2015 Sea-Doo GTI 130 Review

An entry level craft with flagship features

Introductory PWC aren’t what they used to be…and Sea-Doo’s current GTI 130 was one of the first models to prove the point. It lists as standard equipment features that defined luxury models just a few short years ago. Yet, it still keeps its price point within reach of a vast number of buyers.

And along the way it manages to look anything but cheap, sporting flagship styling and ergonomics.

Looking for the highlight reel? Grab your popcorn ‘cause here it comes.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Yamaha V1 Sport

Sea-Doo’s entry level craft, the GTI 130 boasts many features that were exclusively found on flagship craft not long ago.

The Cool Stuff

The prime example of features previously reserved for high-end models is the GTI’s Intelligent Brake & Reverse. By linking together the throttle, reverse bucket, the boat’s computer brain, and a separate lever on the left handlebar, Sea-Doo did the once unthinkable – gave a boat brakes – while taking reverse out of the dark ages.

The lynchpin of Sea-Doo’s iBR is the brake, which is controlled by this handlebar-mounted lever.

At startup, iBR redirects water flow by partially deploying the reverse bucket so that the GTI starts in a great approximation of neutral. From there, the boat can be driven forward by squeezing the throttle, or backward by pulling on that lefthand iBR lever. Eyes stay on the water, hands stay on the handlebars, and control is vastly improved around tight quarters like a dock or launch ramp. An F, N, or R on the info display reminds you what gear you’re in should you forget. The system is so intuitive that most riders pick it up within minutes.

As for the brake portion of the name, by pulling the iBR lever at speed the driver can drop that bucket into the pump thrust and redirect it forward and down. The force rapidly slows the craft, while the onboard computer makes sure the force isn’t severe enough to launch you over the handlebars. Stopping distance improves by about 50%.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F

Yet more tech comes in terms of Intelligent Throttle Control. Simply put, it uses the computer, this time to choose separate acceleration curves. In Sport mode, you get all the engine has to offer. In Touring mode, that response is somewhat tamed to produce a gentler ride. Activating a third, ECO mode allows the computer to pick the most fuel-efficient power delivery. Each is quickly activated via pushbutton.

Users can choose different acceleration curves with the mode buttons found on the left side of the handlebar.

Further tech includes a digitally encoded, radio-frequency Learning Key lanyard system, which prevents theft as well as can activate a governed speed mode. Additional features include a nice multi-function info display, wide-angle mirrors, closed-loop cooling system, and nearly 31 gallons of storage.

Familiar Fun Factor

The features clearly enhance the GTI for the user, but they shouldn’t overshadow the proven deck, hull and engine combo below the surface.

The GTI 130 boasts a proven hull and deck combination.

That hull remains familiar to longtime GTI fans. It sports a shallower 16-degree deadrise, meaning the boat can feel looser and more playful than the more locked-in designs that define today’s market. Go ahead, crank a turn and throw that body weight around. You’ll feel the stern slide a little just like an old-school ‘Doo. Dive into a corner and keep the stern weighted a little, however, and the GTI will carve an aggressive turn with complete confidence.

Electric trim would increase the control, but it’s missing in this iteration of the craft. You’ll find it in the SE models.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Sea-Doo GTI SE 130

The rider’s control of that power is enhanced by the deck and saddle design. The former looks all cool and faceted, but below the edginess is some carefully thought-out ergonomics. Footwells cant inward to take pressure off a rider’s knees, and flow smoothly, rather than feature abrupt angles, to keep a rider’s foot in constant contact. The saddle is sculpted to allow the thighs to stay tighter, which is not only more comfortable but takes some of the load off the upper body. The saddle is bolstered for support, and tiered to better position passengers behind the driver.

A sculpted saddle allows the rider to grip it tighter, adding support.

As to that engine, it’s the familiar 1,494cc Rotax, just without the supercharger. In this state of tune it produces about 130 hp, which will drive the boat to a top speed of around 55 mph. Low-end acceleration is solid, and should pull the kids tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding.

Have Some Fun

Clearly introductory models aren’t what they used to be. They’re more fully featured, and exploit the latest computer-aided enhancements. But I’d argue that introductory, beginner types are precisely the ones who will appreciate these one-time flagship features the most. They make handling the GTI simple, far more intuitive, less intimidating, and arguably that much more fun.

And speaking of fun, check out the White and Manta Green or White and Maldives Blue color schemes for 2015. They’re bright, colorful, and inviting.

Just like the craft that wears them.