2023 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 Review: The Watercraft Journal Ep. 120

The Watercraft Journal got to spend a couple of days aboard the new 2023 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 and...well, it just wasn't our cup of tea. Many won't agree with us on this one, and that's perfectly fine. Go check it out in person and make your own decision. This was our initial impression and many are going see things differently.
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[@factorjay2100]

These are the reviews we need. Honest, pointing out the challenges, but also the self-awareness not to undermine the target audience who would be looking to pick up one. Keep it up!

[@watercraftjournal]

Appreciated

[@WRXXXual]

I tested one of these units today and found it to be very enjoyable, however I did not get into the detail you did. I really appreciate your honesty.

[@isitjustmeorwhat9748]

Proud new owner of the Explorer Pro here. Buy what fits your particular needs, and lifestyle. I'm 59 and intend on taking my wife on excursions along the coastal waters throughout the Chesapeake, Delmarva waterways. The Explorer Pro provides enough power, versatility, and comfort for couples wanting to do more out on the water outside of owning a boat. I've had 2 50ish yr old co-workers sell their Sea-Doos after 1 year (not the Ex Pro) because they were getting beat up on the water. So, yeah if you're in your 30-40s or even 50+ and plan to ride solo that's perfectly ok. Providing an enjoyable experience for me and my family is what the Ex P will do for us.

[@fishhead90]

I’ve had an Explorer Pro for about 3 months and I can’t find the same faults tbh… I’ve had skis and boats for years and this works for me. Sandbar, the keys (I’m South FL based), wake boarding or just blasting around the inter-coastal, it’s pretty awesome imo. Procrastination a little bit of my displeasure, Obviously, it’s not as nimble as some skis out there, but the waterways down here have too many speed restrictions/are too busy to push beyond this ski’s limits 🤷‍♂️… to each their own.

[@johns5826]

Thanks for the great in-depth review. You hit in weaknesses and design “flaws”. That said, I am (still) on my way to buy one in about a month. The reason is that this PWC does what I want and ned it to do, and that is to explore. I know the further I need to go, and the more gear I put on it or fuel I use, the CG ( center of gravity ) changes and stability is reduced. I’m OK with that. Just knowing that allows me to plan accordingly. I might have to avoid rough seas altogether, or transfer fuel from the rear accessory tank to the ( forward ) main tank to keep it topped off. Whether it is an overloaded offroad vehicle, or bush plane, everything is a compromise. With spare tires, fuel, and gear on top, offroad vehicles become more unstable. A fully loaded Cheroke 6 ( plane ), with full fuel at high elevations, often cannot carry the (6) people it was intended to. This may limit me at times, but I am grateful to have the flexibility in a PWC to be able to carry more, when conditions allow. The windscreen, no matter how distorted, is probably easier to see through than your bare eyes being hammered by rain at 50MPH. Again, I do have the flexibility to lower the windshield ( I believe ) if I care to feel the breeze. Basically, you and I come from a different perspective. Although I have enjoyed smaller PWC’s and appreciate their maneuverability and ability to handle sizable waves, (My) desire is to explore the Intercoastal, lakes, and associated waterways. Due to HOA rules and my small garage, this is what will fit, and it fits the bill. Thanks for the honest review. As Clint said, “A man has got to know his limitations”.

[@andrewmilne1791]

Agree. I've ordered the new 2024 230 version for Coastal exploring in southwest of Western Australia. It ticks too many boxes for fishing/camping.

[@johnleonardnc5418]

Kevin, you are a true diplomat, while still telling us what you really think- great review! Subscribed to WCJ while researching my plan to buy a 2023 jet ski, so your candid comments are spot on! I've ruled out Explorer, and plan to go with Sea-Doo Fish Pro (WCJ Episode 35) vs Yamaha FX HO (Ep 96) for Fish Pro's size, standard features, flexibility and stability (I'm an old Coast Guard guy who used to drive big cutters around the globe). Hope to meet you on the water in future when we travel from Raleigh to Nashville for jet skiing with my daughter (Belmont Univ grad)! Much appreciated, THANKS!

[@watercraftjournal]

Much appreciated John!

[@jetjunkie6124]

I have to say, love the honesty. No wonder it took a while to post! I used to love doing tests in the UK and then the editor saying "you can't write that" or "you should say this" but that's not how i felt about the craft. Being honest is a credit to yourself, well done. There's too much rose tinted glasses stuff on youtube! keep up the good work young man, hold you head high, we can see you've been battling for quite a few months with direction. Your on track.

