The Ozarks area is one of the biggest recreational boating markets in North America and Beaver Lake was the ideal spot to hold this event. While the area is a popular water destination, nearby Bentonville, Ark., is better known as the first distribution center and home office for Walmart that opened in 1972.

Not all media events are created equal. We quickly realized this when Sea-Doo invited a group of select marine journalists to “the lake house” in Arkansas last fall to be among the first to see the all-new Switch Cruise Limited that was being released for the 2024 model year.

In late 2021, we were one of the first to get out on the Switch series of pontoon boats when they were just being released. The Switch, Switch Sport, and Switch Cruise, ranging from 13 to 21 feet, have taken the industry by storm and the most appealing quality might just be the starting prices ($23,699, $28,999, and $33,199 respectively) that include a trailer that can be towed behind a variety of smaller-sized vehicles.

“The Sea-Doo Life” has been more than just a motto as BRP has gone to great lengths to produce models its customers demand. The invitation to the Sea-Doo Lake House on Beaver Lake in northwest

Arkansas and the release of the Switch Cruise Limited, perfectly align with the positive industry vibes BRP has created.

The award-winning Sea-Doo Switch now offers enhanced comfort and convenience as well as upgraded technologies in the new Limited. Following two years of complete success, Sea-Doo has expanded its lineup to include this new pontoon model that starts at $50,999 and includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen with BPR Connect, depth finder, Garmin 7-inch GPS touchscreen, BRP premium audio system and of course a trailer.

“Our commitment to relentless innovation, continued refinement and creating industry-leading experiences has been our guiding light to deliver the most comprehensive lineup of personal watercraft and pontoons in the industry,” says James Heintz, director of Global Product Strategy, Sea-Doo & Marine Group at BRP. “In addition to revolutionary watercraft, we also know that owners look to personalize their experience. Our accessory teams have worked hand in hand with our vehicle engineers to launch 25 new on-water accessories for our entire lineup that cater to unparalleled days on the water.”

On The Water

After a brief presentation on the new Sea-Doo products at the Groovy Nana cabin, a retro retreat with a vintage 70s vibe that is a popular rental property, we were ready to get on the lake. We divided into groups to conquer three different stations and the pontoon tour took us around to see the highlights of Beaver Lake. During the course of the years following the original Switch pontoon release, it became very apparent to the Sea-Doo management that owners enjoy customizing their Switch boats to fulfill their needs out on the water.

At 21 feet long and powered by a 230hp Rotax engine, the new Switch Cruise Limited enhances the cruising experience with a host of upgraded technology, improved comfort and unique design elements.

A premium captain’s chair with adjustable ergonomics, additional seating and a full swim platform will make the whole family comfortable and happy. A unique exterior and interior color scheme along with interior lighting and limited badging and trim truly set the Switch Cruise Limited apart.

Steering

I thought the unique, Sea-Doo-inspired handlebar steering system would feel out of place on a pontoon but I was wrong. It feels completely natural like you’re steering a Sea-Doo personal watercraft; you just happen to be on a pontoon. And with the iBR (Intelligent Brake & Reverse) system you actually have brakes–a first for a pontoon–and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I could slow the boat down, even at high speeds.

I also love how easy it is to reverse using this system. Talk about complete control. As I pulled in to the shore to return to the lake house it was extremely easy to handle and it almost felt like the boat had thrusters on it. From seasoned skippers to first-time boaters, the fear of docking is greatly reduced.

Although there to cover the Sea-Doo Switch Cruise Limited, ripping around the lake on the new Sea-Doo RXP-X that is capable of going from 0 to 60mph in seconds was a lot of fun too.

Just Show’n Off

Besides the pontoon tour, at another station we got the chance to run the new Sea-Doo RXP-X that features a class leading supercharged 325hp Rotax 1630 ACE engine, delivering a 0-60 mph time below 3.4 seconds. An obstacle course was organized and we all had a blast powering through the tight corners.

At the final station we did our best to complete a bingo card of tricks on the 2024 Sea-Doo Spark Trixx that takes fun to a new level with the progression of its iconic design that is both playful and functional. When BRP/Sea-Doo Media Relations, Experiential, and Special Projects Manager Tim McKercher started explaining how to do a tail stand, I admit I had my doubts. But it proved to actually be quite easy to do and we had a blast playing around on it.

(left) Inside the “groovy” lake house was 70s-inspired decor (with modern touches) that served as a great base for details on the new Sea-Doo product presentation. (right top) In order to “spark” some fun, the Sea-Doo event coordinators created a bingo card of different tricks to try on its new generation Sea-Doo Spark and Spark Trixx. (right middle) The original Walton Five and Dime, still located on the Bentonville town square in Arkansas, was under construction at the time while working to create a museum to the Walmart empire. (right bottom) Parked out front of the 21C Museum Hotel in Bentonville, Ark., is the Fleetwood Cadillac limousine covered with thousands of nickels, dimes and pennies that was built in 1962, the same year that the Walmart company was founded. Because Walmart influences pricing on a national scale, the company saves every household $952 annually—the same dollar amount represented by the coins on this limousine.

(first) Inside the “groovy” lake house was 70s-inspired decor (with modern touches) that served as a great base for details on the new Sea-Doo product presentation. (second) In order to “spark” some fun, the Sea-Doo event coordinators created a bingo card of different tricks to try on its new generation Sea-Doo Spark and Spark Trixx. (third) The original Walton Five and Dime, still located on the Bentonville town square in Arkansas, was under construction at the time while working to create a museum to the Walmart empire. (fourth) Parked out front of the 21C Museum Hotel in Bentonville, Ark., is the Fleetwood Cadillac limousine covered with thousands of nickels, dimes and pennies that was built in 1962, the same year that the Walmart company was founded. Because Walmart influences pricing on a national scale, the company saves every household $952 annually—the same dollar amount represented by the coins on this limousine.

Perfect Night

Following a fun day on the lake we retreated to the lake house for dinner, conversation and a bit of relaxation as we were all a little tired from playing in the sun all day. Sea-Doo event organizers ended an epic day on the water with an enjoyable evening of live music that had us feeling like we were on vacation instead of a supposed work trip.

It will be hard to top this day as all media events for years will be compared to the Groovy Nana Lake House Sea-Doo event.