2024 Sea-Doo RXP-X 325 Review

Three-hundred-and-twenty-five horsepower.

Go ahead, take a moment to let that figure sink in. It’s the highest horsepower we’ve ever seen outside the aftermarket. That it’s in any stock ski, let alone Sea-Doo’s already aggressive RXP-X, is mind blowing to those of us who remember when PWC engines were measured in double digits.

But if you’re reading this review, you don’t really care about the good old days. You want to know just how it feels to squeeze that throttle.

Unleash The Beast

Sea-Doo didn’t just add a few tweaks to the Rotax 1630 ACE 325 engine to reach this milestone. That engine was pretty much tapped out. Instead, it unveiled an all-new version. The changes are almost too much to touch on in an overall review, but let’s hit the highlights.

A new, more efficient and more compact supercharger increases boost pressure and revs close to 100,000 RPM. A new recirculation valve improves the stability and efficiency of that supercharger when handling different loads. The engine now revs at 8,250 RPM (compared to the previous 8,000). The booster is driven by a new planetary gear system with spring-loaded cam clutch to limit vibration. A redesigned intake system to maximize air flow to the engine.

Durability was key. The valve chain was upgraded with forged rocker arms and valve retainers to handle the higher RPMs. Piston design was also upgraded with optimized ring land profiles to handle the increased power and maintain durability. An additional oil spray nozzle improves piston cooling. A closed-loop Lambda control was added to maintain ideal air/fuel ratio to protect internal components.

Don’t understand half of that stuff? Just know that the engine rivals many of the best aftermarket offerings, and was designed to produce tremendous power without sacrificing reliability or durability. Obviously it’s still too early in the sales cycle to verify those latter claims, but performance insiders agree it looks pretty bulletproof.

Of course, probably what most readers really want is the numbers. Top speed is still somewhat governed, topping out at about 68 mph (wink-wink) but don’t be surprised if you see close to 70. Acceleration is pretty brutal and comes on hard nearly everywhere on the powerband. In ideal conditions, the 0-60 mph acceleration time is a scant 3.4 seconds.

Hints Of The Apex

The hull remains much the same. It still corners like it’s on rails and, to keep the rider aboard, cradles the body with a sculpted saddle, deep knee pockets, canted footwell wedges and a backrest that can be quickly repositioned to lock in individual riders. The seat surface is also tacky to keep the ol’ buttisimo in place. That nearly instantaneous power delivery, however, changes the overall ride. Banked into a corner or in a straight-on run, punch that throttle and whatever speed you’re currently going you’re suddenly going a whole lot faster.

Elements of the limited-edition Apex model from 2023 also creep in. One of the most beneficial is the hydraulic steering damper. An easy-to-use dial at the base of the steering column, it adjusts to three positions to progressively stiffen the steering response and limit the chattery feedback that many riders felt through the handlebars in choppy conditions.

Riders also get the benefits of Launch Control. When activated, it automatically dials in the optimal trim angle for best acceleration. I’d like to say I’m experienced enough to do better with  the electric variable trim but, hey, I’d probably leave Launch Control active and enjoy the ride. It works as advertised.

Elsewhere, expect a familiar Sea-Doo tune. Intelligent Brake & Reverse adds stopping power at speed but really shines for its low-speed control around ramp or dock. There’s an optional Tech Package and Bluetooth audio system but do you really need to pile stuff on a race machine? I say keep it lean and mean.

Final Word

Yes, competitors feature fun, high-powered craft. Yamaha’s GP SVHO ($16,799) is itself a pretty race-ready craft and features amazing handling. Kawasaki’s Ultra 310X ($18,299) is likewise an acceleration and top-speed beast, but its three-passenger bulk makes it a step behind in the type of aggressive handling the RXP-X and GP can offer.

At least for 2024, however, Sea-Doo claims that Top Gun trophy. It’s a monster in stock form, and has tremendous aftermarket potential.