2013 Sea-Doo Lineup Preview

Brand celebrates 25 years of modern personal watercraft

Following what’s fast become an industry-wide trend, Sea-Doo became the third PWC manufacturer to announce they would return essentially the same lineup for 2013, foregoing the allure of a new model in favor of sticking with the tried and true. A worrisome development? On the contrary, sales have been good in 2012 and inventories are low. Sticking with the proven is simply smart business at the moment. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke…

Sea-Doo is justifiably proud of the fact that its Intelligent Brake and Reverse technology is spread throughout nearly the entire line in 2013. The technology works by utilizing a modified reverse bucket that doubles as a brake. Control is centered on a lever on the left handlebar, keeping a driver’s eyes focused on the water. Pull the lever and the bucket deploys to redirect water flow forward to rapidly slow the craft. A pleasant side effect is that when you start an iBR-equipped craft it also stays stationary at the dock, pump thrust being deflected so as not to push the boat in either a forward or backward direction.

Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake and Reverse technology, as seen on the RXT-X aS 260, is found on most craft in the Sea-Doo lineup.

It’s an intuitive system that delivers on its promise, and gives Sea-Doo a unique trait not found elsewhere in the industry. Also on tap throughout the line is Intelligent Throttle Control. Utilizing electronic throttle, Sea-Doo offers dual acceleration profiles – one tame and one aggressive – that can tailor the response to the individual user. A third mode, ECO, can be chosen to select the most advantageous fuel economy.

Now on to the boat’s that feature these technologies.

The RXP-X 260 continues to lead Sea-Doo’s musclecraft family in 2013.

Sea-Doo’s T-shaped hull design offers unparralled cornering ability.

Sea-Doo’s biggest gun last year was the new-for-2012 RXP-X 260, and it returns to lead the brand’s musclecraft family. The craft’s most appealing trait is its exceptional handling, a trait that comes compliments of its dual running surface, T-shaped hull design. At slow speeds, the outer portions of the hull are in the water, adding stability, but as speeds increase the craft rises to run primarily on the more slender surface running down its center. It rolls aggressively into a corner with a ferocity you won’t find elsewhere thanks to its combination of hard and soft chines, and winged sponsons guarantee it stays hooked up once there.

Keeping the driver locked in on this aggressive ride is an hourglass seat, with flared extensions that jut out over the driver’s knees. Angled footwell wedges provide further leverage. The result is a locked-in position that lets you use your leg muscles to stay aboard the craft, alleviating the upper body from the load.

The Sea-Doo GTR 215 features the GTI hull and a 215hp engine.

Elsewhere in Sea-Doo’s muscle line are the GTR 215, the craft that combines the GTI hull with a potent 215hp engine; the RXT aS-260 which offers an adjustable suspension for big water types; and the always popular RXT and RXT-X 260.

Sea-Doo’s most affordable craft is he GTS 130.

Covering the luxury side of the story is the familiar GTX line. It begins with the GTX 155 and supercharger-equipped GTX 215 and culminates with the more affordable, manual suspension GTX S 155 and the no-holds-barred, top-of-the-line GTX Limited iS 260. The recreational side of the family remains the territory of the GTI models, retooled in recent years to offer the fit, finish, and looks of higher-end models. The GTI line once again consists of the GTI 130, GTI SE 130 and SE 155, GTI Limited 155, and the most affordable Sea-Doo watercraft, the GTS 130.

Sea-Doo’s WAKE family offers a place to stow your wakeboard and a ski pylon with grab handles for the spotter.

Feeling sporty? If that sport is skiing, wakeboarding, wakeskating, or even tubing, the WAKE models once again have things covered. The more introductory WAKE 155 is based on the GTI platform; the high-end WAKE Pro 215 is based on the GTX line. Both offer handy features like speed control, board racks and extended tow pylons.

While the news is definitely familiar for the brand’s personal watercraft lineup, Sea-Doo did deliver one shocker just days before the company’s annual dealer meeting. The company has elected to exit the jet boat market, ceasing production of a three-tiered line that spanned from 18’ to 23’

Related Reading
BRP to Exit Sport Boat Market
2012 Sea-Doo RXT 260 Review
2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Review
2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 Review
2012 Sea-Doo GTI 130 Review
2012 Sea-Doo GTI SE 130 Review
2012 Sea-Doo GTI Limited 155 Review
2012 Sea-Doo GTX 215 Review
2012 Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Review
2012 Sea-Doo GTX S 155 Review
2012 Sea-Doo GTR 215 Review
2012 Sea-Doo GTS 130 Review
2012 Sea-Doo Wake Pro 215 Review
2012 Sea-Doo Wake 155 Review