Spotlight: Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170

The introduction of the new Explorer Pro model means that Sea-Doo is the only PWC maker on the market to offer both a dedicated fishing platform (the three-model Sea-Doo FishPro range) and a ski that can handle big near-shore trips right out of the showroom.

It comes at a bit of a cost, though, with the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 priced from $28,054 before delivery fees and a trailer are added to the bottom line.

Related content:

What do you get for your money? For starters, the new Explorer is different to any other ski in the Sea-Doo range.

The Explorer Pro 170 is built on Sea-Doo’s proven ST3 fibreglass hull that’s designed with a deep vee forward to improve rough-water stability and handling. 

Above it, the extended deck is designed for easy boarding, with plenty of space to move about when stopped.

You’ll be able to spot the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 out on the water because of the low windscreen that makes it the only Sea-Doo model to feature one. As well as minimising the impact of waves and spray, the windscreen deflects air around the rider, important when managing fatigue.

The Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 features a unique front bumper that’s more durable, allowing the rider to nose into places where more pedestrian jet skis will feel uncomfortable. The nacelle also has a low rail built around it, making for a good place to lash a mooring line or carry extra cargo.

Behind the seats, the adventure ski features an extended aft platform that adds almost 30cm of more flat space. This helps with boarding and provides room for extra storage space, but importantly also provides extra flotation when carrying loads.

The adventure ski is also fitted with Sea-Doo’s Linq quick-attach system, with one of the most likely accessories that will appeal directly to adventurers being a 100-litre waterproof storage bag. The bag can also be used as a backpack, making it handy to move from the water to land for overnight sojourns.

You can have almost 200 litres of storage space on the ski depending on how it is optioned.

On the water, rider comfort is customisable via a handlebar with an adjustable riser so that it can be set at the right height – low for cruising, or high for standing up while scanning the shore for the right bit of beach to land on, or the horizon.

Also helping with rider comfort is a thicker seat that can accommodate up to three people. It also sits the skipper up higher, giving a more comfortable ride position that’s more suited to extended times in the saddle.

A set of knee pads helps with rider comfort in rough conditions or when eating up the miles.

Powering the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 is the 1.6-litre, 170hp Rotax 1630 ACE four-cylinder engine. This is the most powerful of the normally aspirated Rotax engines, providing a good range of torque while minimising fuel use at cruising speeds.

The rider can select from three engine modes, including Sport, Eco and Slow.

The engine uses a closed cooling system, meaning seawater does not mix with any part of the engine’s internals.

The drive system is equipped with Sea-Doo’s “iDF” Intelligent Debris Free Pump System that will automatically clear the water jet system’s intake – important if you’re in a bay with lots of weed or idling out of a shallow sandy inlet. It also has Sea-Doo’s “iBR” Intelligent Brake and Reverse system to help with maneuverability in tight places.

The Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 is equipped with a 70-litre tank, with the option to extend the range using clip-on fuel tanks.

The ski uses either a 7.6-inch multifunction screen to show the rider the running status or, if an audio system is added, a 7.8-inch screen.

However, to add a fuel use gauge, you’ll need to add the audio system. Other options include Bluetooth, trim tabs, and a more advanced trip computer.

The Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 is covered by a one-year limited warranty.