Back in September I had the opportunity to travel to Arkansas to test out some new PWC offerings from Sea-Doo. Full disclosure, I also come from a Sea-Doo family. We’ve owned several over the years (most recently an RXT-X 300), so I was pretty excited to experience these new models in person.
The big news is of course the new supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE 325-hp engine. This is currently the highest horsepower rating from a factory built PWC engine. It allows for an increase in peak RPMs from 8000 to 8250, thanks to a more robust cylinder block and crankshaft improvements paired with new coated pistons and forged rocker arms in the valve train. It also comes with a redesigned air intake system—a new intake grate and larger diameter intake hose enable higher burst pressure capability and a larger volume.
The supercharger design features a new booster with planetary gear drive for improved lubrication, which allows for faster rotation and increased efficiency of boost production. Precise control comes from a more robust engine management system ensuring efficient, predictable power delivery.
With this new 325-hp engine, 0-60 acceleration is clocked at 3.4 seconds. So, it’s not only the most powerful but the quickest engine on the market to date, and it features the highest PWC horsepower to weight ratio in the industry. Currently you’ll find the Rotax 1630 ACE 325 on the 2024 RXT-X and the RXP-X.
Sea-Doo also announced the launch of the GTR-X with its supercharged Rotax 1630 300-hp ACE engine, signaling what they considered the rebirth of accessible high-performance PWCs.
So, what are the main differences between these three models? Sea-Doo describes the GTR-X as “playful and predictable,” the RXT-X as having “superior stability and control,” and the RXP-X as having “unparalleled high-performance control.”
The big news is of course the new supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE 325-hp engine. This is currently the highest horsepower rating from a factory built PWC engine. It allows for an increase in peak RPMs from 8000 to 8250, thanks to a more robust cylinder block and crankshaft improvements paired with new coated pistons and forged rocker arms in the valve train. It also comes with a redesigned air intake system—a new intake grate and larger diameter intake hose enable higher burst pressure capability and a larger volume.
The GTR-X features the lowest cost-per-horsepower in the industry. For those looking for a mix of performance, versatility, and price accessibility, this model would check a lot of those boxes. While it has 300 instead of 325-hp, it still achieves a 0-60 mph acceleration time of around four seconds thanks to an extended VTS, launch control, and polished impeller. It also features low-rise handlebars, an Ergolock two-piece racing seat, angled footwell wedges, and the GTR hull, which delivers even more playful and nimble handling while remaining stable and predictable. A larger fuel tank, swim platform with LinQ attachment capability, spacious seating, and extensive storage allow riders to spend even more time on the water.
On the RXP-X, a high-performance supercharged engine is paired with an impressive hull design for superior handling. Utilizing the T3-R ultra-deep V design enables pinpoint precision, especially in rough water. A unique shark gill design at mid-hull regulates airflow under the hull giving the rider more predictable handling at high speeds. Aggressive X sponsons further improve confidence in tight turns. One of my favorite features was the adjustable Ergolock R seating system—an adjustable rear saddle offers five inches of front to back range, allowing riders to “lock in,” which is essential when hitting those eye-watering speeds up to 70 mph.
The RXT-X is all about stability and control. A lower center of gravity improves rider confidence in rough water, at high speeds, at rest, and with three passengers. The platform is also wider for easy boarding and movement around the watercraft. The deep-V ST3 hull increases performance in rough water and provides better control while cornering, giving riders the best of both worlds. It has the same 325-hp Rotax engine, but it is fully configured for offshore speed, stability, and control.
But what exactly do they feel like out on the water? I had the chance to ride all three of these models, but I focused on the GTR-X and the RXP-X. I hit top speed on both, rode in both flat calm water and in rougher wakes, and was able to ride both extensively through a tight buoy course. Personally, the RXP-X was my favorite. Don’t laugh as I quote the film “Pretty Woman” here but, “it corners like it’s on rails.” It took a few laps through the course before I felt confident enough to increase my speed and fully lean into the sharp turns, but thanks to the Ergolock seat with the “lock in” feature, I felt completely stable.
The best word I can use to describe the GTR-X is, in fact, playful. After hopping on this model from the RXP-X, which felt as though you were banking around turns on rails, I had to get used to the looser handling. And loose does not mean bad, it’s just a completely different feeling. I was not quite as confident going through the buoy course at a higher speed, but that being said, I never actually fell off of either model. The GTR-X likes to slide through the turns while the RXP-X cuts and holds tight. Like the difference between a sports car and a sport bike. Each model offers a different riding experience, and it’s up to the rider to determine how they will primarily use their watercraft, in order to find the best fit.
For more detailed specs, visit sea-doo.com.
By Kaylie Jasinski
Specifications
RXP-X 325
LOA: 130.6 in.
Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gal.
Rider Capacity: 2
Weight Capacity: 400 lb.
Storage Capacity: 40.6 gal.
Max HP: 325
Hull Type: T3-R Hull
MSRP: Starting at $19,199
RXT-X 325
LOA: 135.9 in.
Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gal.
Rider Capacity: 3
Weight Capacity: 600 lb.
Storage Capacity: 26.1 gal.
Max HP: 325
Hull Type: ST3 Hull
MSRP: Starting at $19,999
GTR-X 300
LOA: 130.6 in.
Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gal.
Rider Capacity: 3
Weight Capacity: 600 lb.
Storage Capacity: 42.5 gal.
Max HP: 300
Hull Type: GTI Hull
MSRP: Starting at $14,099