[@nancybattaglia4944]

I love riding through St Augustine. Have to watch the tide that changes quickly near the fort. Great fishing and great ride. I am riding a GTI 170 SE. We love the ride from Mayport to St Augustine. Amazing houses , manatee, dolphins and great view.

[@watercraftjournal]

It’s beautiful around there

[@robertrowan7405]

I'm glad I decided to stick with my Fish Pro Trophy. I almost switched to this when I first saw the promo for it. Now, after watching your video, I am even more satisfied with my decision. Thanks for the great content!

[@watercraftjournal]

Good call!

[@jamesstrachan2288]

Kevin thanks for your honest review. I have been told by a company who have both Seadoos and Yamahas r great jet skis. I was looking at the fish por or fish pro trophy v the FX Yamaha HO or Yamaha SVHO. I want to use the jet ski for mainly fishing but pulling a water skier or tube fairly regularly. I have been advised to buy the seadoo although on line i read problems with reliability, bow searching and proposing. I think the seadoo looks like a great fishing package but i am concerned about stuff on utube. I love the black FX SVHO and also like the FX HO. I am told they are better on the open water, but a draw back is having to reach over the handle bars to get into the storage. I believe on utube people say the Yamaha rides true and straight without playing like a dolphin. It a difficult choice, i seen 2 of these skis made it onto ur best for ski of the year. I mostly will be out in the ocean can you say which you feel is best. Does the seadoo have dolphining issues and it it hard to go straight in some chop. Cheers love your channel.

[@watercraftjournal]

You do not need all of that horsepower to tow a tube or skier. Nor do you want the fuel consumption that comes with a supercharger. Currently, the best, more trouble-free models have been coming from Kawasaki, who has just dropped its all-new Ultra 160LX and 160LX-S. Please see the announcement video published earlier this week.

[@davidbalan6571]

Sea Doo JetSki is my favourite racing from United's States and Southwest Florida I liked that's year's Watercraft Journal channels in the year's calendar 2014 and 2015 .

[@handiworksgc]

I do mostly spearfishing in the central coast of California (San Luis Obispo & Monterey Bay), and I think this craft would suit this area perfectly! The wind chill here can get pretty nasty, even in the summer.

[@robertmunafo5039]

Seems to me attaching a keel guard along with some after market sponsons would make it a great setup for exploring. I felt like this review was akin to me looking at mini vans having no interest in them (prefer sports cars and trucks), just because I don't like them doesn't mean they don't fill a place for people with families - a lot of ppl love them for that reason. This ski has some good features that would make it stand out as a better option in certain areas/uses.

[@user-ii8ud7zc6j]

We have Two of them and we’ve taken them out to the gulf of Mex. In high waves (5 to 6 ft seas) and our skis handled them like a champs. Not the fastest but they were very stable and we were loaded down. The screens blocked the sea spray and kept us pretty much dry. If you didn’t try them off shore you can’t really give a fair call.

[@jeremybryant614]

It’s not for me either, nice job with the self aware and balanced review. I appreciate your content.

[@watercraftjournal]

Thanks for watching

[@ryantrahan8687]

Fish pro was innovative and the good kind of weird from seadoo. The explorer pro they got too confident and thought they could come up with anything and it’ll sell

[@charlieb9954]

Ok Kevin. I’m going to buy your gas can invention with the stainless rack. I get the prices have gotten stupid with materials and I appreciate your sacrifices to help out the working man. At the end of the day I know I’m getting quality for my money and I appreciate that. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@watercraftjournal]

That’s appreciated but it won’t work on post 2012 Sea-Doos.

[@charlieb9954]

@@watercraftjournal I just replied on your most recent video. I bought a 2023 Yamaha Limited SVHO. My fault for not being specific. I just wanted a quick reply. I appreciate how exact you all are at WCJ.

[@watercraftjournal]

Yes, our system will work flawlessly on the Yamaha SVHO. Apologies for presuming it was a Sea-Doo.

[@hammerdown3876]

as a FPT owner... I had to laugh while agreeing with you on several key points that you made on why you hate it. Loaded down with gear going fishing or island hopping / partying I agree my FPT is a lackluster boring ride from A to B which was what i originally bought it for, as i dont want the hassle of a boat and the ski is way more fun than a boat, even loaded down. However, ditch the cooler and all extra weight, and some 1UP fun can be had jumping some waves and playing around. To the extent of a smaller ski, such as a Spark? hell no... ANY ST3 ski is massive in the water and handles more like a boat than a ski. With that huge rear deck (minus cooler of course) it is great for families in need / want of a tubing machine and does a fantastic job of giving my kids some great run on the tube. my 18 year old son while riding his grandfathers Yamaha FX HO did find it hilarious to see me jumping waves with multiple 7 ft fishing rods shackled with leashes in the cooler rod holders bouncing to and fro... lol the explorer pro is basically the same as a fishpro without the fishing gear. My only interest is the windshield that might be nice for late winter early spring fishing trips to ward off 28 degree or colder water spray in the face. no way would I want that windshield on the ski on any day other than a blisteringly cold one. Great review Kevin. I loved it.

