Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Sea-Doo Sportster LT 2002 vs Sea-Doo Switch Fish 18 - 230 hp 2027: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Sea-Doo Sportster LT 2002 vs Sea-Doo Switch Fish 18 - 230 hp 2027 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 230 hp, the Sea-Doo Switch Fish 18 - 230 hp 2027 has a 60-hp advantage over the Sea-Doo Sportster LT 2002's 170-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sea-Doo Switch Fish 18 - 230 hp 2027 carries 47 gallons versus 27 gallons in the Sea-Doo Sportster LT 2002. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The Sea-Doo Switch Fish 18 - 230 hp 2027 at 17,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Sea-Doo Sportster LT 2002 at 14,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking - a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
ModelSportster LT
ModelSwitch Fish 18
Model Year2002
Model Year2027
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail2780 lbs. (1261 kg)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg1261
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.2780
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 1 in.
Beam93.5 in / 2.4 m
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Meters2.4
Beam - Inches85
Beam - Inches93.5
Deadrise20℃
Deadrisenot available
Draft [max] - Detail12 in.
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.3
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches12
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail1,235 lbs.
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg560.19
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.1235
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet14
Length - Feet17.4
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail14 ft. 6 in.
Length overall - Detail17.4 ft / 208.8 in / 5.3 m
Length overall - Meters4.42
Length overall - Meters5.3
Length overall - Inches174
Length overall - Inches208.8
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardTwin 85 hp 720 Rotax engines, Two stroke, twin cylinder
Engine/s standardnot available
ExhaustTwin tuned
Exhaustnot available
Impeller140 mm stainless steel
Impellernot available
Intake grateBombardier Weedless intake system
Intake gratenot available
Jet pumpFormula Venturi, large hub pump
Jet pumpnot available
Fuel system(2) Mikuni BN 40-38 carburetors x 2
Fuel systemnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail27 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail47 US gal / 176 L
Fuel tank capacity - Liters102.21
Fuel tank capacity - Liters176
Fuel tank capacity - Gal27
Fuel tank capacity - Gal47
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeJet propulsion
Engine max170 hp
Engine maxnot available
BatteryElectric/12 volt
Batterynot available
LubricationVariable Ratio Oil Injection (VROI)
Lubricationnot available
Oil capacity - Detail2.3
Oil capacity - Detailnot available
Oil capacity - Liters8.71
Oil capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGasoline
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower230
Engine makenot available
Engine makeRotax
Engine modelnot available
Engine model1630 ACE 230
Operational Info
Maximum capacity715 lbs.
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people8
Maximum people8
Boat typenot available
Boat typePontoon
Storagenot available
Storage118.6 US gal / 448.9 L
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialPolytec
Hull typenot available
Hull typeTri-Hull
Warranty Info
Warrantynot available
Warranty3-year engine/materials; 10-year hull/structure
Options / Other
Optionsnot available
OptionsPublished trolling package equipment: Garmin Force Kraken trolling motor with HD transducer, dual Garmin GPS/fish finders and bow screen mount kit; 18 US gal / 68 L cooler/livewell.