From Michigan Lakes to Florida Coasts
Growing up in Michigan, I was always around the water. I had ridden several jet skis over the years on the lakes back home, but it was usually just for quick bursts of fun, nothing too adventurous. So, when Sea-Doo invited me down to Florida to test their latest line of performance-focused watercraft off the coast of Amelia Island, I jumped at the opportunity. I wanted to see what a true jet ski adventure looked like.
Sea-Doo
The Lineup
The RXP-X 325 is the buoy course king. It packs the Rotax 1630 ACE supercharged engine, pushing 325 horsepower. It sits on a T3-R hull designed for aggressive cornering and features a hydraulic steering damper to keep things stable when the water gets rough.
The RXT-X 325 is the offshore version of that beast. It has the same 325-horsepower engine but sits on the ST3 hull, which is wider and more stable for open ocean riding.
The GTR-X 300 offers a playful entry into the high-horsepower world with 300 horsepower and a lighter feel, giving it the lowest cost per horsepower in the industry, starting at $17,899.
Then there was the GTX Limited 325. This was the ultimate blend of touring luxury and raw power. It features the 10.25-inch touchscreen display, premium audio, and the iDF (Intelligent Debris-Free) pump system, all powered by that same 325-hp engine.
Sea-Doo
The Adventure
As we embarked on our 5-hour ride, this trip really opened my eyes to the fact that modern jet skis are capable of long-haul adventures. The intercoastal waterways felt like a maze of roads, but for the water. There were so many different paths to take, winding through marshes and inlets. It was a completely different experience from the open lake riding I was used to in Michigan. It felt like exploring a hidden world accessible only by boat or ski.
One of the coolest features that made this possible was the LinQ attachment system. On the back deck of the Sea-Doo, there are pop-up cleats that allow you to clip on accessories securely in seconds. We had coolers attached for drinks and snacks, and some skis were equipped with the LinQ fuel caddy, which carries extra gas. It is a very nifty system that helps transform the ski into a long-range adventure vehicle.
Sea-Doo
When the waterways opened up, we found glassy, flat conditions, perfect for a speed run. I popped the Sea Doo into sport mode, which provides faster throttle responses, squeezed the throttle on the GTX Limited, and the acceleration was instant, taking just 3.5 seconds to hit 60 mph.
Heading out into the Atlantic, the conditions changed to large rolling swells. The GTX Limited ate up the chop, remaining incredibly comfortable while allowing us to launch off the crests. I switched briefly to the RXP-X 325 to feel the difference in handling. In a hard turn, the X-sponsons locked in, and it carved through the water like it was on rails.
Kyle Edward
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up the day, I realized just how impressive the value proposition is here. You are getting a 325-horsepower supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE engine, essentially the aquatic equivalent of a Ducati sports bike in a package that is actually affordable relative to the performance. We are talking about 0-60 mph times that rival supercars, thanks to that incredible power-to-weight ratio. Of course, it is a great way to go fast on the water, but I was surprised by how good they are for day-trips and cruising around. That was a side of personal watercraft I hadn’t experienced before.
Sea-Doo
The stability of the ST3 hull on the GTX and RXT models means you can shut the engine off and just lounge out there without feeling tippy. Combine that with the massive front storage for your gear, the Bluetooth audio system, and the fuel efficiency when you aren’t at wide-open throttle, and you have a legitimate touring vessel. Whether you want to race across the waves or just explore the coast for hours, these machines really can do it all.
About the author
Kyle Edward
Editor-in-Chief, Autoblog