largest in the Jet Ski market to date.
- Sea-Doo GTX Limited 325
- Sea-Doo RXT-X 325
- Sea-Doo FIsh Pro Trophy 170
- Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170
- Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 230
- Sea-Doo Wake Pro 230
Sea-Doo also upgraded a number of those models with the adjustable steering damper set-up that originally debuted on the company’s high-performance range a few years ago.
In addition to the above models, the ST3 platform underpins the popular Sea-Doo Fish Pro Sport 170 and GTX 170, GTX 230 and GTX 300 (the latter sold in the US but not in Australia).
In an interview with Watercraft Zone ahead of a tour of the Sea-Doo factory in Mexico last month, we asked Mr Comtois if he could provide any indication about the timing of an ST3 successor – given the platform is now in its ninth year in production.
“You are correct to say usually (personal watercraft manufacturers) are keeping platforms seven to nine years, depending on the models,” said Mr Comtois.
“But at Sea-Doo we have good success with the current platform. We offer more value than the competition and we are offering more as an overall package with each model versus our competitors.
“And already we are able to cover most of the segments in the industry.
“We haven’t seen the end of the platform yet, so it has some years left in it still.
“There is some more good stuff that will come on the current ST3 platform in the mid term and let’s see where things are going to move after that.”
When asked by Watercraft Zone if Sea-Doo would look to address feedback about “bow hunt” (the tendency of the front end to be pushed around in choppy conditions) on the next generation model, Mr Comtois said:
“It’s definitely something we noted even at the beginning of the launch of the product.
“Many journalists stated that this is not normal behaviour for for a ski.
“The current ST3 hull design comes with lots of great advantages, such as a dryer ride. However, it came with a drawback. We know that now.
“I can guarantee you that it’s definitely a dynamic we will try to fix when we evolve to something else eventually.
“However, it’s worth noting, whenever you develop and design a hull, if you remove something, you add something else. So there is always trade-off.
“You never get the perfect shape. There is always a compromise … and we need to balance different components and variables.
“But when it comes time to review that platform, it’s something we’re going to look at.”
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