Sea-Doo Targets Opposite Ends Of The Spectrum With 2023 Model Release

A limited-edition RXP-X is reserved for the speedsters, while adventure riders get a model with mega-capacity… and a windshield.

Sea-Doo returned to a live dealer event for the first time since 2019 and, though the majority of the lineup is quite familiar, two new offerings take aim at distinctly opposite ends of the market. The RXP-X Apex 300, teased with F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo during the Miami Grand Prix, is a limited-edition performance craft focused on speed and handling. The Explorer Pro 170, meanwhile, focuses on the hardcore distance and adventure rider, with amenities to expand on both comfort and range.

Here’s a first look at all the 2023 offerings.

Sea-Doo RXP-X Apex 300

Those who followed the early season teasers are likely already at least vaguely familiar with the RXP-X Apex 300.

Sea-Doo started with an already potent RXP-X 300, a craft that boasts 300hp via a supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE-300 engine, turns aggressively thanks to a race-inspired hull, and key to controlling all that power and turning ability, makes the rider feel one with the machine via the sculpted ErgoLock-R saddle. The latter allows lower-body-strength to come into play in the turns and features an adjustable backrest that can be moved forward or back to lock the rider in position during even extreme maneuvers. Carbon fiber is now featured on mirrors and hood, while logos are trendily blacked-out. The color scheme also marks a departure. An emerald-like Racing Green accents a predominantly Graphite Gray deck while touches of neon yellow add pop to the mix.

While carbon fiber and cool colors are unique, the big-ticket item is a new hydraulic steering damper, the first of its kind on a production craft. Along with a redesigned carbon-fiber-reinforced steering column, the hydraulic damper’s main purpose is to allow a rider to choose the amount of feedback the hull sends up through the handlebars to increase comfort and reduce rider fatigue. As expected, it promises to produce the most significant results in rough water. Riders can dial in the amount of dampening action via a dial at the base of the handlebars, choosing a soft, hard, or somewhere-in-between response. Also stock on the Apex are the passenger seat extension the RXP-X 300 no longer includes, BRP Audio-Premium and 7.8” display, custom color grips, cover, mats and detailed Navionics navigational charts available for purchase via the BRP GO app.

Note: The RXP-X Apex 300 is truly a limited-edition model. Buyers can obtain one only through pre-orders (with deposit) taken through November 30, 2022.

Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170

As the name implies, the Explorer Pro 170 launches a new segment for the brand — Adventure.

The craft is familiar at its core, a GTX riding on an ST3 hull with a fuel-efficient, non-supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE producing 170hp. Elements are borrowed from the Fish Pro Sport 170, namely the 7-inch Garmin GPS/Fishfinder offset to the right of the driver, a flatter bench seat (though raised an additional inch for extended-riding comfort), footrests added to the gunwales and an extended aft deck. All new is an item I saw on a Discovery River Tours excursion years ago — a windshield. Yes, just like you find on other powersports machines like snowmobiles. It blocks wind and spray, and makes for a more comfortable ride in cooler conditions. It’s also removable for those times you don’t want a windshield in view.

A familiar vertically-adjustable steering neck provides more comfort, particularly for riders in bigger waters who stand more often than sit. There’s also a brightly colored front “bumper” that is in effect more of a wraparound grab bar. Use it to haul a craft onto the beach when exploring terra firma. Adventuresome riders will also appreciate triple the normal amount of LinQ accessory cleats on the almost 1-foot longer aft platform. Load them up with gas caddies and you can double the craft’s stock range. Or, load up the standard LinQ multi-cargo rack with the massive 100-liter LinQ Explore dry bag and pack tent, clothes and food for that overnight camp on the beach.

Other Sea-Doo Models

Expect familiar models across all remaining segments.

In Rec Lite, the Spark 2-up ($7,699) and 3-up ($8,899) return, as do Trixx variations of the same ($8,799 and $9,399 respectively). Recreational models include the GTI 90 ($10,699), GTI SE 130 ($11,499) and GTI SE 170 ($12,099). Touring models include GTX 170 ($15,199), GTX 230 ($16,199), GTX 300 ($17,499) and GTX Limited 300 ($18,800). Performance models include the aforementioned RXP-X Apex 300 ($20,999), RXP-X ($16,499), RXT-X ($18,499) and GTR 230 ($13,299).

In the more niche categories, expect the Fish Pro Scout ($14,299), Fish Pro Sport ($16,499) and Fish Pro Trophy ($19,599) on the fishing side, and Wake 170 ($12,899) and Wake Pro 230 ($17,499) on the watersports front.

And though it’s not exactly a personal watercraft, the SWITCH returns for its sophomore year. The base SWITCH starts at $21,799, SWITCH SPORT at $27,399 and SWITCH CRUISE at $31,399.