Sea-Doo 3D Specs and Review: The Stand-Up Sea-Doo!
The Sea-Doo 3D was arguably the most exotic Sea-Doo ever built. This amazing machine was a sit-down/stand-up type of PWC hybrid offering five different riding positions. The Sea-Doo 3D borrowed its hull from the legendary XP and was available with a 787 RFI (110 HP) or a 947 DI (130 HP) engine configuration.
If you want to know all about this rare stand-up Sea-Doo, you are in the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo 3D review! https://youtu.be/acFyQInkULM
2005-2007 Sea-Doo 3D Review
The legendary Sea-Doo 3D made its debut in 2004 and was marketed from the 2005 model year.It’s safe to say that this ski brought a new dimension to the PWC market! The ski stood out in the crowd in many ways as it was the only PWC in history that offered five different riding positions.
It’s a fun fact that the Sea-Doo 3D was designed by a group of stand-up PWC enthusiasts who worked at Sea-Doo’s R&D development center in Florida.
This team realized that the PWC market was aggressively moving toward larger 3-seater skis around the Millennium. These skis were heavier and offered less playful rides compared to their stand-up counterparts.
Therefore, they were less appealing to younger customers looking for thrill rides rather than sitting on a “couch” all day. Sea-Doo grabbed the opportunity to fill this market gap by coming up with the idea of the 3D.
Interestingly, the prototype of the ski was built as a side project by the “stand-up Sea-Doo” crew, who mainly worked on the model in their free time.The ski was bolted together from various Sea-Doo parts, completed with some custom-made units, and named the Barracuda.
The initial attempts were successful, and Sea-Doo’s management gave the green light to the project, and formal development began.
By 2004 the all-new model was ready to go, and the Canadian manufacturer introduced its all-new Sea-Doo 3D. The ski got a lot of media attention, and for good reason. It was built on a sit-down Sea-Doo XP hull but utilized a stand-up-like movable handle pole, which could also be fixed in various positions.
Instead of a regular saddle, the ski was designed with a large flat rear platform that could accommodate two different seats, the MOTO and KART configurations. Thanks to this transformative design, the Sea-Doo 3D offered five different riding positions, which were described as follows: VERT, KNEE, KART, SHOQ, and MOTO.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about each in detail!
Sea-Doo 3D Riding Positions
VERT position: Without the seats, the 3D worked like an ordinary stand-up PWC, except that it was far more stable. You could stand on the flat area on the rear and operate it using the movable handlebars.
Due to its sit-down hull design, the 3D offered more stability and predictability than any other stand-up PWC on the market. This platform was so stable that it allowed you to stand on the deck when the ski wasn’t even moving.
On top of that, the ski could also be used in no-wake zones even if you rode it in a standing position. The same tricks on a regular stand-up were hard to impossible!
Due to its abilities, the 3D was a great choice for beginners and even bigger riders.
At the same time, the hull was also capable of aggressive turns and fun carving. However, this model never became a favorite of hardcore stand-up enthusiasts.
SHOQ position: This configuration offered a locked handle pole that allowed you to ride the ski in a more comfortable stand-up position.
The 3D came with a special shock absorber that could be mounted between the top deck and the handle pole. This setup offered more stability and control over the machine, which resulted in less fatigue.
KNEE position: As the term suggests, the 3D could also be operated in a kneeing position. The low center of gravity and the body position resulted in a kneeboard-like experience.
Let’s move on to the more exciting sitting configurations!
MOTO position: Optional features of the 3D included a dirt-bike-like “MOTO” seat that could be fitted above the rear deck. This seat was narrower and taller than conventional PWC saddles.
It’s safe to say that the 3D in the MOTO mode was handled much like a regular sit-down Sea-Doo XP.
However, this unique saddle had some drawbacks as well. It was uncomfortable and short, so it forced the rider too close to the handlebars.
KART position: There’s no question that the KART setup offered the most exciting riding position. With the optional bucket seat, the ski could be turned into a water go-kart!
This design was very similar to the innovative Sea-Doo Spark EVO Jet Karts.
Riding in the supportive bucket seat was really fun and resulted in less fatigue. This comfortable and radically different riding experience made the 3D unique in the marketplace.
On the other hand, this setup was only recommended for calm waters, as pounding on the chop resulted in lower back pain.
Sea-Doo 3D Engine and Performance
As previously mentioned, the Sea-Doo 3D inherited its hull from the widely popular Sea-Doo XP. This platform was 107 inches long, 44 inches wide, and 36.5-44.25 inches high, depending on the configuration.