[@watercraftjournal]

LOL thank you for this comment. You bring a great inside perspective.

[@timothysheppard3276]

Thanks for your honesty!! I am currently trying to find an all purpose machine for my wife and I. Torn between a fish pro trophy or Kawasaki Ultra 160.

[@timmanracing8776]

I come home, in the mornin' light My mother says, "When you gonna live your life right?" Oh momma dear, we're not the fortunate ones And girls, they wanna have fun Oh girls just wanna have fun The phone rings, in the middle of the night My father yells, "What you gonna do with your life?" Oh daddy dear, you know you're still number one But girls, they wanna have fun Oh girls just wanna have That's all they really want Some fun When the workin' day is done Oh girls, they wanna have fun Oh girls just wanna have fun (girls, they want) (Wanna have fun, girls) (Wanna have) Some boys take a beautiful girl And hide her away from the rest o' the world I wanna be the one to walk in the sun Oh girls, they wanna have fun Oh girls just wanna have That's all they really want Is some fun When the workin' day is done Oh girls, they wanna have fun Oh girls just wanna have fun (girls, they want) (Wanna have fun, girls) (Wanna have) They just want, they just wanna (girls) They just want, they just wanna (girls just wanna have fun) Oh girls, girls just wanna have fun (Just want, they just wanna) They just wanna, they just wanna (girls) They just want, they just wanna (girls just wanna have fun) Oh girls, girls just wanna have fun When the workin' When the workin' day is done Oh, when the workin' day is done Oh, girls, girls just wanna have fun Everybody Huh, huh They just want, they just wanna (girls) They just want, they just wanna (girls just wanna have fun) Oh, girls, girls just wanna have fun (They just wanna, they just wanna) when the workin' When the working day is done (they just want, they just wanna) Oh, when the working day is done (girls, girls just wanna have fun) Oh girls, girls just wanna have fun

[@watercraftjournal]

That's impressive. Now do "True Colors."

[@that_yacht_girl]

You may have some valid points, but what would be your pick then if you wanted a PWC with the capability to explore and go farther afield?

[@watercraftjournal]

Not this

[@that_yacht_girl]

@@watercraftjournal Not exactly constructive. Love your newsletter and I can see you had some valid points about this craft. I had nailed this one as the perfect PWC for me and my needs and you've made me think about that. It's a shame you couldn't suggest something that (in your opinion) could do the job better.

[@watercraftjournal]

A felled tree with a studded leather saddle would be better than this.

[@danteisthe1]

@@that_yacht_girl this is a specialized ski. There is nothing like it on the market to compare to. I recommend going with the fish pro and accessorizing it to fit your needs. There is also a N/A Kawasaki Ultra. It would probably be easier to ride. You can accessorize to fit your needs as well.

[@that_yacht_girl]

@@danteisthe1 The fish pro is the same hull, which was slated pretty heavily in the review and I really like the windshield and racks for kit. Just thought there might have been an alternative suggested as it was slated so badly...

[@bikerunswimjb]

if you like a platinum or denali truck, then buy this explorer. I luv mine!! my kids want a trix.

[@michaelmcmurphy3781]

I don’t think this is targeted for anyone other than the explorer and to include anything it’s not is simply not fair. This is clearly an up the river, find a secluded campsite and do some basic fishing. Offshore machine, no. Performance machine, no. It’s the Honda Ridgeline of Seadoos and to think of it as anything else is silly.

[@jeffbryner5355]

Ah seadoos first attempt into the grandfather goldwing of the sea lol.

[@watercraftjournal]

LOL

[@craigaustin4779]

There are several types of rider, you are just one of them. PWC are used for all sorts of uses not everyone gets to ride all of them, some of us pay for every second of riding. Riding spring and fall in Canada is chilly and windshields are going to be popular.

[@watercraftjournal]

There’s much more to this evaluation than just the windshield

[@craigaustin4779]

It's not just the windshield, it is an ATV for water. The review could have talked more about its intended purpose, not how bad it is when used for other purposes.

[@watercraftjournal]

And what pray tell do you think its purpose is other than jet skiing on the water while loaded to the brim with gear?

