As February is winding down, I hope this month has been a good one for you. In the past I’ve spent this month patiently staring at the calendar, wishing summer and warmer weather might find me. However, this year was a little different as I was able to temporarily escape the cold weather and relocate to Florida to attend the Miami Boat Show. Yes it was only for a few days, yet the break was exactly what I needed.
One of the highlights of the trip was taking the new Sea-Doo Spark watercraft for a test ride in the ocean. While it scored ZERO points with the wife and kids who were back home shoveling snow, it put a big smile on my face.
The new PWC was awarded an NMMA Innovation Award at the Miami Show and for good reason. The 2014 Spark leads an entirely new segment of the Sea-Doo lineup that is designed for the young family who is looking for simple and accessible fun in a stylish, compact and lightweight platform.
The Sea-Doo Spark model from Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) is compact and is the lightest watercraft on the market providing a fun and playful ride. I couldn’t believe the power as well as how easy it is to maneuver. While it was designed for short rides on smaller bodies of water, in the choppy saltwater I had a blast jumping the waves. This model stands out with a stunning new look and comes in a variety of five colors and numerous ways to customize it.
The biggest reason why I feel it could be the ideal secondary craft to pontoon or deck boat owners is that the Spark costs nearly 40 percent less than the closest model and is the most fuel-efficient watercraft in the industry according to BRP. The Sea-Doo Spark model is powered by the ultra reliable Rotax 900 ACE engine family, the most compact and most economical to run, four-stroke watercraft engine.
I was able test a couple of different Spark models, including one that was equipped with the exclusive Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) system. Having this brake gave me the ability to stop quickly and it provided a level of control and peace of mind as I rode the Sea-Doo watercraft like a 16-year-old on Spring Break. Sea-Doo’s exclusive iBR system provides added maneuverability and effortless docking that can be a great addition, especially for newcomers to the sport.
Available in Vanilla, Orange Crush, Bubble Gum, Pineapple or Licorice colors, I had a great time out on the water. For more information visit www.brp.com. I will offer one quick piece of advice: If you do happen to get a chance to test drive the new Spark this spring as BRP officials are showcasing the new product at public events, fight the urge to send photos to those back in sun-starved states that may be experiencing extreme winter conditions. I’m just saying.