In the first model year, the 1995 Sea-Doo 3D had a yellow/white/black color scheme and was powered by a Rotax 787 RFI engine.
This 782cc, 2-stroke twin utilized a DI ignition, RAVE (Rotax Adjustable Variable Exhaust) valves, and an oil injection system with a 1-gallon oil reservoir.
Many riders said that the 797 3D was underpowered, as its engine only cranked out 110 HP. With this engine option, the top speed of the Sea-Doo 3D was only about 52-54 mph. The ski could get on plane in 1.8 seconds and do the 0-30 mph run in 2.2 seconds.
Regarding fuel economy, the 110 HP Sea-Doo 3D burned 9.5 gallons per hour at full speed.
With reasonable use, the craft got about 7 miles per gallon at best cruise speed (38.4 mph.) With the advantage of the 9.2-gallon fuel tank, you could expect a cruising range of 53 miles.
To make the 3D more lively, the model got an engine upgrade for the 2006 model year.
The new power source was a 951cc, 2-stroke Rotax 947 DI engine, rated at 130 HP. Thanks to this bigger displacement, the top speed of the 2006 Sea-Doo 3D jumped up to 62 mph.
Unfortunately, this upgrade resulted in a slightly higher curb weight, as the revamped model weighed 609 pounds without seats. In contrast, the predecessor weighed “only” 565 pounds.
Except for its engine, weight, and paint job, the other features of the ski remained unchanged for the 2006 and 2007 model year.
To the greatest regret of many fans, the Sea-Doo 3D was discontinued after the 2007 season.
Sea-Doo 3D Problems
Although this concept was an amazing idea, this craft didn’t become popular among riders. Why?
First of all, the 3D was a “Jack of all trades, master of none” jet ski. It was really neither a stand-up nor a sit-down machine.
It was significantly heavier and bulkier than any competitor stand-up. As you can imagine, its handling was completely different as well!
Instead of a tray, the 3D featured a completely flat rear deck that performed much worse. You literally fell off the deck if you tried to jump with the ski because your feet couldn’t grab onto anything.
Jumping the ski wasn’t a good idea anyway as it only utilized 3 engine mounts. Too much wave jumping could easily lead to a broken mount, which typically resulted in serious consequences.
Therefore, the 3D was never really considered to be a “true” stand-up jet ski.
It was more of a versatile sit-down ski that offered unique riding positions. However, it could never become a successful sit-down model as it lagged behind the regular 2- and 3-seater PWCs in many ways.
What’s more, the 3D also had a bad reputation because of its poor and unreliable engines.The 2005 3D with the 787 RFI engine was vastly underpowered, as it delivered only 110 HP. Although the Rotax 947 DI already provided 130 HP in later models, it was also known for low dependability and durability.
Why was this power source so unreliable? Simply put, because this unit utilized many over-complicated systems.
For example, the exhaust system utilized many plastic parts and a dry pipe with water injection at its end. This design ensured better performance but was also known for low reliability and frequent overheating issues.On top of that, the model also suffered from a design flaw, as its hull was heavier on one side. Yes, you read well, the entire machine tipped to the right side in the water due to its heavy exhaust system. (Note that this problem only existed on the 2005 model.)
Riders tried to fix this issue by relocating the battery or adding extra weight to the left side of the hull.
Another problem with the Sea-Doo 3D was its unusual engine location. Due to its design, the engine was moved towards the bow, which made the machine forward-heavy.
This unequal weight distribution caused the hull to sit shallower at the rear and deeper in the front, which led to handling issues.
Because of its faulty and bulky design, the 3D never became really popular and was canceled after three years of production.
It’s sad to say, but this attempt is still considered one of the biggest failures in Sea-Doo’s history.
