2004 Sea Doo Utopia 185      I don't know if anyone has accurate figures, but I would estimate that over 70% of the boats in North America are trailer-able. An exceptional amount of that 70% trailers their boats every time they use them.  Well, this week we are going to experience what trailer-boat-lifestyle is really like, by taking this brand new,  Bombardier  Utopia 185 and doing some cruising in cottage country in Southern Ontario.      Sea Doo has two Utopia models in their lineup and today we tested the Utopia 185, the smaller sister ship of the Utopia 200.

It was a great day for a test cruise on beautiful, Lake Muskoka. Warm winds, lots of sun and a little chop, the Utopia was a great choice for today's cruise. It handles well and has a quick takeoff and super maneuverability.
     The interior of the Utopia 185 is surprisingly roomy. This 18-foot boat can accommodate eight people: with three across the rear bench seat, three at the helm, a double companion seat and two more in the front lounge seats accessible through the walk through windshield. 
     The sporty helm features a logical layout of black on white gauges, a sports style steering wheel and the all important soft drink holder. Seated at the helm the full windshield keeps off the spray that is inevitably going to come your way. And under the large, sun pad you will find the standard biminy cover. There is tons of storage space to the port, and starboard for wakeboards, life jackets and even the lunch cooler. There is even more storage space under the split, rear bench seat and along both sides in the net bags and cup holders.
     Nestled under this noise-reducing shroud is the heart of the Utopia 185 a 200hp Mercury Optimax, connected to a seven and a quarter inch m2 jet drive. Without having to worry about an out drive catching bottom, launching the Utopia 185 is a breeze. And with its narrow, 8-foot beam and the lightweight structure of only 2,100 pounds makes it very easy for most vehicles to tow.
     The Utopia 185 is equipped with a steering assistant at low rpm's, when you turn the wheel full in either direction it revs the engine up for increased maneuverability around the dock.
     Cruising past Muskoka's famous steamship the Segwun, it struck me that marine power has come a long way, from the steam boilers of yesteryear, to the modern jet drives like the one in the Utopia 185.
     Out on the water the Optimax engine was respectfully quiet at idle but its 200hp rocketed us out of the hole and passed 30 mph in just over four seconds. At wide-open throttle, 5,600 rpm, the Mercury v6 had us flying at a solid, 46mph. I can only imagine what the performance would be with the optional Mercury 240hp EFI.
     In the handling department the 20-degree dead rise hull, tracked well through the turns with no loss of power. And even at wide-open throttle the ride was predictable and stable. You know, I can see why Sea Doo brands the Utopia as a boat that is all things to all people. It is fun to drive with plenty of power for the kid's watersports, but it is also quietly civilized and great for cruising around any lake you would want to trailer it to.

* taken from a transcript of our Power Profile on PowerBoat TV 2004 Episode 6 - Order a Copy of the Show