2015 Sea-Doo GTI SE 130 Review

Taking entry level to the next level

I’ll admit it. As a boating writer, I tend to chuckle a little (to myself of course) when a manufacturer trots out a marketing spiel along the lines of “bold new colors and graphics!” It usually means that the model in question hasn’t changed – with the possible exception of a sticker and paint job. And that’s true, for the most part, of the 2015 variation of the Sea-Doo GTI SE 130. It hasn’t really changed at all, but then again, it didn’t really need to. It’s a popular model with better-than-average features (can you say iBR?) at a decent price tag.

In this case, however, the bold new colors and graphics tagline actually lives up to the hype. Taking a cue from the Spark, Sea-Doo broke from the color mold for this year’s crop of GTI contenders. The GTI SE 130? It gets covered in a bright, in-your-face Maldives Blue. The accent color? An equally in-your-face, neon-hued Manta Green. You can’t miss the combo in the showroom or on the water, which is probably the point.

And I have to admit, they sure do look bright…and colorful…and fun.

If you’re looking for an understated-looking PWC, the Sea-Doo GTI SE 130 is not for you.

Below The Makeup

Of course, what makes the GTI SE 130 truly worth your attention is found a little bit deeper than its paint job.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Sea-Doo Spark

Closest to the surface is the deck itself. GTIs don’t look cheap. Instead, they feature a stylish, faceted design that makes them equally at home beside a flagship GTX model. The style also shows a lot of serious thought. Set your feet in the footwells and you’ll note they’re actually canted inward. The slope allows you to better use your legs for aggressive riding, and removes pressure from the knees. Their continuously curving surface also eliminates sharp edges to keep your feet in constant contact. Above, the saddle also narrows, hourglass-style, to again bring your legs into the equation and take some force off your upper body in the turns, or allow you to stand comfortably when navigating rough water. The shape is also just more comfortable, not forcing the driver’s legs excessively wide. The captain gets a pronounced bolster to provide back support; crew are treated to a raised aft section to provide a better forward view, and receive a bolster of their own.

The hourglass-shaped seat is not only more comfortable, it allows you to better use your legs for cornering.

Looking forward, the instrument panel is within view seated or standing. The SE treatment adds a trim position display, clock, and handy read on fuel-consumption.

Digging Deeper

More of the boat’s success is revealed by digging deeper. Under that saddle is a 130 hp variation of Sea-Doo’s 4-TEC engine. It foregoes the supercharger treatment to shave both costs and fuel, yet still flirts with the 55 mph mark and has enough power to handle basic watersports towing.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Yamaha VX and V1 Lineup

Deeper still, the hull reveals a playful, yet still confident ride. A shallower deadrise means the GTI will feel a little more loose and playful than the GTX series. You can still carve a precise buoy turn, but shift your weight around and you may find you can still spin, slide and play like the watercraft of old. Play with the electric trim to fine-tune the results.

The GTI’s manners around the dock or launch ramp, as well as out in open water, are enhanced by the inclusion of Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) system. Hit the start button at the dock and you’ll stay put instead of having to worry you’ll bang into a dock. The reverse control is located on the left handgrip, the throttle to the familiar right. Squeezing each gives you the response you’d expect, while keeping your eyes focused on the water.

With Sea-Doo’s popular iBR included, the GTI SE 130 is an attractive option for new riders.

iBR also serves as a brake underway. Need to avoid something, or just want to slow down quickly, and iBR drops a modified reverse bucket to redirect water thrust, rapidly slowing the craft. The system is quick and intuitive to learn and truly adds to the overall experience, especially for the novice boater.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F

The SE also features the ability to control the craft’s force of acceleration through two performance modes, the appropriately named Touring and Sport modes. A third, ECO mode allows the electronic control unit to tailor power delivery to the most fuel-efficient performance.

The Total Package

The Limited package add-ons include that touring-style saddle, the additional gauge functions, a fold-down reboarding step, and a logo-filled traction mat on the aft swim platform. In addition, a long list of optional items are available, including cruise control, depth finder, additional gauge functions, even a removable wakeboard rack and ski pylon.

Missing items include tilt steering. The one-position handlebars are comfortable, but may be a little low for taller drivers.

All in all, however, the SE 130 delivers quite a bit for a boat at the more recreational end of the price scale. The features are more than enough to get the boat noticed…

…but if you have any lingering doubts, there’s always those bold new colors and graphics.