2001 Sea Doo Islandia

Testers Notebook:
Welcome to Pleasure Island

Bombardier Sea-Doo has named its newest and largest sport boat after an island, believing boaters need a free-floating resort where they can escape their worries. The 22-foot Islandia is loaded with nice touches that pamper while they offer peace of mind.

Take for instance, the change room hidden beneath a convertible hatch in the console. When open, you can set it up for putting on your swimsuit or make use of the portable head. Zippers close you in for privacy, and there's 6 ft. 2 in. of headroom so even men can comfortably use the facilities. 

 

 

     What's also neat, is the Islandia's collection of adjustable seating. The driver's companion seat swivels to create larger accommodations. A quick turn and adjustment converts the area into a large L-shaped lounge that continues through the stern. Just above the transom is a unique bench arrangement. Keep the triple backrests flat for a roomy sunpad, or flip them up for forward-facing seating. Don't worry, they won't collapse when you least expect it. They lock securely in place.

     Sea-Doo claims the Islandia seats 10 passengers. I can't argue. Twin benches up in the sunken bow area provide space for all the kids. Yes, I said sunken. The bow has been moulded so that it sits lower than the helm portion of the cockpit. Those who appreciate a clear view when driving will understand why.

    Convenience - that's what this boat is all about. No matter where you look, you'll find features that will make your boating easy to enjoy. Bombardier's deck boat comes with a convenience centre. What else do you call a compartment that houses a sink, two pull-out drawers, a cutting board, integrated 48-quart cooler and even a trash can.

    Bombardier has even made it easy to board the Islandia. From the dock you just step on the wide-open platform and venture forward via the walk-through transom. If you're boarding from the water, there's a retractable three-step ladder concealed in its own compartment out of the way. While nosing around the swim platform you'll also encounter ski/wakeboard storage plus a ski pylon.

    You might think that with such a low profile at the stern, the Islandia is in danger of being swamped by following seas. During Today's Boating's test drive in Orlando, Fla., I didn't notice this problem in the least. Then again, I was busy focusing on the performance of the deck boat's brand new powerplant. The engine, a 210-hp Mercury M2 Jet Drive, is the offspring of the recent Bombardier/Mercury partnership. The transport titan and the motor mogul have paired up to produce powerful jet propulsion tailor made for the Sea-Doo sport boats' specifications. The carbureted engine is based on Mercury's 2.5 L V-6 Black Max. The inboard jet is connected to two large PWC mufflers which exit through the transom. When teamed with a 7.25 in. diameter, four-blade stainless steel impeller, the result is a 41-mph top end at about 6,000 rpm. Not enough juice? Opt for the 240 horsepower version.

    While the Islandia certainly shares the safety and fun factors of a jet boat, don't expect it to spin and leap waves like its much smaller dockmates. After all, it's a 3,050-pound deck boat. Do you really want it to spin out with 10 people on board? You should be happy that the craft feels solid in the water, and is very responsive to wheel movement.

- Pam Cottrell

Specs:


Length.......22 ft. (6.60 m)

Beam........8 ft. 6 in. (2.55 m)

Weight.........3,050 lb. (1,372 kg)

Fuel………….55 gals (200 l)

Price………….around $29,000 US / $38,000 CDN

Test boat engine:
Mercury M2 Jet Drive, 2.5 L (150 cid), 210-hp V-6 carbureted two-stroke engine driving an axial-flow high volume jet pump, 7.25 in. four-blade stainless steel impeller.

Top speed (GPS):
41 mph/6,000 rpm


For the dealer nearest you contact:

Beida's Leisure Service
Fenwick ON
905-892-7529 (PLAY)

Cal Jet Performance
150 Oakdale Road, Toronto, ON M3N 1W1.
(416) 745-1044

Courtenay Motorsports
Courtenay BC
250-338-1415

Cycle Works Ltd.
Edmonton AB
403-448-5844

Ecko Marine Ltd.
Alberta Beach, AB
403-924-3255

Morch Marine
Belleville, ON
613-966-9338
 Precision Sea Doo
Sarnia ON
519-541-1802

Quinn's Marine
Pefferlaw ON
705-437-1122

Snow City Cycle and Marine
Toronto, ON
416-752-1560

Bombardier Motor Corporation of America
730 E. Strawbridge Avenue, Melbourne, Fla. 32901
(407) 722-4000
Fax: (407) 722-4001.