2015 Sea-Doo GTS 130 Review

Entry level craft with plenty of extras

Every manufacturer needs to have an entry-level offering. They’re key for the rental market, but also the consumer who’s seriously watching their budget or maybe just wants to add a low-priced toy to an existing arsenal of summer toys. Back in the day these budget offerings were basic, to say the least, but today’s models include surprisingly well-rounded machines.

Sea-Doo’s GTS 130 is a prime example.

Building Block

The GTS 130 is little removed from the GTI 130 perched just above it. It shares the same versatile 16-degree deadrise hull, with its stylish facets and carefully thought-out rider ergonomics introduced just a few short years back. It looks anything but cheap; the stylish design takes care of that concern. Those flowing facets look right at home next to higher-priced models, and the fit and finish is impressive.

With its stylish design and solid performance, Sea-Doo’s GTS 130 does not look the part of an entry level PWC.

The ergonomic features include the same canted footwells that alleviate pressure on a rider’s knees and allow both driver and passenger to use their legs for greater leverage. Those footwells also avoid sharp angles; the idea being your foot will always be in full contact with the surface. The saddle isn’t a cheap continuous slope of vinyl, but rather sports a bolstered support for the driver’s back and a tiered aft section to position passengers higher for an improved view.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Sea-Doo GTI 130

Sea-Doo didn’t even scrimp on the features. The GTS includes wide-angle mirrors, along with a full-featured digital display. The craft rounds things out with the same 29-gallon forward storage compartment, full traction matting and spacious swim platform, and even the dual Learning Key safety lanyard. Use one for full speed operation, the other to govern power output for beginners. The key has been upgraded for 2015 to a Radio Frequency (RF) connection and a simple ball-and-socket design.

Sea-Doo outfitted the GTS 130 with a 29-gallon storage compartment in the front.

Even the engine is the same you’ll find in the GTI 130, a (roughly) 130hp variant of Sea-Doo’s very familiar 1,494 cc Rotax. Punch the throttle and you’ll have enough acceleration for towing duties. Hold it wide open and you’ll top out at a respectable 55 mph. Even on this base model Sea-Doo retains basic elements of its Intelligent Throttle Control, meaning you can choose the tamer power delivery of Touring mode, switch to the aggressive acceleration of Sport mode, or even let the onboard computer choose the most fuel-conscious power output in ECO mode.

Sea-Doo’s proven 1,494cc engine pumps out a claimed 130 horsepower.

Missing In Action

So what’s missing that allows the GTS 130 to come in $1,400 less than the GTI 130? The obvious is Intelligent Brake & Reverse, Sea-Doo’s heralded method for rapidly slowing a craft while at speed and allowing it to behave like a traditional boat around the dock with intuitive forward, neutral, and reverse controls. iBR isn’t even an option here like it is on that other low-priced Sea-Doo, the Spark. The GTS doesn’t just lack iBR, however, it lacks reverse of any kind, meaning docking, trailering, and tight-quarters maneuvering will be tricky. Sure us old-timers did it for years, but it wasn’t always fun. No reverse saves a considerable amount of money, but it also considerably lessens your control of the boat, especially if you’re a true beginner. Think about it carefully.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F

Compared to reverse, the other omission is relatively minor – a spring-loaded boarding step. It helps to haul yourself aboard should you take a dip, so I’d suggest considering asking the dealer to add one as an option.

A spring-loaded boarding step is missing, which might be something you might want to add as an option.

You can also expect a little less color and graphics. For 2015, the GTS 130’s white hull and black cowling are the most obvious difference from the GTI 130’s black hull and white cowling. Accent color – Orange Crush – comes courtesy of the saddle, Sea-Doo logo on the hull, and a minimal strip below the bow storage bid. The GTI does feature slightly more accent color, but the difference is surprisingly minimal. Again, the craft doesn’t stand out as a bargain model.

A Lot To Like

In short, there’s a lot to like about the GTS 130…and its price tag. It’s essentially the same boat as the GTI 130, right down to the style, ergonomics, engine, and even many features. The lack of Intelligent Brake & Reverse, however, deserves some thought, as does the craft’s lack of reverse, period. If you’re going to be frequenting dockside restaurants, marinas, fuel docks, etc, no reverse can make life a little stressful. Not to mention the possibility of adding a few dings and scratches to your pristine hull and deck.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Yamaha V1 Sport

But on the other hand, if you’re just hanging out at your favorite lake, beach or shoreline, or just parking the craft at your waterfront cottage, that extra $1,400 may make the absence worthwhile…and fuel your craft for seasons to come.

The good news, however, is that buying a cheap PWC no longer means buying a “cheap” PWC.