Many are unaware that one of the best (and most consistent) selling Sea-Doo‘s in the entire BRP lineup is the niche-specific Wake models – both the 155 and 215 iterations. The Wake models not only service the wakeskate and wakeboard market, which in itself is a thriving portion of the wakesports industry, but also appeals to the family enthusiast looking to tow the kids on a raft or tube around the local lake. The pre-programmed Launch Control settings unique to the Wake models also permit any level of driver to ease into the throttle to successfully pull up and tow a skier behind.
Together with the industry’s only adjustable and retracting ski pylon that attaches directly into the hull for a strong and secure mount, the Wake models – the Wake 155 being based on the naturally-aspirated GTI 155 SE (Special Edition), and the Wake 215 PRO built upon the 215-horsepower supercharged Rotax powering the S3 (RXT, GTX) hull – are the industry’s only craft dedicated to a certain sport segment. Yet, as 2017 approaches, rumors of another sport-centric craft have been circling, and The Watercraft Journal received the first (albeit low quality) spy image of what that might be.
Admittedly, the image provided is of poor quality and shows a prototype of the long-rumored “Sea-Doo Angler 155 SE (Special Edition)” package apparently adapted to a standard GTI 130 or 155 model. Although much cannot be gleaned from this cell phone image, the major addition is prevalent: a completely modular (ie. removable, easy-to-install) cooler/bait tank rack with mounts for several fishing rod holders. Not seen are the yet-to-be-confirmed in-dash depth gauge and rumored GPS/fish finder expected to either replace or occupy most of the glovebox.
The rack is particularly noteworthy, as it has been explained to The Watercraft Journal that it will employ a unique forward mount that attaches to a pylon similar to the Wake models, as well as self-tightening brackets that clip to the rear tow eyes found on all BRP models below the bond line, thus keeping assembly line variations at a minimum and manufacturing costs low. The rack appears to be narrow enough for rearward boarding, which has been a vocalized concern in the past – and can be resolved with the use of a wide swimstep.
Although our efforts to get a confirmation that this is indeed a spy shot of the long-awaited “Sea-Doo Angler 155 SE”, we did speak with BRP’s Ali Monpourchien who explained, “Since the introduction of the Wake nearly a decade ago, Sea-Doo has been exploring how we can expand our reach to different markets in boating and watersports. One key segment was fishing. In fact, outside of North America, fishing from personal watercraft is exceptionally popular – particularly in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. It would make sense for Sea-Doo to consider all possible avenues for growth.”
While we anticipate that the Angler could be market-ready by Fall of this year, it is very possible that the fishing PWC is still a year or two away, as BRP maintains upwards to 5-to-7 years for development and testing of its future craft. There are still a lot of questions left unanswered and await further details on this groundbreaking machine. For additional information, make sure to click HERE.
Believed this until i seen the published date
Believed this until i seen the published date