By Eric Vienneau
Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) introduced a line of pontoons called the Sea-Doo Switch on August 12th. The company says it is a pontoon with the feel of a personal watercraft.
We were given the opportunity to join BRP in Montebello, Quebec at the beautiful Fairmont Le Château Montebello to test out all models of the new Switch.
“It’s a dynamic pontoon with the heart of a Sea-Doo, and its quick-change deck design can be completely reconfigured to fit a solo fishing trip in the morning, a family picnic at noon and a wakeboard session in the evening,” Annick Lauzon, global marketing director said.
Check out our video on the Sea-Doo Switch Pontoon line-up
The Switch
The Switch comes in lengths from 18-19 feet, fits 5-9 passengers, and has a HP from 100-170.
Some of the most impressive features are very simple. Whether you are sitting in one of the moveable chairs, or lounging on the sun-pad, you will always feel like you are apart of the action because of the clear paneling around the whole boat. This added a heightened level of action and movement for the eye that you miss out on with other pontoons.
Another great feature is the full-configurable seating. LinQ attachments are all over the deck, making it possible for you to design the layout of the boat the way you want it. Not only does the seating benefit from LinQ, there are more attachments for a cooler, and most conveniently, for the fenders.
There is even more storage under the seats and the deck. For such a compact pontoon, I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of room in the storage compartments.
All-models have the unique handlebar helm which makes it feel like you’re riding a personal watercraft. Everything you need is at your finger tips in a compact gauge on the handlebar, and in arms reach is access to the JL Audio system, and the Garmin 7 inch touchscreen display.
The Sport
The Switch Sport model is designed specifically for water sports. It is readily equipped for watersports with ski mode, inflatable holder and a convenient rearview mirror.
As mentioned before the sun pad is unique to the Sport model with five inch sun pads attached to the deck for a nice seating option.
With a tri-hull design that provides stability and agility, giving it the feel of a Sea-Doo. It features the acclaimed Sea-Doo iBR (Intelligent Brake & Reverse) making it the first pontoon boat with brakes. This makes docking much easier and intuitive.
The Sport model comes in lengths of 13-21 feet and HP from 170-230.
The Cruise
The Switch Cruise model is perfect for family and friends to come along on your water adventures.
This model focuses on comfort with the same configurable possibilities with the seating, and an option for a longer cover. All models come with a Switch Bimini which is easy to fold when trailering.
The Cruise model comes in lengths from 18-21 feet and has HP from 100-230.
Our Team’s Impressions
Todd Taylor, Norm Rosen, and Eric Vienneau had the pleasure of attending the Sea-Doo Switch launch and test out this innovative new product.
“The Switch incorporates a new deck concept, designed to let boaters configure the seating to suit their needs. The seats latch with a very clever single-lever system, and they are lightweight yet very strong. Each seat incorporates storage under the cushion, so you can safely stow your gear.
Several under-floor storage compartments provide easy access to equipment, and you can transform the deck into a comfortable sun lounge by adding cushion tiles, a seat back, and an arm rest. The design is a stroke of genius.”
Eric Vienneau, Power Boating Canada Magazine
“With the BRP Rotax powerplants providing jet propulsion, and the unique tri-hull design with the outer molded pontoons and the central V-bottom hull, the three Switch boats combine the stability and versatility of a pontoon boat with the agility and performance of a Sea-Doo jet boat… using the familiar Sea-Doo handlebars with the integrated braking system and the throttle controls makes driving the Switch a very instinctive activity.
The acceleration is impressive with each of the models powered by the appropriate Rotax engine, and handling is excellent – the ride is exhilarating, the comfort and convenience is very impressive – all in all, a very different and very pleasurable boat from every perspective.”
Todd Taylor, Les Plaisanciers Magazine.
Over the past 50 years as publishers of Canada’s leading magazines for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, we have had the pleasure of enjoying a wide range of Bombardier products – from Ski-Doo, Can-Am, and Sea-Doo, and the new Switch boats incorporate the engineering innovations, creative design concepts, and class-leading quality control that we have come to expect from BRP.
Every aspect of the new Switch pontoon line is unique – from bow to stern, and from the tri-hull to the bimini top, every component is specifically designed and crafted by BRP – there are no “off-the-shelf” components –
and every aspect of your boating excursion has been addressed – from the convenience of bumpers that clip to the rails, see-through side panels so you can enjoy the view and dock with ease, and a proprietary bimini frame that operates easily and withstands the wind as you cruise at 35 – 45 mph, this new pontoon line is another revolutionary product introduction from BRP – unique, ingenious, and affordable all in one package – the boat, the motor, and the trailer – this will certainly appeal to many new boating enthusiast families.
Norm Rosen, Taylor Publishing Group.
Overall, the Sea-Doo Switch is amazing for first-time boaters. The handlebar steering is extremely easy, the brake system makes docking easy, and the Switch is very affordable. Each model includes a trailer and further options.
“Over the years, we have proven that BRP is able to disrupt the industry by creating new segments. Our team has done it once again with the Sea-Doo Switch, which will revolutionize the pontoon market. Switch is uniquely positioned to attract new entrants and a younger generation,” mentioned José Boisjoli, BRP’s President and CEO.
Here is the approximate base price for each model:
The Switch: $22,499 CA
The Sport: $29,999 CA
The Cruise: $33,599 CA
Watch our PowerBoating walk-through video – click on the photo above or the link below…
For more information: 2022 Sea-Doo Pontoon Models – New Pontoon Boats for Fun & Sport
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