5 reasons why we love the new 2018 Sea-Doo watercraft

From a new wider ST3 hull with greater stability, to more accessible storage, from a Bluetooth stereo that plays tracks from your phone in a waterproof glovebox, to a clever LinQ snap-in accessory system offering more fuel, or an icebox, or storage pouch, Sea-Doo has made its seven new 2018 three-seater models the smartest PWCs on the market today. We don't make such statements carelessly.

At rest, the clever new modular seating lets you stage an on-board lunch. Remove the rear seat and you get a giant deck for lounging. Clip the seat back in place, pop up the LinQ clips, and you can attach extra fuel, stack a storage pouch, or add an icebox instead. A ski pole is another option. All of which further advances the practicality and purposefulness of the PWC. From mere toy to lasting joy, you will find more things to do on your Sea-Doo in 2018.

As for performance, yup, it’s hot. With 300hp, 260hp and 155hp engine options, the new ST3 hull is stable and sporty. This we can now report having straddled the saddle from Nevada, 45 miles down the Colorado River, past Arizona, to Topock Gorge in California. Two big days of 2018 Sea-Doo testing in the U.S. with the new product team from Sea-Doo told the story.

So here are the five reasons why we love the new 2018 Sea-Doo watercraft. Each key point has a link to a detailed article that drills down, dissects and analyses the specific feature of note. Pricing is the only thing missing, but a key reason PWCs are hot to trot is affordability.

New ST3 Hull: Wider by an inch, better by a bigger margin, the new ST3 hull lays the foundation for the seven new 2018 Sea-Doos. The super-stable three-seaters have increased appeal for newbies and more purpose for new disciplines. This is also Sea-Doo’s best offshore hull, with a sharp 22-degree bow deadrise identical to the race-bred RXP-X. That makes it highly qualified for dealing with whatever Huey — or the thronging weekend boat traffic — throws at you. Though wider, the ST3 Sea-Doos boasts serious straight-line speed thanks to 39-40kg weight savings. Read all about the new wider ST3 hull (review).

Smart LinQ Accessory System: Borrowed from sister brand Ski-Doo and Can-Am, then fully marinised, the LinQ Accessory System and new modular seating showcase the ingenuity that defines the Sea-Doo brand. You can clip in an 16lt icebox or a 15lt fuel caddy, add a 21lt storage pouch atop that, then remove it all — and the rear seat half — to create most waterfront real estate of any watercraft on the market today. Relocate the aft seat to the transom and you create a face-to-face lunch setting on-board. Optimised for active and passive use, the LinQ accessory system further validates the watercraft’s place on our waterways. There's more than just point and shoot. There’s also a new quick-fit ski pole (standard on the Wake Pro 230). Read our report on the LinQ snap-in accessory system.

Ingenious Storage: Sea-Doo's new one-piece forward hinging bonnet and steering column is ingenious. Depress a couple of quick-release clips, pop the top, and you can reach right into the watertight bin from the driver's seat. No leaning over the handlebars and teetering. The new hood makes access so simple we found ourselves diving in and out of the hold while idling. Together with a new waterproof phone box, and optional aft storage pouch, Sea-Doo’s 2018s have class-leading storage. Pack the fishing tackle, dive equipment, beach gear, a compact tent, sleeping bag, a little stove and some food aboard. Think big adventures and expanded horizons. We did. More in our article on the ingenious Sea-Doo storage.

New Audio System: Sea-Doo has introduced the world’s first Bluetooth sound system for watercraft. The effect? Transformative. Cruising the no-wash zones is no longer a drag, towing riders is more fun for the driver, and you can stage a beach party with your tracks playing for an hour with the engine switched off and the engine-start battery protected. The simple Bluetooth-enabled 100W audio system has fully marinised and water-blaster proof speakers angled back at you from the footwells. The stereo comes standard on the two GXL models and is otherwise optional. Don’t underestimate the power of music. Play on. Tick that box. Our full expose on the new Sea-Doo Bluetooth audio system.

Spirited Performance: All this would count for nix if there wasn’t hot performance to get you out and about, carving the waves, and on your next adventure. The seven new 2018 models pack a punch, but each in their own way. The ST3 hull is 39-40kg lighter and offers 17 per cent better acceleration in the 50-100km/h range on the RXT-X with new racing handlebars. Its hot supercharged 300hp Rotax 1630 ACE power plant — the most powerful engine ever in a Sea-Doo — now has an optimised closed-loop cooling system with a new ride plate and oil cooler. The new ST3 hull also comes with the supercharged 230hp Rotax 1500 HO ACE engine, with scaled-down architecture yet plenty of pop, and the biggest naturally-aspirated engine — the trusty Rotax NA 4-TEC 150S — a super economical workhorse favoured by fishos, tow-in dudes and adventurers. More on the 300hp Rotax 1630 Ace engine and the 230hp Rotax 1500 HO Ace engine in our previous exposes.

VERDICT: With absolutely class-leading stability, improved iBR braking from a new reverse gate, Variable Trim Assist, a new auto launch/trim system on the RXT-X 300, plus more storage and accessories, and your tunes playing through the 100W audio system, the 2018 Sea-Doo line-up is just totally inspiring.

Along with Sea-Doo innovation you  get the latest cool looks. But for us, it's the sum of the parts that matters. Pack a tent, some food and drinks, and explore the skinny upper reaches of a remote river somewhere. Adventure beckons and with a couple of Sea-Doo 2018s you can pack the whole family. There's now a place for everyone aboard.

More on the 2018 Sea-Doo model launch news.

Photo Credit: Additional photos by Zach Scheffer shooting from the camera platform on the Colorado River.