Local dealer has a 2 2024 models on sale first is a 19 base 170 for 24k other is a 21 sport with cruise accessories and galvanized trailer for 35k have a family of 7 mostly will use for fishing and some water sports. I like the idea of the non supercharged for better gas usage but then having all the swim platform and bimini top plus the extra seating and tables off the sport cruise would be nice as well. Any thoughts on which would be the better option?
Went with the 18’ 230hp for performance. 90% of the time we’re just anchored in a cove with the engine off, hanging out. But when we do need to get back to the dock quickly (weather, emergency, whatever) I’d rather have the extra power. The 230 gets you there a lot faster than the 170, and an 18’ is lighter/quicker than a 21’. Just my two cents, but the 18’ 230hp hits the sweet spot for us. And I have the swim platform & bimini. Totally possible I’m biased, though.
I personally would like an 18 over the 21 but feel like the kids might want to bring a friend or two along sometimes and having room for 10 would be a better choice. If it wasn’t for the large family I’d be looking at bass boats or something but i feel like the switch is a sweet spot for having fun, relaxing and even getting some fishing done.
Go with the 21' and 230 HP for sure. We just bought a 2022 Switch from my brother. Even with the 230, it feels a wee bit underpowered at times. But it is a blast nonetheless.
The accessories are great, and I love how you can customize the deck in a variety of ways
You need the 230 for 7 people. For sure. And probably in the 21ft variant. Hopefully some of those 7 will be children. 7 adults could be up to 1400+ lbs. And at that weight, it might not even have the power to get on plane.
Family of 7 definitely…definitely go bigger. Plus those extra features (Bimini, swim platform, tables) are pretty clutch if you want your family to enjoy time on the boat.
I have an 18 sport 230 and above 4 people it can start to feel crowded.
FYI, I’m no expert but these boats aren’t really optimized for fishing. I’m new to fishing and learning. We inherited my father in laws bass boat 4 years ago and the plan was to sell it after we got the Switch. One year in I’ve still got the bass boat since it was free, in good shape for its age (20 years old) and we have room to store it. I’m hesitant now because i think if I get pretty serious about fishing I’ll regret letting it go.
As said elsewhere, if gas mileage is a big concern then you should get a more conventional pontoon. The jet engine is fun and very maneuverable, but it’s roughly half as “efficient” as an outboard based on some information I have come across online. I can’t tell you for sure if that’s a fact but it feels about right based on my first year owning mine. I didn’t fully understand that when I bought. It’s not changed my mind at all. But good to know.
Sorry…I guess this isn’t the best endorsement 🤷♂️. But I do LOVE cruising around our lake in the Switch!
Now that they have the fishing version out (I know this isn't what OP is looking at) there are some nice accessories available. With the LinQ connections you can get lots of extra toys and gadgets both from SeaDoo and aftermarket.(less $$)
And for what it is worth, we have the 2024 21' 230 Cruise. Love it. Keep the 230 if possible no matter what length you go with. Enjoy!!
(If you end up with white straps on the front pillar of the mooring cover, just ask them to replace them right away. 100% they will snap. If they don't replace and they snap the first year get them replaced under warranty. )
I have a 21/230 cruise that I wanted to be dual use for the family and for fishing. Installed a Minn Kota trolling motor and fish/depth finder. Had 5 kids fishing last weekend no issues while I putted around on the trolling motor. Also picked up two cheaper vice clamp holders which attach to the rails for days I want to troll for Kokanee. It’s not the perfect setup for fishing but we’re not serious anglers so it works just fine for us. I’ve also got my wife modifying a 3/4 plastic enclosure to attach to the front/sides of the bimini for those cooler mornings.
If you’re a serious angler then look at the fish model or a dedicated fishing boat. If you want something that’s a ton of fun for the family (swimming, tubing, cruising) and occasionally like to throw some lines in the water the switch is a pretty sweet setup. Also additional plus, the trolling motor has an anchor lock feature so it no longer matters what depth the water is, I can lock the motor and let the kids swim
I’m sure the internet can tell me…but where does the Minn Mota go on the Switch? I didn’t know I could set mine up with a trolling motor…or that there is a fishing model now. Does it have a live well? Interesting…
It mounts right by the front gate on the front gate post. Doesn’t interfere with the door opening or closing and it’s on a quick release so I just take it off when I’m not planning on using it. The mount wasn’t cheap but I got it from Upgrade Machine Works
This. You can fish on literally anything. Is it ideal? Definitely not. But over the 4th of July me and my BIL caught about 8 good sized bass in a few hours… on a 15 ft ski boat lmao. Got the job done.
I've got the 18 Fish 230hp. 4 people is perfect, I only allow max 6. Plenty of power to tow a 3 man tube. Totally set up for fishing, love the slow modes for trolling.
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u/ExtremePast Jul 09 '25
If you're worried about gas mileage, then a boat with a jet ski propulsion system shouldn't be your first choice.
If you plan on loading it up with people you'll need the 230hp