Sea-Doo Switch pontoon boat tipped for a May debut in Australia
Sea-Doo’s supersized jet ski is rumoured to be preparing for a launch on the Australian marketSea-Doo is believed to be deep in talks with dealers about introducing the innovative Sea-Doo Switch jet-powered pontoon boat to the Australian market.
The revelation, which could see the freshly gonged US Boat of the Year award recipient arrive here in time for the Australian show circuit, comes in the wake of the boat’s North American sales success, which has even taken its maker by surprise.
The Sea-Doo Switch was revealed in August 2021 as a new product to sit alongside Sea-Doo’s growing range of personal watercraft. At the time, it was not known if the new model would be introduced to the Australian market.
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Importantly, the Sea-Doo Switch range has a legally towable beam, meaning Australian owners can hook up and take the pontoon boat anywhere they go.
The Switch uses an impeller-based Rotax jet ski engine to push itself along the water, with the skipper using a handlebar rather than a wheel to steer it. Uniquely, the Sea-Doo Switch can tap into the brand’s technology that allows the engine to act as a brake, and even as a reverse gear.
One boat, many functions
The Sea-Doo Switch platform is designed to be modular, meaning owners will be able to easily modify the pontoon’s deck for whatever activity they intend to use it for, from fishing to entertaining, and even overnight trips. The only module they are unable to change is the helm.
The pontoon boat will also use the same Linq quick-attach system as the PWC range, meaning that Switch owners will be able to lock in accessories ranging from iceboxes to storage bags and even extra fuel if they’re on a long river cruise.
Underneath the Sea-Doo Switch sits on a tri-toon configuration that helps with stability at rest, as well as giving the boat good handling at speed.
Upgrade options
The US market versions of the Sea-Doo Switch have two upgrade packages – Cruise, featuring lounge chairs and a swim platform, and Sport, which is geared towards tow and wake sports – and feature performance ranging from 100hp to 230hp.
The Sea-Doo Switch is available in lengths ranging from 4.0 to 6.4 metres, with passenger capacities ranging from five to nine people.
If it comes to Australia, industry insiders hint that Sea-Doo initially will aim for the more premium end of the Switch range, which hints at the 6.4-metre (21-foot) version arriving first, and locking in a possible 2023 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show debut.
It’s also early days to be talking pricing, but one source told boatsales.com.au that dealers were talking about a sticker of less than $100,000 for a Switch sitting on a trailer and ready to hit the water.
The 2023 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, where the Sea-Doo Switch is expected to make its Australian debut, runs from May 25-28.
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