Sea Doo Speedster

Canadian watercraft manufacturer Bombardier entered the jet boat market in 1993 with a Sea.Doo-branded range targeting the performance-orientated boat owner.

The maker says it has now captured more than 50% of the jet boat market worldwide.

Sea.Doo's 1998 range encompasses five jet boat models, from the 14ft entry-level twin-cylinder Explorer and single-cylinder Sportster models to the 16ft Speedster (pictured). It's topped by the Sportster and Challenger 1800s.

Indicative of its commitment to the Australian jet boat market, the entire range is available Down Under- the largest from any jet boat manufacturer.

Paul Johnson, from Australian distributor Heytrack says: "Jet boats are visually stimulating and convey a sense of fun and excitement that traditional boats lack.

"A lot of PWC owners move up to a jet boat to accommodate a family. The advantages for this market is the performance and handling characteristics of a PWC, but with the capacity and stability of a traditional boat."

Leading the jet boat line-up in 1998 is the performance-orientated Speedster. One of Sea.Doo's best-selling models in Australia this year (along with the twin engine 170hp Challenger), the '98 model has more horsepower and a larger 17ft platform.

The full-vee multi-chine hull is powered by two of Sea.Doo's proven two-stroke twin-cylinder 110hp 800 Series Rotax marine powerplants.

Two Bombardier Formula axial flow water jet pumps with bronze-alloy stator vanes and trimming nozzles provide propulsion, and stainless steel impellers provide corrosion resistance in saltwater environments, the maker says.

Full instrumentation is standard, including two tachometers, speedometer and an analog/fuel gauge - all backlit.

Sea.Doo's Digitally Encoded Security System (DESS) is standard, along with an automatic bilge pump, navigation lights, two courtesy lights, a 12 volt jack and a horn.

The Speedster accommodates four adults in forward-facing bucket seats, with an additional rear-facing observer's seat for a fifth passenger. Stowage is provided in lockable driver and passenger consoles, along with trunk and ski storage. There's also a built-in icebox. Dual windscreens provide driver and passenger protection.

For towing, a ski tow hook is standard, along with a retractable ski pylon. Boarding is aided by a standard ladder and full width boarding platform.