2025 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170/230 Review and Specs [Video]

Introduced in 2023, the Explorer Pro created an entirely new segment in the PWC marketplace. Just like the Fish Pro Trophy and Fish Pro Apex, this ski is also built on the extended ST3 platform. It could be opted with either a naturally aspirated 170hp or a supercharged 230hp engine option.

If you want to find out more about this purpose-built “explorer Sea-Doo,” you’ve come to the right place.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this detailed review.

2025 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro Review

Introduction

Bombardier introduced its Explorer Pro series for the 2023 model year. As the name suggests, this ski is designed with adventures and expeditions in mind.

However, it can also be used for a variety of purposes like search and rescue and even assisting surfers.

The Explorer is a close relative of the full-size Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy and Apex since these skis share the same hull, top deck, and many other features.

But unlike its fishing counterparts, the Explorer Pro can be opted with 170hp NA or 230hp SC engines.

These models are marketed under different model names, which are Explorer Pro 170 and Explorer Pro 230, respectively.

Aside from a different power source, the two Explorers are completely identical.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about their features and accessories in detail.

Hull and Top Deck

The Explorer Pro 170 and 230 share the same ST3 Sea-Doo platform, featuring a deep 23-degree deadrise.

This fiberglass shell is also used as the base of many other full-sized Sea-Doos like the GTXs, Wake Pro, Fish Pro Trophy, and the RXT-X 325.

Launched in 2018, the large, heavy ST3 is designed to be the most stable hull in the PWC industry. Its stability was further increased with an 11.5-inch rear swim platform extension.

This useful feature is exclusively available on Explorer Pro and ST3-based Fish Pro models, which are also known as the largest Sea-Doos available.

(It’s good to know that, unlike Yamaha’s RecDeck system, this extension is not removable.)

In terms of dimensions, the Explorer Pro measures 146.8 inches in length, 49.6 inches in width, and 55.5 inches in height.

At first glance, the ski looks like a small boat rather than a personal watercraft.

The weight of the machine is also impressive.  

According to the operator’s manual, the claimed dry weight of the 170hp version is 880 pounds while its supercharged 230hp brother weighs 917 pounds.

The estimated curb weight of these variants is 1005 and 1042 pounds, respectively. Sitting on a single-axle PWC trailer, the total rolling weight of these skis averages between 1300 and 1400 pounds.

The ST3 hull is completed with an innovative top deck that houses a 25.3-gallon, easy-access front storage with organizer and an 0.8-gallon glovebox.

Attached to the rear platform with a LinQ connection system, the 26.4-gallon explorer bag rounds up the overall storage capacity to 52.3 gallons.

The Explorer Pro’s dark grey color scheme with the neon accent has been carried over from 2024:

2025 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 – Iceland Grey

2025 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 230 – Iceland Grey

Features

Besides its professional-looking design, the Explorer Pro stands out in a crowd with its model-specific features.

The most noticeable of these are arguably a heavy-duty rail system and the touring windshield.

Even though the latter features an adjustable design, note that it noticeably impairs visibility.

These Explorer-specific features are completed with the aforementioned rear platform extension and  LinQ storage bag.

Other standard features of the Explorer Pro 170 and 230 include:

• Ergolock two-piece touring seat
• Seat strap
• Angled Gunwale footrests
• Swim platform extension
• Boarding ladder
• Direct-access front storage
• Storage bin organizer
• Watertight phone compartment
• LinQ attachment system
• Premium BRP Audio System
• 2 Pop-Up Cleats
• Knee pads
• USB port
• Hydraulic Steering Damper
• Tilt steering
• Ski tow eye
• Wide angle mirrors
• Handle grips with palm rests
• Footwell carpets
• LinQ attachments system
• 1 LinQ front support
• Cupholder

Unlike the flagship GTX Limited 325, which enjoys the high-end 10.25-inch dashboard, Explorer Pros have to make do with its smaller, 7.8-inch sibling.

Despite its more compact size, this LCD display also comes with a lot of valuable functions, the most important of which are the following:

• Speedometer
• Tachometer
• BRP Connect
• Music
• Weather
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Clock
• VTS
• Fuel consumption
• Fuel autonomy
• Water temperature
• Speed statistics
• Vehicle hours
• Speed Regulator
• Mode selector (Sport Mode, ECO Mode, Slow Mode)

Engine

The Sea-Doo Explorer Pro can be ordered with two different engine options, both of which are based on the same 4-stroke, Inline-3, 1630cc, Rotax 1630 ACE engine.

This power mill delivers 170hp without a supercharger and 230hp with it, hence the model names.

Both the 170 and 230 engine configurations come standard with many advanced technologies, including:

• Closed-loop cooling system (CLCS)
• Dry sump lubrication system
• VTS (Variable Trim System)
• Exhaust system: D-Sea-Bel System
• iTC Throttle system
• IBR – Intelligent Brake & Reverse
• RF D.E.S.S Key
• iDF – Intelligent Debris-Free Pump System

These engines are paired with a 155 mm high-pressure jet pump housing a stainless-steel impeller.

Performance

When it comes to performance, you can expect the top speed of the Explorer Pro 170 to be in the ballpark of 52-55 mph.

Its supercharged 230hp variant is limited to the industry-standard of 67 mph.

Thanks to its gear-driven supercharger, which gives an extra 60hp, it ensures a much quicker acceleration as well.

In return, it has poorer reliability and noticeably worse fuel economy, especially at higher speeds.

None of these are really good points on an adventure!

The estimated cruising range of the ski is 90-100 miles with the 170hp engine, but the low fuel warning typically appears after 65-70 miles.

Unfortunately, you can expect a lower range with the supercharged engine.

Its unique rear platform extension not only increases deck space and stability but also makes the ski less lively in the corners.

The plethora of advanced control systems like the variable trim, iTC throttle control, and the iBR brake and reverse system ensure easy handling.

When it comes to fuel types, it’s good to know that the supercharged 230hp engine takes premium (97 octane) gas, while its naturally-aspirated 170hp siblings require standard, 87 octane.

This can be an important factor on a long adventure trip since premium gas is generally less available.

2025 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170/230 Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the 2025 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro into these charts:

These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.

Takeaways

The Sea-Doo Explorer is a purpose-built PWC that can be used for various purposes like touring, rescuing, towing surfers, or – as the name suggests – for adventuring.

It’s built on the super-stable ST3 platform, which is derived from Sea-Doo’s touring/luxury GTX series.

However, compared to the standard ST3 hull, the Explorer Pro features a rear extension that expands its swim platform by 11.5 inches.

Other model-specific features include the touring windshield, heavy-duty rails, LinQ connection system (with a front connector), and a watertight explorer bag.

In the 2025 Sea-Doo lineup, the Explorer Pro is available with two engine options, and both are based on the same Rotax 1630 ACE.

The Explorer Pro 170 comes with a naturally-aspirated, 170hp engine option and is marketed for $19,399.

Its supercharged 230hp variant, the Explorer Pro 230 is offered for $20,399 this year.

If you want to compare the latest models and prices from all major PWC brands in one chart, you may find our PWC price comparison list useful.