LOA: 12 ft. 3 in.; Beam: 4 ft. 1 in.; Transom Deadrise: 23 deg.; Draft: N/A; Dry Weight: 858 lb.; Fuel: 18.5 gal.; Max HP: 170 hp; Base Price: $17,799 (w/ Rotax 170) (Garrett Cortese/)
Editor’s Note: And now for something completely different… Some saltwater anglers despise personal watercraft, but when we polled our social-media audience, most said that they WOULD fish from a PWC. So, for those of you early adopters, we offer this review.
While it’s no 40-foot center console, Sea-Doo’s FishPro Trophy 170 can still satisfy hardcore inshore and offshore anglers. That is, if they’re willing to get up close and personal with their catch on a craft that’s little more than 12 feet long and 4 feet wide and weighs a scant 858 pounds.
Of course, that’s part of the appeal, as is the fact that this little-bitty battlewagon is simple to trailer and stow, will ring up a comparatively small fuel bill, and costs less than $18,000. To assess the new 170, we ran it and inspected its features during an early October test in central Florida.
The first Sea-Doo FishPro model featured a hull stable enough for stand-up casting, a GPS fish finder, and a 13 1/2-gallon cooler with multiple clip-on rod holders, topside cutting board and a pocket for tackle and tools. The Trophy version offers increased fishability.
The Trophy’s new aft livewell features clip-on rod holders, a cutting board and a pump with a quick-release hose that can be used as a washdown. (Garrett Cortese/)
Sea-Doo converted the cooler to a legitimate livewell, adding an in-hull pump aft, quick-connect hose system and an aerator. Disconnect the hose from the cooler to use it as a washdown, great for rinsing away blood and scales off the cooler-top EVA cutting board or removing gunk before it bakes to a crust. The Trophy’s 7-inch Garmin multifunction display features an easier-to-use touchscreen as well as a free download for detailed regional charts.
To address the added power draw of the new features, Trophy’s dual-battery system and beefed-up charging system ensure the juice doesn’t run out and leave you stranded. Sea-Doo placed a quick-draw, grapnel-style anchor within easy reach of the driver, and the company brought back its ultra-convenient front storage compartment (easily reached without getting up out of the saddle). An electronic pump clean-out system eliminates concerns about heading into skinny or weed-prone waters.
The aft half of the saddle converts to a swivel fishing chair elevated on a pedestal. (Garrett Cortese/)
Arguably the cleverest addition to the Trophy, however, is a new swivel fishing chair. By moving the aft section of the two-part saddle and positioning it atop an easily installed pedestal, the craft now delivers a comfortable perch that elevates the angler for easier sightfishing. Drop any of the pieces overboard during assembly or disassembly, and they float.
Read Next: 10 New Boats from the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show
As to the performance, the Trophy is — no surprise — a Sea-Doo, capable of carving a thrilling hairpin turn one minute and, with its naturally aspirated 170 hp Rotax four-stroke engine, running out to near 60 mph the next. At day’s end, stick it in your garage.
You can’t do that with a 40-footer.
At the controls, a new 7-inch Garmin multifunction display features a chart plotter and a fish finder. (Garrett Cortese/)
Hull Specs
Base Price:
$17,799 (w/ Rotax 170)
LOA:
12 ft. 3 in.
Beam:
4 ft. 1 in.
Draft:
N/A
Transom Deadrise:
23 deg.
Dry Weight:
858 lb.
Fuel:
18.5 gal.
Max HP:
170 hp
Performance*
<b>Engine:</b> Rotax 1630 ACE 170
<b>Load:</b> 155 lb.
<b>Top Speed:</b> 55 mph @ 7,400 rpm
*Additional performance and fuel-consumption numbers were not available.
Sea-Doo - Valcourt, Quebec CA; 888-272-9222