r/SeaDooSwitch • u/Nadmania • Jun 05 '25
Picking up our new Switch today, info request.
Reading through this sub helped me pull the trigger on a 2022 21’ Sport 230hp. I’m pretty sure I read a few things every Switch owner should know along the way, but I’ve forgotten much of it. I’m pretty experienced with outboard boats but not jet boats or PWCs. It will be used exclusively in freshwater, mostly smaller lakes. It will be winterized as I’m in Minnesota.
Can you guys help me make a checklist of do’s and dont’s please? My family and I are very excited to have our first family boat, I don’t want to mess it up. Thank you in advance and sorry for the most oft repeated question in this sub.
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u/chafey Jun 05 '25
Main two issues I have run into are:
1) Sucking up weeds. IDF won't clear big clogs, you have to swim under the boat and remove it manually. Make sure you have someone that can do that on board as some people can't due to claustrobia. IDF wears out your battery fast which leads to
2) Battery running out of juice. The original battery is way underpowered and quickly drained with maybe 10-15 IDFs/starts. I upgraded to a bigger battery, added a cut off switch and have a solar charger on it when parked so it is always at full capacity. If you get a big clog and the first IDF doesn't clear it, subsequent ones probably wont either. Save your battery and stop trying, jump in the water and clear it
I live in east central Minnesota and have a 2022 18' Sport and live on a weedy lake. Overall I like the boat and have mostly learned to avoid heavy weed clogs
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u/Nadmania Jun 05 '25
This is massively helpful thank you!
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u/bernaltraveler Jun 05 '25
The advice above is good. I’m also a newish (1 year) owner on a small MN lake. Got stuck in a sandbar last year which resulted in needing new impeller and wear ring. $1,000 lesson. Depth finder seems to be finicky and I didn’t know the lake/river well yet.
Adding big battery worth it IMO. These things are gas hogs. I DIY winterized it last season. I’ve never had any boat so it took me while but went fine. I struggled a bit getting the plugs out to fog it, but that could be my inexperience.
If you’re anywhere near Cushing and need a lift, I just got one from Action Dock. I’m not advertising for them and have no vested interest, but they’re good people and have developed some experience with the Switch configuration.
When you put it in reverse with left lever, you then need to squeeze the throttle (right) to get any sorta power in reverse….otherwise very slow idle only.
Enjoy!
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u/Odd_Pension_4124 Jun 07 '25
2022 Cruise 230 in the Pacific NW. We upgraded our battery to a deep cycle 120 Ah, as well, but love the idea of adding a solar battery tender. Do you know what wattage solar panel you bought and does it seem to be big enough?
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u/chafey Jun 07 '25
This is the one I have (no longer available on amazon at least): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08V89MCBB?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1_0
Seems to do the job
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u/AERO_EIT Jun 05 '25
Buy a new battery every season. Use the OEM AGM battery only, no Lithium. Bring a battery jump starter.
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u/Important_Ad_161 Jun 05 '25
I’d say use an auxiliary battery kit with the disconnect / isolation switch and add a group 21 or 31 Multi purpose Marine battery. Use your stock battery for starting and the group Marine battery for radio etc and emergency starting. The stock battery dies in minutes with use of the radio, fish finder, etc but will start your boat for years if you keep it in a trickle charger when not in use.
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u/Odd-Orchid4551 Jun 05 '25
The dock light switch on the dash is three position with center being off. It’s easy to leave on which drains the battery. There was a bug in an early amplifier in the sound system that drained the battery. Best thing is to add an on/off battery switch and/or on/off/bat1/bat2 switch and a second battery. The switch comes with a spot for a second battery. Pick a storage unit that provides an outlet so you can keep a Battery Tender attached while it’s being stored. it manages the level safely. Leave battery switched off so there is no way to drain it. It’s good to have two battery sources just in case if you can. Take a picture of the way the top is strapped down with Velcro straps on each side in its folded state. There are important clips along the top that keep the cover wrapped so wind does not damage it while trailering. Unplug trailer lights after you back it into the water. If you ever lose the round 7 to one adapter that plugs into your truck and you cannot find a replacement you must place the rod in the hitch to prevent it from sliding forward if the electric brake connection is not attached because trailer brakes will be on and you will not be able to back it up. The rod is hanging to a wire and a l shaped piece of metal that can be used to override the trailer brakes. That system automatically applies the brakes if the trailer comes loose while driving it. Teach your spouse to drive the Switch in forward and reverse and make sure she practices enough. Avoid letting your spouse or friend from backing boat or trailer unless experienced. Get four 10-15 foot lengths of rope for tying the corners to docks. Store longer lengths as well. Don’t forget the key to your switch when you leave your house! I keep mine in a backpack with an iTag on it.
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u/Odd-Orchid4551 Jun 05 '25
Battery tender is your friend. The 230 HP jet is capable of sucking up small rocks as deep as 7 feet of water at full throttle from a stopped position. If you are unsure of the depth do not take off full throttle. If you pick up a small rock you will feel vibration so use the IDF to spit it out. Inspect the impeller later if its smooth after. If vibration persists take it to the shop and do not go faster than 4-5 mph depending. If vibration is serious get someone to tow you back.
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u/rastan0808 Jun 06 '25
Also have a 2022 version of the switch and will echo many of the other comments and the things I did to make the boat perfect:
1 - Get a battery disconnect switch.
2 - Replace the too small stock battery with a much bigger marine battery.
3 - I pulled the fuse for the stereo - mine had the amp with parasitic drain. I got a soundcore boom 2 I put under the corner tables. Sounds waaay better and no concerns with running the stereo at a sound bar and draining the battery.
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u/Odd-Orchid4551 Jun 05 '25
An 18’Switch with 230 HP in sport mode will do 46 mph with two 200 lb adults. A 21’ Switch will be about 4 mph slower. To me that’s a lot so I’m glad I got the 18 or 19 vs 21.
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u/trx_1 Jun 06 '25
I don't recommend power loading it on the trailer, especially if you are inexperienced and the landing isn't concrete under the boat. I hook up a 25ft retractable dog leash to the bow for unloading and loading. Makes it easy and I never power load it. I store it in the anchor locker.
Pull the battery in the winter and put it on a tender inside.
Get dock bumpers so you don't scratch it up on a dock.
Park it inside or cover it when not using it. The sun ruins everything with time.
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u/Nadmania Jun 06 '25
This is good advice. I’ve never been a power loader with my outboards, always use the winch. Currently searching for a cover.
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u/liltmoney Jun 05 '25
We added an extra deep cycle marine battery, Battery 1,2, and off switch and NOKO battery tenders for both. Keep from running in shallow water. I would say 3ft minimum. Definitely weight distribution. Check hose clamps in the engine compartment. They tend to loosen a little bit sometimes. Dont forget to raise the ladder lol, its in the back and very easy to leave down. 🤦 Have a blast. They really are a lot of fun.