2018 Sea-Doo Lineup: Part 2

Last week we showed you the latest new innovations in the 2018 Sea-Doo lineup, but there is more to discover in Sea-Doo’s 50^th Anniversary reveal.

A new GTX/RXT hull and deck, innovative storage access, a modular seat design, and even a Bluetooth audio system highlighted Sea-Doo’s 2018 model launch. Elsewhere in the lineup, however, a few tweaks and innovations continue to emerge. Here’s more of what we gleaned from the 2018 product launch.

Spark

There is actually a new Spark model for 2018, a three-passenger variation of the Trixx. What some naysayers speculated would be little more than a gimmick, the Trixx actually proved wildly popular in 2017, so it may make sense that the Trixx-ster now gets the same three-up option available on regular Sparks. Sparks in general also receive a mix-and-match color scheme. New variations include Vanilla and Blueberry, Pineapple and Candy Blue, or Licorice and Mango for regular Spark models, and Chili Pepper mixed with either Orange Crush or Bubblegum for the Trixx models.

GTS/GTI/GTI Limited 155/WAKE 155/GTR 155

Like the Trixx popular models in ’17, the GTS, GTI and GTI SE all continue to combine a PolyTec hull below with the 90hp Rotax ACE 900 engine, but with new color combos. White and Reef Blue adorn the base GTS and GTI models, while the SE offers a choice of Black and Sunrise Orange or Beach Blue Metallic and Lava Grey. As in last year, the latter model can be equipped with either the 130 or 155-horsepower Rotax 4-TEC and feature either the PolyTec or traditional FMC hull.

The GTI Limited 155 continues to throw in a “limited” extras package, including trim, additional gauge functions, safety kit, cover, and dry bag. Color for ’18 is a Liquid Grey Metallic and Equestrian Brown.

The Wake 155 is essentially unchanged in Teal Blue Metallic and Lava Red. The baller-on-a-budget GTR puts 230hp in a Octane Blue and Black version of the GTI hull form.

GTR-X/RXP-X

Sea-Doo’s performance-oriented GTR-X and RXP-X both return with what we’ve come to consider the RXP-X top deck, but change comes in the form of a new handlebar setup that looks suspiciously like the adjustable-height column of the Spark Trixx. With 3” of vertical adjustment range, the new setup gives the rider more leverage over the craft than the previous handlebar setup. Control toggles have also gone the way of the dinosaur, and are now flat touch pads.

Additional Info On GTX/RXT Models

We’ll be anxious to ride the new models in just a few short days, but until then here’s a little more information…

GTX/RXT/Wake Pro models don’t just feature a new hull that promises to be both more stable and better in rough water; they also feature a lower center of gravity. The riding area is recessed deeper into the hull. The boat is also slightly wider (1.2) inches than the previous design, but 3.3 inches shorter in overall length.

Storage is reduced. The trick new “open towards the rider” storage compartment is handy for sure, but does reduce overall storage volume, from nearly 43 gallons previously to only 27 currently. We’re betting the excess space won’t be missed, primarily because the new storage layout is far better organized. The LinQ system of accessories that can be added to the aft deck also includes a semi-rigid 5.5-gallon storage bag.

As to the Bombardier Premium Audio Package, controls can be found in a soft touchpad, similar to the new handlebar toggle controls, just above the left speaker. The Bluetooth sound system can also be controlled through the rider or passenger’s smartphone or audio player.

RXT 230 and RXT-X 300 receive a new feature dubbed Launch Control. According to Sea-Doo, it automatically adjusts pump angle for optimal acceleration.