[@craigaustin4779]

@The Watercraft Journal Take it camping, do a multi day run to see if all that extra space is useful or a burden. Does it guzzle fuel when loaded, is the engine up to the task, could you do it better yourself using other accessories? Not complaining, but I am the type that likes questions that can't be answered, but have an issue with answers that can't be questioned. I watch, subscribe and comment, don't make it nasty just for fun.

[@watercraftjournal]

We took the skis on a 2-day overnight ride, stopped, set up camp, cooked fish tacos, packed up all of our HUNDREDS of pounds of gear, and rode a total of 120 miles during the trip. We each carried close to the ski's maximum capacity. The video and article details how the ski behaves when fully laden. It also notes how well the 1630 170 was able (or unable) to meet demand. It's all in there, Craig. It answers all of your questions.

[@teachingrounds]

Great review … you talked about that the basic appeal of pwc’s is the visceral feel you get with your environment. What is the ski best ski that does that?

[@JeTsKi_MiSfItS]

Seadoo gonna spank u & put u on time-out 🤣 but we, your audience, appreciate truth & honesty

[@watercraftjournal]

I literally emailed them yesterday beforehand. -K

[@PatriotSteve]

Kevin’s mentions the difficulty steering the Explorer into non-perpendicular waves. This seems to be more fact than opinion. I have a 2024 GTI on order and wondering if the steering in open ocean might be better in some ways with a gti hull vs the st3. I’m referring to medium to small waves - 3 or 4 feet and less. Am I making too much of the gti hull a few miles out to sea?

[@philippemadore843]

You people need to stop asking for this kind of c..p, sorry. And why dear God BRP still show beached ski,your killing me every time. Awesome professional review.

[@watercraftjournal]

Admittedly Kevin confessed to be party to encouraging people to want this stuff. Now he regrets it.

[@paulwatt8634]

Great review. This is a good machine for where I live in coastal British Columbia. It’s cold here a lot of the year. The water in the inlets is often flat and distances between fuel docks is far. There’s lots of places to camp. Also, I’ve sprayed myself a keel guard w clear coat and it seems to work well.

[@watercraftjournal]

Thanks for sharing

[@kamb6621]

Hi Paul Watt, im from BC and considering a Explorer Pro. How do you like the machine, what trips have you done and would you recommend it?

[@51oldcrow]

A Jeep was never designed to be comfortable Or perfect. The Explorer is the Jeep in the water. it’s ok to be…..not perfect . Speed is not everything !!!!

[@watercraftjournal]

This is no Jeep

[@pl1068]

This ski will sell the same way that a BMW Gs does because the people that can afford them are in their 50’s and don’t want a sports bike/ski anymore but want to travel with as much luxury as possible. I am 56.

[@watercraftjournal]

Maybe so

[@Tassie1966]

Another great review i like your honesty.👍

[@watercraftjournal]

I appreciate that!

[@danteisthe1]

Great review as usual 👏🏽

[@watercraftjournal]

Thanks again!

[@filippoviola6817]

So… a Yamaha FX does better in big ocean?

[@jason7830]

Sea doo’s version of a honda goldwing trike.

[@watercraftjournal]

LOL

[@henrytischbein155]

I let my mom borrow my seadoo before that it never has been beached and looked like the day it rolled off the assembly line got it back saw a scratch on the bottom still mad about it today this is why u should buy a standup so people don’t ask you to borrow your ski

[@watercraftjournal]

LOL smart!

[@DOCTOBASS]

It's clear this isn't the ski for long rides. Any current recommendations for a ski that's best for long distance rides in chop?

[@PatriotSteve]

long rides is exactly what this was built for. adjustable steering, cruise control, tons of storage. #1 for long haul.

[@jetskimafia2657]

Somone want to explain why the explorer got the nice handlebars and risers, yet the rxtx still has the plastic latch setup the breaks whenever your in rough chop

[@watercraftjournal]

Because any substantial pressure on the bars will collapse it, and RXT-X riders will do it far more often

[@imx3001]

Kevin how much cash do you need to change your saedoo to a kawasaki ultra 310X ? I am curious. The windshield killed your view? What a surprise. The hull is shitty? The Explorer Pro is uncontrollable in rough waters? Why they call it Explorer? What a surprise...

[@officialdadbrand]

I think this year I'll just buy the whole Sea Doo line-up.

[@watercraftjournal]

LOL

[@alexispadilla2606]

Ceramic coating on the windshield maybe?

[@watercraftjournal]

It won’t undo the literal chemical makeup of the plastic windshield.

