I was in the exact same boat last year (pun intended 😄). I ended up going with the Sea-Doo because most of my time is spent on the lake, and nothing really compares when it comes to carving through the water or pulling a tube behind. It’s super intuitive even for beginners, and some models have enough storage to pack a picnic or some light gear for the day. That said, my brother went the Can-Am route — he’s a trail junkie, and those things are beasts off-road. We actually rented both first before committing. I highly recommend trying them out if you’re on the fence. A great place to do that is
bluff creek marina — they offer boat rentals and powersport options, so you can get a feel for each before deciding. Their staff was really patient and helped us understand the differences between the models. Also, one thing to consider: Sea-Doo has some crossover models now that handle shallow water and tight turns better than ever. I’m not saying don’t get a Can-Am, but if your adventures are 70% water, 30% trail... I’d lean toward Sea-Doo!