Sea-Doo Combines the Style of a Skiboat with the Thrill of a Jetboat in the Utopia 205 SE.

By Capt. Bob Smith

From a distance the Utopia 205 SE looks like a typical runabout bowrider, but up close you realize this is one powerful jet drive, runabout ready for action. Sea-Doo now powers these boats with four-stroke Rotax 4-TEC jet drive engines. That means the designers of this boat coupled comfort and style with the power and performance of twin jet drive engines to give you an awesome, comfortable ride.

Up Front

Seating in the bow area consists of dual facing benches with a smaller middle seat right at the peak. Underneath the benches are storage boxes that can double as temporary coolers and the storage under the peak seat holds a Danforth style anchor and line. Safety grab handles are on each side as well as a drinkholder in each corner next to the full-size wrap-around windshield.

Helm

Between the helm and companion seats is a huge ski locker for skis and other large items. Two drinkholders are on the top of the dash and a 12 volt connection for your MP3 player or cell phone charger. The glove box is plenty big to keep your papers, CDs and other items dry. Over on the driver’s side is a compact but very visible dash with wood-grain accents, analog gauges, and a burlwood wheel. Rocker switches to the left include a switch to activate the One-Touch Inlet Clearance system that clears the jet pump of debris. And as seen on many outboard and I/O style boats, the throttle and shifter on this Utopia 205 SE are combined. On the companion side is an extra-wide seat that swivels to open up the cockpit for providing more space to hang out when at anchor. Also on the companion side is a safety grab bar to both the left and right, and a speaker on the side panel.

Cockpit Features

The cockpit continues in the stern with a split bench seat. Beneath the port side, Sea-Doo installed a fire extinguisher. The side panels back here feature drinkholders, safety grab handles and generous side pocket storage. The bimini top on this model has its own space that puts is completely out of sight when not in use. Lift up the sun pad and the bimini drops down in a tray across the back. The storage tray under the sun pad and over the engines is large enough to keep all the life jackets handy. This tray also has a nesting space for the table when it is not in use. And by removing the tray there is excellent access to the twin Rotax 4-TEC engines.

The rear deck is designed for leisure at anchor. The two-tiered swim platform creates a very comfortable relaxing position at the stern. The 205 SE platform comes with a center tow eye for towing a skier and several grab handles to assist when reboarding from the telescoping swim ladder.

The snap-in carpet, cockpit cover, tonneau cover, stereo remote, and depth sounder are standard on the SE model.

Specifics

The Utopia 205 SE measures 19’10” length overall with a beam of 8’0’’, although it feels like much more. She weighs a scant 2,590 lbs and carries 40 gallons of fuel. Oil capacity for the twin 310-hp Rotax engines is 3.5 liters. BRP uses an Axial Flow single-stage drive on this model and a stainless steel impeller. Draft requirements are typical for a jet drive at only 12”. The Utopia 205 SE is designed to seat 8 with a maximum capacity of 1,320 lbs.

Performance

We tested the Utopia in less than desirable conditions on the Intracoastal waters of Sebastian, FL. She handled very well in 2’ chop and performed as though in calmer waters. She had a cruise speed of 27.8 mph at 5000 rpm with 119 mile cruise range. The Utopia 205 SE topped out at 52.6 mph at 7400 rpm and was quick to plane in only 2.7 seconds.

If you prefer the contemporary styling of a modern ski boat but want the thrill only a jet boat can deliver, the Utopia 205 SE from Sea-Doo does a great job of fitting the bill.

• Top speed for the Sea-Doo Utopia 205 SE (2006-) is 52.6 mph (84.7 kph), burning 21.3 gallons per hour (gph) or 80.62 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Sea-Doo Utopia 205 SE (2006-) is 27.8 mph (44.7 kph), and the boat gets 3.31 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.41 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 119 miles (191.51 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 155-hp BRP 4-Tech.