[@matthammer3488]

I feel too dry on my GTX when riding on the lake. I prefer the SX-R and, getting gas every marina I see, to explore a lake in stand up, wet, and wake jumping style. I don't need to carry all that gear to explore a long river for a few days and the GTX so far seems to fit the bill. GTX is a whale and I call it Shamu now.

[@watercraftjournal]

We're not sure if you're joking.

[@stwings98]

I’ll keep my GTR230.

[@watercraftjournal]

It’s a great ski

[@steelzmb4262]

Definitely need wind shield wipers and some kind of window washing spray. 🤣😂

[@watercraftjournal]

LOL

[@patrickmanfred]

RainX

[@everyonelovesfriday2045]

I’m a 80’s kid who saved his money for a 440 in the back of a El Camino. When I had kids, I would ride them around on a SXR-800, which I still have, and they loved it. Now in my 50’s I broke down and bought a gp ho to be on the water more and it’s nice for what it is, it’s just not the same. Honestly we should never be calling these things jetskis because there’s zero skiing to it. It’s a boat nothing more. No skill, no balance nothing. Point and click. I can’t event imagine riding that pig BUT it looks like it will be good at what it was built for… not skiing

[@watercraftjournal]

I’m somewhere between the two of that.

[@JDsWaterWorld]

Looks like the Ski-Doo design team swapped desks with the SeaDoo design team..I guess as they say, if you throw enough Sh*T on the wall, eventually some will stick!

[@watercraftjournal]

Frankly, most of the blame lands on the people constantly whining about air/water/cold/heat/etc. Sea-Doo did their job.

[@keithknight25]

Love the voice over reviews Kevin. But I hate the explorer.

[@watercraftjournal]

So do we

[@JetskiMike]

When you're bored you can hook up the PlayStation to the screen and put it on autopilot I've heard

[@watercraftjournal]

LOL

[@wturn5354]

Well, it’s clearly an unbiased evaluation!!!

[@watercraftjournal]

No it’s entirely biased

[@Arbvid]

I thought i saw your comments on the fish pro Trophy 2022, this ski is identical to that ski shape wise from what i can tell, please correct me if i am wrong, it seems this review is very critical on the ski being unsafe in waves? I personally like the hull in the Atlantic (ponce inlet out) but I do find bow hunting on smaller waves through rivers. You mentioned Riva sponsons mitigating some of it, how much of a improvement is it?

[@donaldwest9103]

I have put the Riva Sponsons on my GTX 230 (hole #4) and immediately there was a huge difference in the handling of my ski in rough water and chop and turning at higher speeds on flat water. It will really bite hard! I also added the Riva Top Loader Intake Grate per the WCJ recommendation for the ST3 hull. I do not find it unsafe in waves at all. With the sponsons and more riding experience I have gained a whole new confidence in all conditions.

[@watercraftjournal]

RIVA Sponsons are the best weapon against MOST of this behavior; but when loaded down (as Sea-Doo wants it to be used) it becomes unmanageable. And the Fish Pro isn't used for long distance touring (see comments above from actual Trophy owners); the Explorer is and it's just not good at it.

[@Arbvid]

@@donaldwest9103 i didn't see a compatible intake grate for fish pro trophy 2022 on rivas site, am i mistaken?

[@donaldwest9103]

@@Arbvid Don't know. Sorry.

[@watercraftjournal]

No.

[@jasonmekush5280]

That skii is dangerous : mix a brand new rider with starpping 150 pounds of junk on the tail and lets see how well they navigate a busy waterway with crossing 2 foot boat wakes. I dont think many of these new riders will do well and a bunch will get into accidents.

[@watercraftjournal]

That was our take on it

[@eddyengelman5125]

Dew!

[@watercraftjournal]

"Do the Dew!"

[@cliffh8486]

This is an interesting watercraft to say the least. And I am almost sure, like the Kawasaki Jet Mate it will find its place “discontinued” at some point.

[@watercraftjournal]

It’s a little early to predict that

[@MikeS309]

It seems like it was a good idea...but they should have picked a different hull. The st3 hull is good for the fish pro as it is good at slow speeds....but for an adventure pwc they should have put it on a good offshore hull. I really liked the idea of this untill I saw the reviews...

[@scott8049]

The most negative review in the history of reviews

[@scott8049]

Negative review huh

[@watercraftjournal]

You think this was positive?

[@TomL2025]

This Explorer Pro is low on power, need 230 to 300 horsepower

[@PatriotSteve]

there is a 230

[@Hunter-ex2sw]

Wow Debbie Downer review 😂 but so true. This is for such an “adventure ride only”