1995 Sea-Doo 3D RFI Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the 1995 Sea-Doo 3D RFI specifications into these charts!1995 Sea-Doo 3D RFI Engine Specs
| Engine Specs | 2005 Sea-Doo 3D RFI |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Rotax 787 RFI, 2-stroke |
| Induction type | Rotary valve |
| Exhaust system | Water cooled |
| Exhaust valve | Rotax Adjustable Variable Exhaust (RAVE) |
| Lubrication - type | Oil injection |
| Lubrication - oil type | XP-S synthetic 2-stroke oil |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Bore | 82 mm (3.228 in) |
| Stroke | 74 mm (2.91 in) |
| Displacement | 781.6 cm3 (47.7 cu.in.) |
| Performance | 110 HP |
| Compression Ratio (Corrected) | 6.0:1 |
| Engine rev limiter setting | 7200 RPM ± 50 |
| Cooling system | Water cooled, total loss type. |
| Fuel injection | Rotax Fuel Injection (RFI) |
| fuel type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel minium octane number | Inside North America: 87 (R+M)/2, Outside: 91 RON |
1995 Sea-Doo 3D RFI Dimensions and Capacities
| Dimensions and Capacities | 2005 Sea-Doo 3D RFI |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers | 1 |
| Overall length | 272 cm (107 in) |
| Overall width | 112 cm (44 in) |
| Overall height - VERT | 92 cm (36.52 in) |
| Overall height - MOTO | 112 cm (44.25 in) |
| Overall height - KART | 96 cm (37.75 in) |
| Weight - VERT | 257 kg (565 lb) |
| Weight - MOTO | 266 kg (585 lb) |
| Weight - KART | 273 kg (600 lb) |
| Load limit (passengers + luggage) | 114 kg (250 lb) |
| Fuel tank (including reserve) | 35 L (9.2 U.S. gal) |
| Fuel tank reserve | Roughly 5 L (1.3 gal) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity | 100 mL (3.4 U.S. oz) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level height | Up to plug |
| Oil injection reservoir | 4 L (1.U.S. gal) |
1995 Sea-Doo 3D RFI Propulsion
| Propulsion | 2005 Sea-Doo 3D RFI |
|---|---|
| Propulsion system | Bombardier Formula pump |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow, single stage,needle bearing |
| Transmission | Direct drive |
| Reverse system | No |
| O.T.A.S. system | Yes |
| VTS | Premium model: adjuster in jet pump unit |
| Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle) | ~ 20° |
| Minimum required water level for jet pump | 90 cm (3 ft) underneath the lowest rear portion of hull |
1995 Sea-Doo 3D RFI Electrical Specs
| Electrical Specs | 2005 Sea-Doo 3D RFI |
|---|---|
| Magneto generator output | 270 W @ 6000 RPM |
| Ignition system type | Digital inductive |
| Spark plug - Make and type | NGK, BR8ES |
| Spark plug - Gap | 0.45 mm (.018 in) |
| Battery | 12 V, 19 Ah |
| Ignition timing (BTDC) mm (in) | 1.02 mm (.040 in) |
| Ignition timing (BTDC) - Degrees | 12 ± 1 fixed timing mode at any RPM up to 6000 RPM |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
1996-1997 Sea-Doo 3D DI Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the 1996-1997 Sea-Doo 3D DI specifications into these charts!1996-1997 Sea-Doo 3D DI Engine Specs
| Engine Specs | 2006-2007 Sea-Doo 3D DI |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Rotax 947 DI, 2-stroke |
| Induction type | Rotary valve |
| Exhaust system | Water cooled |
| Exhaust valve | Rotax Adjustable Variable Exhaust (RAVE) |
| Lubrication - type | Oil injection |
| Lubrication - oil type | XP-S synthetic 2-stroke oil |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Bore | 88 mm (3.465 in) |
| Stroke | 78.2 mm (3.079 in) |
| Displacement | 951.2 cm3 (58 cu.in.) |
| Performance | 130 HP |
| Compression Ratio (Corrected) | 6.0:1 |
| Engine rev limiter setting | 7300 RPM ± 50 |
| Cooling system | Water cooled, total loss type. |
| Fuel injection | Orbital direct fuel injection, twin throttle body (46mm (1.81. in.)) |
| fuel type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel minium octane number | Inside North America: 87 (R+M)/2, Outside: 91 RON |
1996-1997 Sea-Doo 3D DI Dimensions and Capacities
| Dimensions and Capacities | 2006-2007 Sea-Doo 3D RFI |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers | 1 |
| Overall length | 272 cm (107 in) |
| Overall width | 112 cm (44 in) |
| Overall height - VERT | 92 cm (36.52 in) |
| Overall height - MOTO | 112 cm (44.25 in) |
| Overall height - KART | 96 cm (37.75 in) |
| Weight - VERT | 277 kg (609 lb) |
| Weight - MOTO | 277 kg (609 lb) |
| Weight - KART | 284 kg (624 lb) |
| Load limit (passengers + luggage) | 114 kg (250 lb) |
