2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Review

A serious threat … with some serious fun potential

The current Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 is entering its third model year in 2012, but the craft still boasts the same features that have made it popular since its debut. Rough water? It can handle it thanks to a deep-V, stepped hull design that brought newfound stability and confidence to the RXT-X platform. Calm seas? Borrowing the S3 hull from the suspension models in Sea-Doo’s lineup actually seemed to improve the already lightning reflexes the boat possessed in flat conditions. Power? Trust me, it won’t disappoint.

Add in some cool features and the RXT-X 260 is still a serious threat … with some serious fun potential to boot.

Entering its third year, the Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 continues to deliver.

Fast & Furious

The 2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260’s seat is hinged for easy access to the engine.

Sea-Doo essentially ditched suspension when crafting the RXT-X 260, taking essentially the same hull and deck of those spring-loaded models and slamming them together to create a completely new line. It’s a move that some enthusiasts were already calling for, and it paid dividends. Without the weight (and let’s face it, the cost) of the suspension, the boat was now free to truly show off the hull below.

Crank it into a turn and it carved with the tenacity the RXT-X name almost demanded, but venture into the rough stuff and it performed as well, far better than the past generation. That made the craft a true threat in any condition, and one that was far more versatile than the nimble X of old.

Power, however, remained the same. The familiar 260hp version of Sea-Doo’s 4-TEC provides the get up and go, enhancing that low-end delivery in particular by adding a supercharger and intercooler to the mix. Tame its delivery in “touring” mode, an electronic throttle tweak that limits a little of the engine’s brute force for casual riding. Unleash all those horses in “sport” mode, where you’ll find 0-30 mph acceleration as quick as 1.7 seconds and a top speed that is limited to 67 mph to keep the authorities happy. Feeling green? Try ECO mode, which searches for the most fuel-efficient power delivery and speed.

Sea-Doo’s trademark iBR system is very useful for slow-speed maneuvering.

Beyond those throttle enhancements, other tech-driven features have found their way into the RXT-X. Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) has quickly become the Sea-Doo trademark, using a modified bucket at the pump to rapidly slow the craft when the driver pulls on the “brake” lever.

The system will likely see the most use, however, in slow-speed maneuvering. It allows the driver to start the craft in a neutral mode at the dock or ramp (where they won’t worry about immediately colliding with the dock or other boats), and then easily shift into forward or reverse via the throttle or brake/reverse lever, all mounted on the handlebars and not requiring any eyes be diverted from the water. It’s intuitive … and it works.

Targeted Features

Another feature of the now three-year-old makeover is a practical one. The seat is hinged, meaning you won’t be searching for a safe spot to rest it when inspecting the engine. Pneumatic struts allow it to rise and rest out of the way.

Handlebars area width-adjsutable and can be be tilted up or down to suit the rider.

Others are wisely carried over from previous generations, including the RXT-X’s familiar adjustable handlebars. Housed within a futuristic-looking column, the bars can be adjusted for width, and tilted up or down to rider preference. Sponsons can also be angled to preference to enhance handling characteristics. Both changes, however, can’t be done on the fly. These are features you’ll want to dial in and then set to personal preference.

Sea-Doo’s fast-acting electric trim also remains on the port grip. Its marquee feature is the “double-tap” response, that lets a rider establish pre-set positions in the up and down positions, and then quickly reach them with a double-tap of the button, again without the eyes ever leaving the water.

Features that show nice attention to detail? The info display pivots with the handlebar tilt. That way you can clearly see the display whether you’re running low in the seat or standing atop the craft to counteract rough water. X-Package additions to the standard speedo include a lap timer and boost indicator. Diamond-plate traction mats are trick looking, but also keep your feet firmly in place. I also like the seat material, which feels textured and grippy rather than the typical slippery vinyl.

The 2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260’s textured seat provides excellent grip.

What could be better? I’ve long noted that the current makeover of Sea-Doo’s top-of-the-line models severely limits their storage capacity. Maybe a performance-minded rider won’t care, but 13.7 gallons is far below the industry norm.

The Last Word

In the end, however, it’s the ride and power that count, especially on a boat that carries the RXT-X name. And here, it’s clear the boat excels, and now does it in all water conditions.

That makes it something any RXT-X should aspire to be … one tough competitor.

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