2018 Sea-Doo watercraft with ingenious storage

Exclusive to the 2018 models with the new wider and super-stable ST3 hull (our review), the beautifully accessible watertight storage is now at your fingertips... not only when you hit the beach, but mid-stream, drifting, or even idling along.

As watercraft riders will attest, accessing your craft’s front storage traditionally requires some serious contorting as the bonnet catches are ahead of the handlebars. You typically need to stand and lean forward to reach back in. The craft can teeter and...splash!

We’ve seen storage under seats, which is no easier to access, and small glove boxes for personal effects. But what Sea-Doo has for 2018 is an industry-exclusive design that makes storage sexier than a naked Tupperware party.

ONE-PIECE HOOD
The key is the one-piece steering and bonnet assembly that includes the handlebars, dash and gauges, plus the revision mirror. Depress the bonnet clips under the handlebars and the whole unit with steering lifts on a hydraulic gas strut. Voila! Direct access into the deep bin and your stash inside.

A dedicated premoulded storage spot for the fire extinguisher and separate first-aid safety kit are built into the underside of the moulded hood. If there's a fire and it were me I'd be diving for the City of Atlantis.

There is also an optional organiser to make your storage bin even tidier. We hear the folk at Howard Storage World are green with envy.

But this sexy new forward storage bin is so accessible that you find yourself just lifting the lid and reaching in for things all the time. For us, the camera was the usual motive. But it could just as easily be a jumper, a towel, a lunch box, a telescopic fishing rod and tackle box, a mask and snorkel, a tent, a blow-up unicorn, a bow and arrow, a stainless steel Winchester. You get my drift.

When you lift the hood, the hold remains neat and tidy thanks also to a flexible steering loom. As the loom is connected, you can still steer.

If you find yourself idling slowly along as you access the hold you can make course corrections and brake with the handlebars tilted forward. You almost feel a bit like Fonzie on a chopper.

Of course, lid down and hood clipped, the bin is fully watertight. The spring-loaded catches, a rubber gasket and integrated lip keep it this way even if you punch through the surf. The bin also drains to the bilge should you somehow take on water. Or ice. Did someone say drinks? Read on.

PHONE BOX, EXTRA STORAGE POUCH
On the ST3 2018 models, there is also a new watertight phone box for Sea-Doo's revolutionary Bluetooth audio system (review) that comes standard on the GXL models and is optional on others.

The phone box is shockproof — we couldn't scare it — with a clear lid and a USB port (standard on the Limited models). We also like the fact there’s enough room with the lid open to operate your phone in a closed environment and, thus, reduce the risk of fumbling it overboard. Should that Tinder date call, no worries, your safe.

But wait, there's more. As a young Vanderbilt once said after inheriting Aunt Betsy's country estate, you can never have too much storage. Sea-Doo subscribes to this theory.

If you want more storage aboard, get this. Sea-Doo has an optional additional black clip-in storage pouch that can be added to the transom via its LinQ snap-in accessory system (full story).  The aft pack is stackable atop the optional 15lt fuel caddy. There is also a 16lt icebox that you can stick on the transom in place of the fuel and pouch. It's hard to argue with cold drinks. Trust us. We tried. They won.

Together, the new front opening storage bin, waterproof Bluetooth phone box, and rear storage pouch or icebox combine to boost and bolster storage on your Sea-Doo to more than 123lt in total. That's truly 123lt of usable space. On a three seater with the new wide hull, that's a lot more watercraft for your buck. We're stroked and so is our 'ski'.

The storage got stirred our imagination and piqued our interest. We'd pack fishing tackle, dive equipment, and beach stuff some days. But I'm also thinking some high-end hiking gear — a compact tent, sleeping bag, a little stove and dehydrated moon food.

I'm thinking a great big personal adventures on my 2018 Sea-Doo thanks to all the storage and the stuff I'm bringing along. Oh, and as these are three-seaters, I better tell my squeeze and the kid crew.

Further Reading:
>> Sea-Doo LinQ snap-in accessory system (our story)
>> New Sea-Doo ST3 hull (reviewed)

>> Sea-Doo’s Bluetooth audio system