Acceleration, maneuverability and top speed have always been the top hash marks on the measuring gauge of a great boat, but Sea-Doo put its thumbprint on our ruler and added another one: fuel economy.
No question, every stop on the 230 SP’s rpm gauge gives back a reward in miles per hour. And the stopwatch showed our tester’s acceleration to plane and time to 30 mph was so quick that it was hard to click the stopwatch in time for accurate measurements. But Sea-Doo stepped up with another trick this year to get heads turning. It added what it calls intelligent throttle control (iTC) — we call it genius. Touch the LCD dash panel to choose the eco setting, and the onboard computer immediately finds and maintains its most fuel-efficient running speed for whatever load it’s carrying. For skiers, a touch selects the ideal acceleration rate and top speed for several individual skiers. No longer does it take a seasoned throttle man to apply gas at just the right rate to give the hole shot perfect for any rider. Sea-Doo says it’s there to end the argument between skier and tow captain. We think it succeeds in that nicely.
Sea-Doo’s throttle mechanism and performance capabilities are wrapped in a stylish hull package. We sat securely in the bucket cockpit seats during even the highest-speed hairpin turns and lolled on the swim platform at anchor.
Our tester boasted a forward raked wakeboard tower coveted on the water, but to keep it from being damaged in storage, the tower folds away easily so the 230 can be slipped in the garage. Intelligent design now means more than just great performance and comfort; Sea-Doo is making it about economical fun too.
Extra Points
Handy storage well fits under the swim platform thanks to the low-profile Rotax engines.
Racy graphics accentuate competitive style.
Jensen stereo system booms through six speakers, and includes MP3 and USB ports.
Captain and passenger bucket seats feature flip-up bolsters.
Test Drive
» Test Engine: Twin 215 HP 1.5L Super-Charged ROTAX
» Test Load: People (400 LB.); Fuel (45 GAL.)
» Top Speed: 54.8 MPH @ 8,000 RPM
» Time to Plane: 2.5 sec.
» Time to 30 MPH: 5 sec.
Vital Stats
» Length Overall: 23’6″
» Beam: 8’9″
» Dry Weight: 3,500 LB.
» Seating/Weight Capacity: 12/2,383 LB.
» Fuel Capacity: 53 GAL.
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» Max HP:** 620
» MSRP: See Local Dealer
» NMMA Certified
Sea-Doo – Valcourt, Quebec; 888-272–9222; sea-doo.com
