Rain or shine was most definitely the spirit in Washington DC for the 2010 Sea-Doo Capital Press Event. The secret location this year was the new Gaylord National Resort on the Potomac River.

For most 2010 Sea-Doo watercraft line-up, you’ll recognize the new S3 hull and top-deck outline design characteristics introduced in 2009 for the iS models. As with any other top notch manufacturer, BRP has always emphasized in establishing proper DNA looks in all their products.

The stepped design of the S3 hull creates a low-pressure zone, reducing drag and keeping the hull glued to the water. This improves handling and top-end speed. And its narrow chine and deep-V design stabilize the watercraft.

To follow up on the new standardization of their hull, Sea-Doo has now implemented the world’s most advanced watercraft technology iControl which seamlessly integrates features such as Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC), Intelligent Brake & Reverse (iBR), and Intelligent Suspension (iS) in all their units except the RXP-X, RXP, WAKE 155 and GTI models. Intelligent Suspension (iS) is only available on selected models.

Off-Power Assisted Steering System (O.P.A.S) is no longer available with the S3 hull; however Sea-Doo uses Off-Throttle Assisted Steering System (O.T.A.S.). O.T.A.S. monitors the rider's steering input as well as the operational speed and automatically increases engine speed to provide additional power when necessary. This advanced technology continuously monitors engine rpm to determine if the craft is being operated at a low or high speed. If running at idle speed, the system does not engage. If the speed is higher, the system will be functional.

All new models with iControl technology strive for fuel efficiency. New for 2010 gauge features include fuel consumption instant and average, time to empty, distance to empty and altitude, and the return of the clock. Features I was glad to have after a long day of test riding on the new RXT-X with only 2 bars of gas left and clearly nowhere near a marina.

The digital information center's easy-to-read LCD panel gives you all the info you need at a glance. Available with up to 28 functions, including analog and GPS speedometers, compass, suspension gauge, cruise control and slow-speed mode indicators, Variable Trim System gauge and presets, and Learning Key setting. And you can customize your display and save your preferences, so you only see what you want to.

Tilt steering is no longer just available on the Limited models. The handlebar position can be easily adjusted using a simple latch. The entire gauge center tilts in synch with the steering allowing full view whether riding sitting down or standing up as well as to accommodate riders of different heights.

Hinged contoured touring seats are now standard on all 3 seaters, offering greater comfort and lower back support for you and your passenger. A hinge allows the seat to open vertically and provide easier access to the engine compartment. It also eliminates the where do I put my seat now dilemma.

As for the horsepower war … Sea-Doo boosts the power to 260 HP on its 2010 GTX Ltd iS, RXT iS and RXT-X.

The 2010 RXT-X now with 260 HP has the best power to ratio of any 3 seater watercraft, thus remaining the quickest and fastest accelerating PWC in its class. Other convenience features for the RXT family includes new Sport/Touring mode so operators can choose between two throttle responses for different riding styles: Touring for progressive throttle response, ideal for cruising and 2-up riding; Sport for instant throttle response, ideal for aggressive 1-up riding. Mode which indeed worked as promised and delivered the outmost performance in both handling and speed with a full tank of gas and with less than half tank.

The 2010 RXT-X not only received a new look and color scheme, but also a new X-Steering with A.E.S. (Adjustable Ergonomic Steering). This new steering system allows for the rider to further extend the handle bars as well as adjust the handle grip angle. This is truly the best setup for all-around runabout
racing.

The WAKE PRO 215 returns again as the only PWC built specifically for towing sports. Thanks to Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC), Sea-Doo was able to integrate an exclusive Ski Mode. It works similar as with PerfectPass utilized in Sea-Doo Sport Boats. The new Ski Mode provides the first-ever launch control for a PWC allowing the rider to select between 5 acceleration profiles and target speed for consistent pulls every time. This mode can easily be added to other Sea-Doo models with iControl.

Last but not least in the growing “i” world of Sea-Doo personal watercraft, the engineers could not control themselves but to develop a new trailer: Sea-Doo Advanced Tec PWC trailer with iCatch technology. This new patent pending trailer design is the only one in the industry to make it almost bullet proof to trailer your Sea-Doo watercraft, launch it and load it back on in seconds without the assistance of the car/truck driver. The iCatch offers a release system which eliminates traditional winch process. To launch your Sea-Doo simply get on top of the walk pad conveniently located around your PWC. Sit on your PWC and then release the lever. To load, just drive forward and the premium roller bunk system in conjunction with the surrounding walk pad will double as a guidance for trouble free alignment of the hull.

Sea-Doo Sport Boats also got some new innovations and standard features. There are three new platforms: 210 Challenger SE, 210 Challenger, and 210 WAKE. With these all-new sport boat models, Sea-Doo enters the 21ft market, the most popular in the industry. Each 210 model is powered by either a 310 HP or 430 HP Rotax 4-TEC engine. These new models offer well design cockpit, large living space as well as introducing Transat seats on the rear sundeck without sacrificing any space.

All three new models also receive a new state-of-the-art information display, stereo system with USB port, and a new rack and pinion steering for reduced steering effort and easier maneuvering. The new gauge comes as a result of including Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) to allow benefits such as progressive throttle, cruise control, engine synchronization, docking mode and improved fuel economy.

Also for 2010, the Sea-Doo 200 Speedster comes back with 510 HP. Making it the fastest 20-footer on the water at a top speed of 65mph and 0 – 30mph in 2.1 seconds.

I"ll have to agree with the Sea-Doo team ... For 2010, BRP sets a new standard for the exceptional performance, industry-leading technology and exclusive innovations that make the Sea-Doo brand #1 in sales, #1 in market share, #1 in performance and #1 in innovation.