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[Kevin Leclair]

Sea-Doo Updates a Popular Model
Tested by Capt. Tom Shackleford

In the rich history of Sea-Doo watercraft no model has made a bigger splash than the release of the Speedster in 1994. For the first time passengers sat in bucket seats instead of straddling a motorcycle-like bench configuration.

Now, ten years later, the Speedster has been reintroduced in a 20 foot version. Plainly put, if you are looking to combine the performance and excitement of a PWC with the comfort of a powerboat, Sea-Doo’s Speedster 200 is the way to go.

Not alll water-jet propulsion vessels are one trick ponies, the Speedster 200 is actually very versatile: bow seating forward; bench seating and sun pad aft and collapsible ski/tow pedestal. You are as likely to go putt-putting for a sunset cruise as you are to shred a lap or two on a wakeboard.

Layout
At the front of the boat a large storage compartment is concealed below a “V” shaped hatch that is supported not by one but by two hydraulic struts. Here can be stored ground tackle, fenders and personal flotation devices. There are 46 cubic feet of storage on board in total. Two out of the six stainless steel cleats are mounted to the bow gunwale. The other four are divided between the mid ships (2) and aft (2).

Bow seating is contoured to the craft’s hull lines. It is padded for the back and bottom cushions. Below the bottom cushions (that snap into place) is additional storage.

Because of the Speedster’s performance rigid, padded handrails are mounted here. Two cup holders keep the liquid refreshments nearby.

A deck lamp near the sole offers safety lighting while underway at night.

Adding to the sleek lines of the 200 are two separate windshields, one each for both the operator and front passenger.

While the windshields have the appearance of motorcycle farings, they are multi-functional. At the top of each is a wind deflector shield that so easily snaps up and into place. These deflectors are probably the difference between a cap staying in place and doing a double back flip over the stern and into the water.

Underneath the operator’s windshield is a sizable styrofoam cooler that can be removed for access to the 12-volt battery and dash electronics among other systems. Lift the passenger’s side faring and a small storage for sundry items is molded into the dash. Also located here is the JVC AM/FM/CD receiver/ stereo. Four speakers adequately deliver your favorite tunes throughout the boat. Additionally, the passenger dash has a deep glove box for other small items.

At the Console
Instrumentation is concise with two tachometers flanking the speedometer. The engines systems are monitored via a multi-functional gauge. There is a fuel gauge and a blank instrument dial that can be used to install a depth sounder.

The dash also houses panel rocker switches for the blower; bilge; running lights; deck lights and horns.

Possibly the best feature on the dash (if not the entire boat) is the ignition system. At the bottom left of the instrumentation is located two red rubber push buttons. With the Digitally Encoded Security System (D.E.S.S.) safety lanyard kill switch in place, the buttons are dual-purpose start and stop switches.

If that feature isn’t slick enough, the D.E.S.S. lanyard can be programmed through encoding to operate up to 8 Sea-Doo vessels for the same owner.

Cruising Comfort
Bucket seats are provided for the skipper and front passenger. Two levers under each provide seating adjustments both forwards and backwards or the ability to pivot up to 180 degrees for socializing with others on board or keeping an eye on a skier. The passenger seat has a handhold, both have cup holders.

Below the sole carpeting is a remarkable storage area with depth and length. There is plenty of room for wakeboards, kneeboards and/or skis. If you wish, Sea-Doo offers an optional wakeboard tower that attaches to the existing brushed aluminum handrails running the length of both gunwales.

Moving Aft
Stern seating is bench style, well padded and offers more storage below the seat cushions that snap into place. Above this, across the beam of the stern is a sun pad that opens gull wing-like revealing – what else? – More storage. This cavernous area has a removable liner that the stern lamp clamps onto. By removing the liner, the twin Rotax 155 horsepower engines are accessible for systems checks before use.

The swim platform is textured with a non-skid surface. Two handholds are flush mounted for use with the stainless steel swim ladder tucked under the platform when not in use. A third padded handhold is affixed to the stern for that last step on board.

At the forward center of the aforementioned sun pad is a ski/tow pedestal that can be lifted up into place and pushed down out of the way for pleasure boating.

Additional Features
The Weedless Control System allows the operator to clear the intake grate of debris without having to access the components below hatches etc. Simply by pressing a rocker switch on the starboard gunwale next to the driver, the process occurs automatically.

Options other than the wakeboard rack are: Bimini top; mooring cover; cockpit carpet and trim tabs.

Performance and Ride
On a humid afternoon on Florida’s East Central Coast, with light winds and minimal chop we tested the 200 Speedster and found she delivered an overall a comfortable riding experience. She was also ergonomically very accommodating. Power delivery was fast and fluid, but not abrupt. Few other vessels could possibly be as nimble and sure footed turning any diameter at seemingly any speed. The chines literally grabbed at the water and did not allow the boat to slide.

Also of note was the ability to maintain a conversation while at speed. The boat is seriously quiet with engineering efforts applied specifically in this regard. Sea-Doo’s D- Sea- Bel noise reduction system is credited here. It works: at idle, the biggest sound indication that the boat’s motors are running is the sound produced by the water bypass!

With Sea-Doo’s Speedster 200 history hasn’t been rewritten, just updated.

Overview
Test# 060204729

Sea-Doo has combined four-stroke technology, great handling, lots of added features, along with high horsepower to design this 200 Speedster, which adds up to an exciting ski and wakeboard boat.

Background
New for 2004.

Key Features
Grab Handles
Built-in Ice Chest
Windscreens w/Pop-Up Wind Deflector
JBL AM/FM CD Stereo w/4 Speakers
Ski Storage
Ski Pylon
Sun Deck Pad
Dual Access Rear Storage Compartment
Swim Platform w/Ladder

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General Information
Test Results
Specifications
Photo Gallery
Detailed Info
Wath the Video

Source: BoatTest.com