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2004 Sea Doo Islandia In 1994, when Bombardier first adapted their jet pump technology from their water craft into a new line of sport boats the boats remained pretty traditional. |
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But in spite of its size, it still features the sleek, modern styling that Sea-Doo is noted for and offers a complete list of great features.Like the doublewide helm seat that adjusts fore and aft, so no matter how tall you are, you can still take advantage of the moulded-in footrests. Looking forward, the frameless windscreen offers great visibility. Below is a modern dash layout, complete with AM/FM CD stereo and black on white sports style gauges and weatherproof switches.
When it comes to storing large items, there is a big locker, ideal for boards, skis and towropes. Just above and to port is a convenience centre, with built-in freshwater sink and hidden-away cooler and garbage container.
Aft, the large sunpad plays a dual role; easily converting into a u-shaped sofa with back rests for three. Another cool feature, just forward of the helm is a combination change enclosure and head. That cleverly stores away when it is not in use. Dual loungers in the front of the boat comfortably seat four or more around a removable oval table and under each are cavernous storage areas for all your gear.
But the featured attraction has to be the kiddie wading pool complete with waterspout that is fun for even us big kids. Not too many boats have a swim platform at both ends and the Islandia's forward platform features moulded-in docking lights and this telescoping re-boarding ladder. At the stern, the extra-wide swim platform is accessible through this walk-through transom door and features a freshwater shower, a tow ring and a second ladder to double your fun in the water.
For 2004, Sea-Doo deepened the hull at the stern some six inches to accommodate the mercury 250 hp Optimax v6 direct injection engine, which is coupled with a 7" m2 jet drive. So there is plenty of power when you load up the Islandia with some friends for a cruise.
At slow speeds the boat handles well because of its power-assisted steering, which adds a small burst of power every time that the wheel is turned hard over in either direction. The 250 Optimax provides lots of power if you are carrying a load, but where I wanted to test this boat's mettle was at speed. So I sent my friends packing and headed out onto the intercoastal waterway alone to put the Islandia through its paces.
The hole shot time was fast, just under four seconds and with the extra depth of the hull at the stern the bow rise coming onto plane was minimal- which makes for great visibility. Throughout all the power and speed ranges, the Islandia felt like it had the perfect power match with the Mercury 250 Optimax.
Pushing the throttle all the way down, I saw a top speed on my GPS that was touching 45mph. In the moderate chop I felt very comfortable in the Islandia, it felt stable and secure in spite of the fact that it was so lightly loaded. Trying my hand at some turns, the Islandia approached and accelerated through them like she was running on rails.
The time to plane was 3.7 seconds, with a comfortable cruising speed of 26.5 mph at 4,000rpm and a top speed of 44.8 mph at 5300rpm. Driving the Islandia, you can feel its Sea-Doo pedigree, but what makes it this boat really fun is that it is not a solo activity. You can take along a group of friends to help you enjoy the sport boat lifestyle.
* taken from a transcript of our Power Profile on PowerBoat TV 2004 Episode 8 - Order a Copy of the Show
