2013 Sea-Doo RXT 260 Review

Big fun, big power...and big potential

I’ve often advised consumers not to overlook the more base models within manufacturers’ highly segmented lineups. Sure, craft further up the hierarchy offer features to warrant their purchase, but passing over the base model – simply because it is just that, the base model – doesn’t always make sense.

To illustrate my point, consider Sea-Doo‘s RXT 260. Slightly above it in the Sea-Doo line you’ve got a model with cooler handlebars and traction mats; further higher still, a model with suspension. But at their core, each of these craft are still very much the base RXT 260. They offer virtually the same handling, identical horsepower, even many of the same features. Sure, there are consumers who will benefit from what those higher-ups have to offer, but if you don’t need the specific advantages they bring to the table, that base model presents a pretty strong case for consideration.

COMPARE: Read our review of the Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260

Time to check out a top-level craft…that’s at the bottom of its family totem pole.

Looking for top end performance from a PWC? Don’t sleep on the Sea-Doo RXT 260.

The Goods

The two most obvious traits that make the RXT stand out – hull and engine – are shared throughout the RXT line.

The former is the same stepped design that carries many Sea-Doo models. Redesigned several years back, it’s noticeably bigger (139.2” in length and nearly 825 pounds in weight) than the hull it replaced, but still retains the trademark agility that is synonymous with the RXT name. That step is a speedboat trick; it’s designed to reduce drag, which equates to more top-end speed. The rest of the design enables the RXT to power into corners with absolute grip, while allowing the driver to control it with an intuitive inside lean. Aft sponsons keep that stern from breaking free in really aggressive turns.

The RXT 260 offers impressive grip in the corners.

A quick-response electric trim can push the bow down to put more hull in the water during those corners, or raise the bow for best top-end speed. That trim allows drivers to preset two of their favored positions, and then quickly reach them by no-look-tapping the handlebar-mounted button. The key advantage of the system is that it doesn’t require the driver to take his eyes off the water to check a display. Choose your spot for best acceleration, switch it out for top speed, and for the most part forget it.

To slow the craft down, simply squeeze the iBR lever.

Additional control is offered to the rider through Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR). Now a standard on Sea-Doo models, it provides forward stopping power by linking a modified reverse bucket to a lever on the port handlegrip. Encounter an upcoming obstacle and squeezing the lever briefly interrupts thrust before dropping the bucket into position, so that when the thrust returns it is now redirected forward to provide stopping power. You can feather the lever like you would car brakes to control the extent of the braking. The craft’s onboard computer limits you from putting on so much throttle that you get pitched forward over the bow.

All of the above takes place in a fraction of a second. What the driver feels is simply a sudden slowing in momentum. Grab the throttle and you’re moving forward again.

COMPETITION: Read our review of the Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 300X

Braking is only part of the system’s benefits. By partially deploying that bucket, all Sea-Doos now start in a stationary mode. No surging forward at the dock the minute the engine starts, or grappling with the reverse lever to try and stay in position. You just start and stay put, before choosing to go in reverse (via the brake/reverse lever) or forward (via the throttle). Again, eyes stay on the water and control is precise.

Under The Sheep’s Clothing

That’s a lot about the hull, and the control of it. Now let’s turn to the engine, and the power it produces.

With a claimed 260 horsepower on tap, the RXT 260 reaches 30 mph in 1.8 seconds.

Lift the hinged, pneumatic-assisted saddle and you’ll find Sea-Doo’s familiar Rotax 1,494 cc engine, complete with supercharger and intercooler that, like the stepped hull, is featured throughout much of the Sea-Doo line. Though claiming horsepower numbers has fallen out of fashion, the name still contains what Sea-Doo once bragged about – 260 hp. You can feel all those horses on the water. In my testing, I’ve relatively easily attained 67 mph with a light fuel load and good water conditions, the number at which Sea-Doo’s electronic rev limiter kicks in to halt any further progress. The engine powers this large three-seater to the 30 mph benchmark in as little as 1.8 seconds. In short, it’s a powerful machine that should satisfy the performance enthusiast without much trouble.

For those who want to control that power, both cruise control and no-wake modes are offered. For those who wish to tame it, the RXT offers Sea-Doo’s familiar mode system of controlling acceleration. Touring mode electronically softens the acceleration curve, taming the craft’s powerful response…which, naturally, is on full display in Sport mode. The third mode, ECO, allows the computer to choose the most fuel-efficient results.

As always, Sea-Doo’s digitally encoded, theft-prevention lanyard system includes a “learning” key that reduces power output even further should you really want to save fuel, or turn the craft over to a newcomer with fewer worries.

Worth A Second Look?

A natural question is what does a buyer give up should they choose the RXT over its sibling RXT-X? In reality, it’s not all that much. Much of the difference is ergonomic in nature. The RXT-X offers trick-looking adjustable handlebars that can be tilted and tweaked to fine tune your position. The X also gets a grippy seat material to keep you planted, as well as better traction mats and sponsons that can be tweaked to further enhance the craft’s turning ability.

COMPETITION: Read our review of the Yamaha FZS

Both craft feature 13.7 gallons of storage. That’s likely fine for performance junkies, but may feel a bit small for those that want to explore or tour a little more with their craft.

Performance junkies who don’t want to spend top dollar should look closely at the Sea-Doo RXT 260.

Ultimately, however, the RXT 260 offers a lot considering its “base” positioning in the RXT line, and doesn’t make too many tradeoffs in the process. It’s fast, it’s quick, and it can do all the things a three-seat watercraft should. Sure, you can get more if that’s what you desire. Alternatives are waiting all the way up to the suspension-equipped RXT-X aS 260.

But the real decision is do you need them…and at what cost?