| Fuel tank (including reserve) | 35 L (9.2 U.S. gal) |
| Fuel tank reserve | Roughly 5 L (1.3 gal) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity | 100 mL (3.4 U.S. oz) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level height | Up to plug |
| Oil injection reservoir | 4 L (1.U.S. gal) |
1996-1997 Sea-Doo 3D DI Propulsion
| Propulsion | 2006-2007 Sea-Doo 3D RFI |
|---|---|
| Propulsion system | Bombardier Formula pump |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow, single stage,needle bearing |
| Transmission | Direct drive |
| Reverse system | No |
| O.T.A.S. system | Yes |
| VTS | Adjuster in jet pump unit |
| Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle) | ~ 20° |
| Minimum required water level for jet pump | 90 cm (3 ft) underneath the lowest rear portion of hull |
1996-1997 Sea-Doo 3D DI Electrical Specs
| Electrical Specs | 2006-2007 Sea-Doo 3D RFI |
|---|---|
| Magneto generator output | 270 W @ 6000 RPM |
| Ignition system type | Digital inductive |
| Spark plug - Make and type | NGK, ZFR4F |
| Spark plug - Gap | 1.1 mm (.043 in) |
| Battery | 12 V, 19 Ah |
| Ignition timing (BTDC) mm (in) | 5.39 ± 0.30 (.212 ± .011) (direct) measure through direct injectionhole |
| Ignition timing (BTDC) - Degrees | 27 ± 1.5 @ 1450 RPM |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
Vintage Sea-Doo 3D for Sale
If you want to ride one, you probably want to know where to find a Sea-Doo 3D for sale. Since this model was in production for only three years, it’s already a collectible item that rarely appears on the marketplace.If you want one at all costs, you may start your research on Sea-Doo forums and Facebook groups.Besides these sources, you may also find some used Sea-Doo 3Ds for sale on Craigslist, eBay, PWC Trader, and other dedicated jet ski ad sites.
Takeaway – FAQs About the Stand-Up Sea-Doo 3D
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about this famous stand-up Sea-Doo!What was the Sea-Doo 3D?
The Sea-Doo 3D was the only stand-up Sea-Doo PWC ever built. This transformative machine could be ridden in five different riding positions. Although the 3D was an amazing idea, the model was only manufactured for three short years.
When was the Sea-Doo 3D Introduced?
The Sea-Doo 3D was revealed in 2004, and marketed from 2005 through 2007.
What Happened to the Sea-Doo 3D?
Although the Sea-Doo 3D won the “Boat of the Year” award from Boating Magazin in 2004, it never became a popular PWC. Due to poor sales figures, the manufacturer discontinued the model after the 2007 model year. https://youtu.be/btYS0vlInFk
What Size was a Sea-Doo 3D?
The Sea-Doo 3D was 107 inches long, 44 inches wide, and 36.5-44.25 inches high, depending on its configuration. The machine shared its hull with the more popular sit-down type Sea-Doo XP but featured a completely different top deck.
How Much Did a Sea-Doo 3D Weigh?
The weight of the Sea-Doo 3D was dependent on its engine option and seat configuration. According to the official owner’s manuals, the weights of the different setups were as follows:
- Sea-Doo 3D (110 HP) – stand-up setup: 565 pounds
- Sea-Doo 3D (110 HP) – MOTO setup: 585 pounds
- Sea-Doo 3D (110 HP) – KART setup: 600 pounds
- Sea-Doo 3D (130 HP) – stand-up setup: 609 pounds
- Sea-Doo 3D (130 HP) – MOTO setup: 609 pounds
- Sea-Doo 3D (130 HP) – KART setup: 624 pounds
What Kind of Engine Did the Sea-Doo 3D Have?
The 2005 Sea-Doo 3D was powered by a 782cc, 2-stroke Rotax 787 RFI engine, while the 2006-2007 models utilized a more powerful, 951cc, 2-stroke Rotax 947 DI power mill.
How Much Horsepower Did a Sea-Doo 3D Have?
The 2005 Sea-Doo 3D had 110 HP, and later models came with a 130 HP engine option. https://youtu.be/VgD5a-OsVx0
How Fast Did a Sea-Doo 3D Go?
The top speed of a 2005 Sea-Doo 3D was 52-54 mph in stock condition, while the ‘06-‘07 models topped out at 62 mph.
How Much is a Sea-Doo 3D Worth?
The prices of a used Sea-Doo 3D range from $1,000 up to a whopping $6,000+. Asking prices depend on many factors like the condition and year of the ski, plus the location. Surprisingly, the original MSRP of the base Sea-Doo 3D was only $6,499, while the seats were offered as options. The price tags of these accessories were as follows:
- MOTO seat: $799
- KART seat: $599
- Insert: $299
- SHOQ pole: $299
What is a Stand-Up Sea-Doo Called?
The only stand-up Sea-Doo ever built was the iconic Sea-Doo 3D, marketed from 2005 through 2007.
