You've always loved jet boats for their super-nimble handling, stylish low-to-the-water looks and quirky-cool factor. They're like the nautical cousin of the roadster. The problem is ... they're like the nautical cousin of  the roadster. In other words, forget about taking more than four friends and their stuff along for the ride.

Manufacturers, of course, have long recognized this shortcoming. And as advanced technology has permitted water-jet-propulsion systems to become more robust, the exterior packaging has followed. Today's "direct-drive watercraft" - builders prefer not to use the term "jet boats" anymore - mix the fast-and-fun handling characte ristics of the genre with the size and comfort of a sterndrive vessel.

No stranger to the runabout market, Sea-Doo has had the 22-foot Islandia and the 20-foot Utopia and Speedster in its lineup for several years. But the 23-foot Challenger is its most formidable jet-powered vessel yet. The all-new company flagship goes head-to-head with water stream-propelled models such as Yamaha's 230 series and Sugar Sand's 23 series, and more than that, it stands up well against any similar-sized sportboat on the market.

Like all direct-drive watercraft, the 230 has a shallow draft (12 inches), which lets it get into places that would be off-limits to outboard or sterndrive vessels, and there's no propeller in the water to endanger swimmers. Fans of fast times won't be disappointed either: You're on plane and running in 3.5 seconds, and you hit 30 mph just 2 seconds later. Bow rise? Nope. The top speed with upgraded twin 215-hp Rotax 4-TEC engines is 56.5 mph.

With a pair of standard 155-hp 4-TECs, you can still expect close to 50 mph out of the 230. Sea-Doo's civilized D-Sea-Bel sound-reduction system reins in the roar of the 4-strokes - even at hair-whipping speeds, the craft registers only 90 decibels - roughly equivalent to the sound of highway traffic. Too bad there's just one lever that controls both engines instead of individual, independent throttles. The latter would offer even more maneuverability.

Turn the wheel hard over, and the 230 responds with tight circles and none of the skittishness that gives some jet-drive boats a loose reputation. This is a bigger, heavier craft that runs on a thoroughly tested V-hull, and you can feel it. When paired with the corrosion-resistant, inner-cooled engines, the aggressive-running bottom lets the 230 venture safely into salt water. The hull was also created with watersports in mind, so it lays down a clean wake that's shaped right for high-flying action.

Power and performance, however, are just part of the story. A smart family vehicle from the hull up, the new 230 takes its design cues from the world of traditional open-bow boats and then tops them off with some trick features. (This is Sea-Doo we're talking about, after all.) The boat can seat a dozen people. Yes, a dozen real, life-sized people. And it comes in three versions - standard, SE and Wake - giving you the chance to dress up your ride as you wish.

The first thing you notice about the bow is how roomy it is. The 230 sports a high sheer line that creates a deep interior, especially as you move amidships, and as a result, you get two big lounges up front with tall backrests. Storage compartments under these benches  have mildew-resistant rubber mesh rather than carpeted floors, plus drains. Stainless-steel grab rails and recessed, lighted coaming niches with cup holders line each side. There's an anchor locker at the nose and a convenient trash can built into the port side on the way back to the cockpit.

Two of the boat's coolest features  can be found at the dual consoles: First, the Fold 'n' Stow cockpit door slides into place to form a see-through Plexiglas partition that will stop wind and spray between the bow and midship area but still allows you to see the folks up front. It's a pocket door, so to stow it, you just tuck it back into the helm console. How simple is that?

Next is the optional retractable windshield, which works like the power windows on your car. Depress a button at the helm, and the two forward-facing console sections of windshield drop down out of sight. You probably wouldn't want to drive around like this, but when the boat is at rest, this feature lets everyone socialize from stem to stern without having to crane necks or raise voices, and it lets the breeze circulate unobstructed.

The console seats slide forward and back, and swivel 180 degrees. Both also have flip-up bolsters for improved sight lines when docking and whatnot. The compact helm comes with dual tachometers, speedometer, 12-volt accessory outlet, optional stereo remote and backlit depth finder. The opposite console has  a glove box housing the stereo and second 12-volt outlet, and below is another lockable "glove," which is more accurately described as a "duffle box."

A storage compartment in the cockpit sole will hold three wakeboards or an assortment of other water toys. There's more in the way of storage under the U-shaped cockpit bench, including a cooler, and under the sunpad/engine hatch is a pull-out storage bin. A retractable ski pylon is recessed into the cockpit backrest, where it won't stub toes. The molded-in swim platform lends lovely symmetry to match the front end, and comes with grab handles and a boarding ladder.

The SE version adds a woodgrain dash and wheel, deluxe upholstery, bimini top, snap-in carpet, satellite-ready stereo with CD player and remote, pop-up cleats, depth finder, and cockpit table. The Wake version includes a metallic dash, watersports tower with board racks and speakers, rear-facing spotter bench, cockpit-controlled ballast system, PerfectPass Wakeboard Pro cruise control, and upgraded stereo.

Until recently, water-jet-powered boats were often dismissed simply  because of size and comfort limitations. But thanks to more potent 4-strokes, their designers have finally gotten it right. "Now, we're seeing families at boat shows who are coming up and specifically requesting direct-drive watercraft," says Tim McKercher, Sea-Doo spokesperson. By mating the old (sizzling performance) with the modern (high-tech features and amenities), the 230 Challenger appeals to  a whole new jet set.


The Verdict

The 230 Challenger is a jet boat all grown up - with teenage kids. It melds the safe and lively performance of water-stream propulsion with inspired features and boat design. While not revolutionary, it's a notable evolutionary step forward for Sea-Doo and one that your family will get a blast out of.

Sea-Doo 230 Challenger

LOA 23'6"
Beam 8'9"
Weight 3,350 lbs.
Fuel 53 gal.
Top Speed 56.5 mph
(w/twin 215-hp Rotax 4-TECs)
Time To Plane 3.5 seconds
0-30 mph 5.5 seconds
Decibels @ Idle 68 dB-A
Decibels @ 30 mph 87 dB-A
Decibels @ WOT 90 dB-A
Base Price $35,499
(w/twin 155-hp Rotax 4-TECs)
Price As Tested $43,499
(w/twin 215-hp Rotax 4-TECs)
Hull Warranty 5-year
NMMA Certified? Yes

 

Sea-Doo Sport Boats
1111 JA Bombardier Blvd.
Palm Bay, FL 32908
(800) 882-2900