Sea Doo manufacture?

Question

I know Bombardier built them decades ago. But then they stopped building them for years. WHY?

Who is regarded as the best PWC builder today?

Answer 1

The first Sea-Doo "Aquascooters" were built in 1968. They would explode! There was a recall campaign and there were attempted repairs, or replacements with the 1969 model. When that didn't solve the problem, the remaining stock and dealer inventory was destroyed. If you can find a 68/9 "Aquascooter" it may have a bit of collectors value today. The 320 developed a whopping 18 HP, and used a belt drive for the jet pump. The 372 did jump all the way up to 25 HP but used direct coupling. I don't suppose either were very fast!

Bombardier as you may know manufactures skis, ATV's, aircraft engines and even the Learjet! They have been around quite a while.

The delve into PWC's was not thought out as well as it should have been. They basically made a floating snowmobile. This was though the start of the PWC industry, and the concept then led to Kawasaki production. Kawasaki was then the first to have success in the PWC industry. Others then followed and most had success. Polaris (another ATV and snowmobile company) ceased production in 2003 citing several reasons, but I assume product liability was the deciding factor.

Because of the history , I like Kawasaki's, but have also always been impressed with the reliability of the Yamaha's. Yamaha in my opinion had the best, most reliable two strokes, yet they were all fairly equal.

The new four strokes, I still like the looks of the Yamaha mechanics, but understand the Sea-Doo has a longer warranty period. Regarding who is best? that is anyone's, and everyone's guess! With te prices of these seldom used toys, it will be a few years until I buy (a then used) four stroke. I have ridden both the "Yammies"and "Doo's", and still feel Yamaha has the edge.

Go here for more info about the early Sea-Doos;http://www.oldseadoos.com/

and if you find one, I might be interested in adding it to my collection, (I'd be scared to ride it though!).

Answer 2

At the time Bombardier was being sued and publicly announced that it was "getting out" of the personal watercraft business.  I think some of it was about snow mobiles, but I don't know the particulars.  As for the best, that's so subjective.  Fastest, most dependable.....I like the Yamaha!