Sea-Doo Claims Horsepower Crown, Breathes New Life Into Multiple Models

RXP-X, RXT-X, GTR and Spark Models All Find New Life For 2024

Looking back, last year’s introduction of the one-off RXP-X Apex should have probably been a hint that Sea-Doo hadn’t forgotten about high-performance.

For 2024 the Canadian manufacturer has done that craft one better, putting a new, industry-leading 325 horsepower into both the RXP-X and RXT-X. Meanwhile the former 300hp engine now reinvigorates the new GTR-X 300, in the process making it quite possibly the ultimate bang for the buck.

That’s not to say the ’Doo has gone on some kind of performance bender. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Spark may not get more power but a redesign and feature improvements likewise breathe new life into a now 10-year-old favorite.

Here are the highlights of Sea-Doo’s recent 2024 Model Year reveal.

New Performance Kings

That new industry-topping 325 horsepower comes compliments of a new variation on the Rotax 1630 ACE engine that now finds its way into a pair of familiar Sea-Doo performance models, the RXP-X and RXT-X.

While techies will find a slew of changes when taking a deep dive into the engine’s specifics, the condensed version is this. The lower crankcase and pistons have been strengthened and “optimized” in an effort to reduce heat and friction, both fuel system and engine management system have been substantially upgraded and a larger, less-restrictive air intake system allows the engine to breathe better. Engine rpm has been increased by 250 to a now 8,250 rpm maximum. Both fuel system and engine management system have also received upgrades to handle the added performance.

A redesigned supercharger plays a key role. A new billet impeller is paired with a larger diameter intake, and the former now spins faster and produces more boost, now 15 PSI compared to the previous 13 PSI.

According to Sea-Doo, the result is a notable jump in acceleration on the flagship RXP-X ($19,199). The manufacturer notes that the RXP-X now leaps to 60 mph in a scant 3.4 seconds. If it sounds like the new engine would have made a good match with the special edition APEX model that came out last year, you’re onto something.

The RXP-X now includes both the carbon fiber hood that made its debut on that model as well as the well-received three-position hydraulic steering damper that allowed riders to stiffen up steering response for better handling performance and feel in rough conditions.

As to the RXP-X’s three-passenger brethren, the RXT-X ($19,999), it too receives the new engine, making the craft an even better option for the offshore performance crowd. Both craft get new polished impellers and extended Variable Trim System, along with familiar X-Package features.

As the substantial jump in horsepower arguably created a gap in Sea-Doo’s performance offerings, another new model (dubbed the “sleeper” of the ’24 lineup by Sea-Doo’s James Heintz) debuts for 2024. The GTR-X 300 ($14,099) takes the former GTR 230 (still in the line at $14,099) and gives it a substantial increase in power by adding the existing 300hp version of the 1630 ACE, resulting in what Sea-Doo touts as “the most horsepower per dollar in the industry.” Like the GTR 230, the craft rides atop the PolyTec hull but gets its own unique ErgoLock-inspired saddle design with an improved bolster and tacky surface. Other additions include VTS, Launch Control and polished impeller.

Reinvigorated Spark Line

At the opposite end of the spectrum, it’s hard to believe the playful Spark ($6,999) has now been around for a decade. Given that milestone, it’s fitting the craft is getting some love.

Start with a redesign. No, the familiar Spark trademarks aren’t history – the exo-skeleton bow, PolyTec construction, matte colors and overall profile are still very much the same. The lines, however, and more specifically the edges, are all just smoother and more streamlined. Part of that is for looks, but part is also due to the craft’s playful nature, particularly on the Spark Trixx. There’s less for riders to bang a shin or other body part on and the sleeker rear deck makes it much easier to reboard after a spill. The familiar fold-down single swim step is also now complemented by molded-in grab handles on the deck surface.

Upgrades are also on the menu. Intelligent Brake & Reverse (iBR) is now standard on Spark models. The once-teeny display has matured into a 4.5” backlit design that’s easier on the eyes. The glovebox has been enlarged and adds a watertight phone box. “LinQ Lite” ports are now molded into gunwales to accept GoPros or bumpers. Perhaps most welcome? The saddle is now far more comfortable and supportive — and thanks to an enlarged access you don’t have to separate the entire deck from the hull just to do simple maintenance tasks like change a spark plug or access the battery. The latter will save labor cost at the dealer.

The Trixx ($9,099) also gets improvements to the saddle and a choice of a single-passenger “freestyle” seat. It makes it easier to move about during trick riding. Trixx models also get a redesigned reverse grate and a Trixx Mode that delivers more thrust in reverse and when braking to make the craft even more playful.

As in the past, Spark models continue to come standard with 60 hp (do yourself a favor and upgrade to 90 hp to bring out the craft’s real potential). The Trixx comes standard with 90 hp.

Familiar Returnees

As to models returning relatively unchanged, the GTX line includes the GTX 170 ($15,199), GTX 230 ($16,199), GTX 300 ($17,899) and GTX Limited ($19,699). GTI models count the GTI 130 ($11,499), GTI SE 130 ($12,299) and GTI SE 170 ($12,899) among their ranks.

More task-specific models include the towsports-oriented Wake 170 ($14,099) and Wake Pro 230 ($18,399); Explorer Pro 170 ($18,899) and new, more powerful Explorer Pro 230 ($19,899); and Fish Pro Scout 170 ($15,099), FishPro Sport ($17,399) and FishPro Trophy ($20,499).

As to the Switch pontoon, it’s not technically a personal watercraft but there’s enough crossover interest to at least highlight a new model, the Switch Cruise Limited 230 ($50,999). The Limited model receives welcome upgrades to the helm, including a 10.25” touchscreen display to complement the existing 7” Garmin GPS/Fishfinder, upgraded (and finally adjustable fore and aft!) captains chair, and tilt-adjustable handlebar. Other notable improvements include a full-width swim platform, LED interior lighting, and six-speaker JL Audio sound system