We’re proud to present our very first water test. This new chapter continues the expertise we’ve developed over the years in the off-road, snowmobile and motorcycle worlds. The magazine is produced by Raven Media, a well-established player in powersports for decades!
A breath of fresh air from BRP!
In 2022, BRP took everyone by surprise with the launch of its pontoon boat, a bold concept that shook up the traditions of recreational boating. With a focus on versatility and accessibility, the Switch offers an innovative, modular platform at a price that’s affordable for everyone.
Redesigned to suit your needs
One of the most impressive features of the Switch pontoon, and the very source of its name, is its ability to be transformed to suit your preferences. Thanks to an ingenious system of quick-release fasteners, benches and accessories can be moved, added or removed in the blink of an eye.
You can create a convivial space for chatting with friends during a peaceful stroll, or arrange the front of the pontoon to take full advantage of the lake view. It’s all possible. This freedom of design makes it a preferred choice for those looking for a boat that suits their lifestyle, whether it’s relaxation, exploration, or water sports.
A center console inspired by the world of powersports
The Switch Sport 21”s steering console takes a simplified yet functional approach, inspired directly by jet skis. It features handlebars with a grip, with the throttle on the right and the brake/reverse lever on the left. This system makes it possible to quickly manipulate the turbine’s position, offering precise maneuverability, whether for low-speed maneuvers or safe docking.
The console also houses most of the useful controls, including front and rear navigation lights, a horn, engine compartment ventilation, and many other functions that ensure safe and intuitive use.
A practical, well-thought-out pilot’s seat
The pilot’s seat, meanwhile, stands out for its versatility. It offers two seat heights thanks to a fold-down section, so you can drive comfortably seated or standing, depending on navigation conditions. What’s more, it swivels, an appreciated feature when you’re at anchor: simply turn it to enjoy the atmosphere on board and chat with your passengers.
A space designed for relaxation
The 21-foot Sport version can comfortably accommodate up to 9 people, and space is well optimized, thanks to the modularity of the benches and the large living area. At the front of the pontoon, you’ll find a configuration designed for relaxation. Two well-positioned backrests allow passengers to sit on the ground in a relaxed posture, with legs stretched out, rather like a floating lounge. The whole is covered with comfortable foam squares, making moments in front of the boat particularly pleasant, whether for sunbathing or a well-deserved break after a nautical activity.
A three-keel design…
The Switch Sport pontoon rests on a three-keel platform made of molded plastic, a choice of material that combines lightness, excellent impact resistance and durability in the face of frequent scratches when launching or docking on more abrasive banks.
What makes this configuration particularly interesting is that the central keel is both wider and deeper than those on either side. This design allows the Switch to adopt a slight inward inclination when cornering at moderate to high speeds, a behavior more typical of a traditional boat than of a conventional pontoon, and one that contributes greatly to the pleasure of piloting.
Well thought-out stability at the stern…
At the rear, BRP has integrated two compensating flaps, attached to shock absorbers that work together to maintain longitudinal stability, particularly useful when encountering waves or unevenly distributed loads. Note that these are not adjustable but are fitted with shock absorbers to offer a degree of flexibility. Two longitudinal bars have also been added to the central hull, helping to improve handling at high speeds or in rougher conditions.
The powertrain
BRP uses the concept of an inboard engine, i.e., inside the main bilge. Our 21-foot Sport test model features a 1630cc, 3-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with ACE technology and turbocharging, producing a very respectable 230 horsepower.
Turbine concept!
This generous 230 hp is transmitted to a turbine via a drive shaft, a well-proven technology in the world of Sea-Doo watercraft. The company has opted for a closed, safe system that eliminates exposed propellers, while ensuring direct, high-performance propulsion.
The system includes Sea-Doo’s well-known IBR (Intelligent Brake and Reverse) technology. This is an intelligent brake and reverse operated via the lever on the left of the handlebars. This allows you to switch quickly from forward to neutral or reverse, without letting go of the handlebar with a single finger, making dockside maneuvers easier. It can also be used as a braking system. Another useful innovation is the IDF system (Intelligent Debris-Free Pump System). This turns the turbine in the opposite direction, to remove debris such as seaweed, small stones or floating debris, which could accumulate during shallow water passages. This function can literally save your trip on the water, avoiding manual intervention or a premature return to the dock.
BRP anchor
An optional anchor is available from BRP, and we’ve installed i. Courtesy of the PA&A division. The anchor is completely concealed in a special compartment. Indispensable for stabilization, especially on the river!
