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Few brands dominate their market like Sea-Doo. The brand commands a 67% market share worldwide and has become synonymous with personal water craft (PWC), like Band-Aid to adhesive bandages or Coke to cola. And Sea-Doo’s domination makes sense. The brand has separated itself with the best-priced, most innovative, and — crucially — most fun PWCs on the water.
If you’re planning some DJ Khaled-style fun this summer with your own Sea-Doo, there’s one (slight) roadblock: the size of the brand’s lineup. The brand offers more than 17 models, each with a distinct character and specialized technology, making it tricky to decide which one is right for you.
To make things easier, one of our editors spent a few days testing some of Sea-Doo’s best-selling models in ideal conditions in Key Largo, Florida, and reviewed them below to help you have the most fun on the water this summer.
How We Reviewed the Sea-Doo Lineup
To best understand the Sea-Doo lineup, I spent three days living my best “Sea-Doo life.” This meant a group of friends posted up at a beach house in Key Largo, Florida, where we could launch Sea-Doos all day. With plenty of open water, mangroves, and bays to explore, we were able to fully experience the Sea-Doo lineup.
One of the first things you’ll notice after riding multiple Sea-Doo models is how different each one feels. From power output to hull shape to special features, there’s a lot that differs between Sea-Doo models, and you’ll immediately notice all those small changes (no matter your experience level with PWCs). Here are three of the most important things to keep in mind while shopping, in my opinion.
When choosing your own Sea-Doo, first decide how you plan on using it. Whether it’s distance cruising, tricks, fishing, or a little bit of everything, there’s a Sea-Doo that’s dialed in for that use case. Here are some of the ways they differ:
Power: Sea-Doo’s Rotax engines range from 90 horsepower (on the Spark) to a ludicrous 325 horsepower (on the GTX Limited, the world’s most powerful production PWC). All of them feel very capable, but if you plan on having younger people driving, it’s probably best to go for a lower-horsepower model. If you’re like me, the more horses the better.
Hull shape: A PWC’s hull shape dictates stability and handling. Cruise-friendly models like the GTX feature deeper V-shaped hulls that glide smoothly through choppy waters. that glides through chop and feels exceptionally stable. More playful models, like the Trixx, have flatter hulls that you can throw around. Generally, if you know you’ll be riding in choppy or rougher water, go with a deeper V hull. For calmer waters where you can practice tricks, go with a shallower hull.
Seating: Most Sea-Doos fit up to three riders, but some smaller models (like the Spark and Spark Trixx) have options for fewer seats to keep weight down. Most people should get the optional seats, especially if you plan on tubing or towing others, which requires a three-seater..
Features: The next thing you’ll want to consider is features. Sea-Doo offers many of them, including built-in audio systems, ski pylons, wake systems, adjustable handlebars, and much more. Some of these can also be added after purchasing if you choose.
Sea-Doo Models, Reviewed
Here’s my review of the four best-selling Sea-Doo models after days of testing in the Keys.
Tyler Fischer/Sea-Doo
Sea-Doo Spark
$6,999+
Buy Now
➤ Budget-friendly
➤ Tow with most cars
➤ 90 HP
Sea-Doo’s entry-level offering is the Spark, a budget-friendly PWC designed with fun and versatility in mind. It starts at just $6,999 and can be towed behind most cars. It’s equipped with a 90 horsepower Rotax engine, which I found to be plenty exhilarating thanks to its lightweight build. I also loved the central storage console (especially the watertight phone compartment), and I highly recommend the BRP audio system. It’s a detachable, floating Bluetooth speaker that bumps — whether you’re on the water or partying between rides.
Tyler Fischer/Sea-Doo
Sea-Doo Spark Trixx
$9,199+
Buy Now
➤ Designed for stunts
➤ Variable Trim System
➤ Adjustable handlebars
My friends and I were big fans of hitting some stunts on the Sea-Doos, so the Spark Trixx was a hit among the group. It features an extended Variable Trim System (VTS) that lets you raise the nose for wheelies or dig it into the water to throw the tail around. The Trixx also has adjustable rise handlebars and footwell wedges to stay secure while standing tall. It comes as a one- or three-seater, but I recommend the one-seater for maximum maneuverability.
Tyler Fischer/Sea-Doo
Sea-Doo GTI & GTI SE
$11,699+
Buy GTI
$12,499+
Buy GTI SE
➤ For all-around use
➤ 130 or 170 HP (SE only)
For a little bit of everything, the GTI or GTI SE is the way to go. The slightly deeper hull, extra comfy seat, and ample power combined for my favorite Sea-Doo experience, allowing long, fast cruising or some throwing around right off the dock. The GTI comes with a hefty 130 horsepower, but the SE version also offers an upgraded 170 horsepower engine. The SE also includes VTS, which is helpful for variable water conditions, switching between cruising and play, and towing people.
Tyler Fischer/Sea-Doo
Sea-Doo GTX
Buy Now
➤ Premium fun
➤ Spacious & Stable
➤ 170, 230, or 300 HP
If you’re looking for the most plush, stable-riding PWC, the Sea-Doo GTX is the one to get. The spacious beast features a large swim platform, plenty of storage for multiple riders, and standard VTS for navigating any conditions. It’s also hugely powerful, with 170, 230, or 300 (!!) horsepower engines available. That 300-horsepower option can blast you from zero to 60 miles per hour in around four seconds and reaches around 70 after that.
