2014 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 Review

Performance craft built for speed and handling

Performance enthusiasts have long appreciated the Sea-Doo RXT-X. After all, it’s a boat built for speed and handling, and featuring a touch of aftermarket-inspired extras. That it hits 67 mph on the top end, turns on the proverbial dime, and leaps out of the hole with arm-stretching acceleration is almost expected.

That it does even more than the expected, however, is what makes it special.

The X Factor

What exactly qualifies a boat as an X model? For Sea-Doo, the answer is a series of race-inspired tweaks and add-ons, the most noticeable of which is likely the craft’s dramatic, X-shaped, aftermarket-style billet handlebar setup. On the RXT-X the actual bars are fully adjustable, meaning that in addition to the normal tilt the rider can tweak the grip angle to better match their stature and riding style, or even widen the overall handlebar width. Riders can also fine-tune the placement of the craft’s sponsons, choosing between a lower position that locks the stern in or a slightly higher slot that somewhat softens the boat’s ultra-aggressive response.

The RXT-X 260’s handlebars are fully adjustable.

Other X factors are upgraded, grippier seat and traction mat material. The seat is textured and doesn’t feel nearly as slippery as the ordinary vinyl. It also narrows somewhat more than average, allowing riders to use more of their leg muscles to ease strain on the upper body. It will be appreciated by aggressive riders who want to feel more locked-in on the craft. The diamond-plate traction mat surface adds an upscale look, but like the seat, also proves stickier than the standard Sea-Doo issue traction mat.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2013 Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260

Even something as seemingly pedestrian as the info display gets a race-inspired upgrade. Added to the normal mix of features is a lap timer (for those practicing on a closed course) and a boost indicator for the supercharger.

BRP added a lap timer to the information display, which is fitting for a performance craft.

The Engine – And Hull – Factor

What makes this boat the performance contender it is, however, probably has more to do with the combination of engine and hull below.

The engine should come as no surprise to fans of the brand. It’s the potent 1,494cc Rotax, topped off with a supercharger and intercooler to extract an added dose of performance. It jumps when you hit the throttle in the most aggressive “Sport” mode, blasting through the 30 mph mark in as little as 1.7 seconds. Opting for the tamer “Touring” mode is probably a better bet for those long-distance rides, and somewhat slows the initial response. In either mode, once the boat is up and going it will top out at an electronically limited 67 mph.

Expect powerful, quick-hitting performance out of the 260-horsepower engine.

A third “Eco” setting allows the ECU to map out the most fuel-efficient curve.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310X

That’s plenty of power for even the hardcore rider, and transferred quite nicely to the water via the RXT-X hull. A bigger design than the craft which originally championed the RXT name, the modern RXT-X still possesses the razor-sharp reflexes that riders have come to expect from the line, but adds in a big-water-ready component that makes it now also a good match for offshore, or just generally sloppy conditions. Its deep-V slices through waves with a soft and stable response. But turn it loose in the flat and it will quickly remind you of the smaller RXT-Xs of old, carving an aggressively sharp corner almost as quick and confident as a full-fledged race boat.

Thanks to its Deep-V hull, the RXT-X 260 cuts through waves with ease.

The “What-Else” Factor

That description would probably be enough for some riders, but not Sea-Doo. As we’ve come to expect, Sea-Doo likes its performance to still have a touch of manners…and extras.

Most notable – and usable – on the RXT-X is definitely the Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) system. It allows the boat to start in neutral, be shifted into forward or reverse via handlebar-mounted, starboard and port levers, and as the name implies, provides legitimate stopping power out on the water. How does it work? iBR is essentially a computer-controlled, modified reverse bucket/spoiler that redirects pump thrust forward and to the sides. It’s a great system that provides excellent control in tight quarters, and comes in handy at speed should you encounter something unexpected. It stops the craft in about half the distance normally required at a 50 mph benchmark.

Squeeze the brake lever and the RXT-X 260 slows down about 50% faster.

A performance-minded craft like the RXT-X also benefits greatly from Sea-Doo’s fast-responding electric trim. Sea-Doo’s approach lets riders lock in two preferred settings (one with the bow down for acceleration, the other with the bow up for best top speed), and then toggle rapidly between the two with a quick, no-look double tap of the trim button.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Yamaha FX SVHO

Other nice touches include a hinged, strut-assisted seat that eases engine maintenance, wide-angle rearview mirrors, and Sea-Doo’s digitally encoded lanyard system. The latter not only prevents theft, but also can be used to further govern the craft’s speed for newcomers.

The Aftermarket Factor

As always, there are tradeoffs. Most notable for me is storage, which is limited to only 13.7 gallons. That’s far less than similar-size craft, but probably not of concern to true performance types.

Aside from that, however, the RXT-X pretty much stands out for its strengths – power, handling and that added touch of X-factor, aftermarket appeal. That’s always made the RXT-X a standout, and it continues today.

Hop aboard, punch that throttle, and see if you agree.