Designed for life on board and water sports
Designed with water sports enthusiasts in mind, the Switch Sport features an inflatable tube holder and a well-positioned rearview mirror. The latter allows the driver to easily keep an eye on rear passengers, ensuring safety and fun during water sports activities.
To complete the equipment, BRP integrates a Garmin navigation system with 7-inch touch screen. Easy to consult even while underway, this tool offers a wealth of useful information: cartography, speed, depth, route tracking… All to make every outing both more enjoyable and safer.
A full test on various Quebec water conditions
Our test took place over more than 25 hours of navigation, covering a variety of conditions and water packages, from the St. Lawrence River and Lake Saint-Pierre, often subject to sustained winds, to the Saint-Maurice River, narrower but characterized by a constant strong current.
In all these situations, the 230-hp Rotax 1630 ACE turbo proved up to the task. There’s more than enough power to keep things fun, and even a slightly sporty ride when you want to push the machine a little harder. Thanks to its deeper center keel, the Switch behaves dynamically when cornering, with a slight inward tilt that feels more like a boat than a traditional pontoon.
In terms of performance, we recorded a top speed of around 68 km/h with a single driver on board. With four or five adults, this speed stabilizes at around 55 km/h, which is still very respectable for a pontoon boat. Acceleration is brisk and pick-up efficient, even under load.
The 21-foot version undeniably offers the best stability in the Switch range. When navigating rougher waters, such as the St. Lawrence River, the boat cuts through waves, even those generated by larger vessels, with confidence, provided you maintain an approach angle of between 45 and 90 degrees. This configuration ensures excellent control and passenger comfort.
Bimini roof!
The bimini top, which comes as standard with this version, was much appreciated during our outings. Whether it’s for protection from the scorching sun or for temporary shelter from more sustained downpours, it gets the job done. That said, for those wishing to extend their outings despite the vagaries of the weather, the option of a roof covering a larger surface area, combined with the side awnings, will enable you to completely enclose the living area, adding a new level of comfort.
Now let’s talk about the highlight: the interior layout. The possibilities are virtually limitless. You can rearrange the seats to suit your needs, either to sit further back, more comfortably near the cockpit, or right at the front. At the same time, you can move the comfortable foam tiles in front to the rear as you wish.
The bow is equipped with two sun loungers at deck level, allowing you to relax on the foredeck while soaking up the sun.
A Bluetooth sound system installed in the central steering column comes as standard, allowing you to listen to music. The engineers have also added two USB ports for recharging your electronic gadgets.
Switch pontoons feature the LinQ quick-release system that BRP has been familiar with for over a decade. It’s a high-performance system that’s also extremely sturdy, allowing you to attach coolers, gas cans and much more. There are two sets on the rear platform, as well as in several places on the pontoon.
The cushioned rear platform is a good size, and also features a retractable ladder for easy access out of the water. It also has an anchorage point for water sports if you want to go tripping or waterskiing.
The switch pontoon really is a mix of the two nautical components usually found on the water. User-friendliness and stability, a nice width with plenty of room for fun, and also a slightly sportier ride when you feel like stepping on the gas pedal and making a few tighter turns for a bit of adrenaline. A nice compromise, and what can we say about the virtually unlimited options BRP offers on their nautical products? Take the time to check the website or the manuals to make sure you haven’t missed any, because the possibilities are virtually limitless.
For the occasion, the PA&A (Parts, Accessories & Apparel) department kindly lent us various LinQ accessories. The huge 51-litre LinQ cooler with the additional 20-litre extension fitted with two rod holders, to keep your meals and drinks cool! A 20-liter LinQ fuel tank and a 14-liter Sea-Doo portable cooler.
Two points for improvement…
The boarding door is located at the front, whereas most of the time, docking is done from the side, so you have to step over the side wall. As a second observation, we noticed that water remains inside the bellows of the two stabilizer flap dampers, which could lead to premature rusting.
A few figures…
After a little over 25 hours of use, we consumed around 450 liters of ordinary petrol, the recommended amount, which equates to an approximate consumption of 25 liters per hour. These figures are very approximate and vary greatly according to speed, the number of people on board and the current.
In closing, a huge thank you to BRP and more specifically to Stéphanie Giroux, worldwide public relations advisor, who made the 2025 Switch Sport Pontoon test ride possible!
Photos: Courtesy of Chantal Quirion
