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Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 vs. Yamaha GP1800R SVHO [Video]

Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 vs. Yamaha GP1800R SVHO [Video]

The Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 and the Yamaha GP1800R SVHO are two flagship competitors in the Performance watercraft segment. The latter gained its reputation for durability and great rough-water handling, while the RXP-X 300 is known for its outstanding performance and unique Ergolock system.

If you want to compare these skis head-to-head, you’ve come to the right place.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this RXP-X 300 vs. GP1800R SVHO comparison post!

Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 vs. Yamaha GP1800R SVHO

By the Numbers

In terms of specifications, these two models have a lot in common.

The RXP-X is built on the innovative TR-3 hull, measuring 130.6 inches in length, 49.2 inches in width, and 44 inches in height.

The Yamaha is only slightly longer since it is 131.9 inches long, 48.8 inches wide, and 47.2 inches high.

Compared to the RXP-X 300, the GP1800R SVHO is 26 pounds lighter, since its net weight is only 754 pounds, which translates to a curb weight of 880 pounds.

In contrast, you can expect the dry weight of the Sea-Doo to be 780 pounds, and fully loaded it weighs 905 pounds.

Surprisingly, both of these platforms house an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, but the Sea-Doo can carry more cargo (40.6 vs. 28.4 gals). But let’s face it, storage capacity is not the biggest concern on a performance ski!

The RXP-X 300 comes with a solo seat as standard, which can be extended for two riders with an optional motorcycle-like pillion.

Although it offers the best performance with one rider, the top deck of the GP1800R SVHO features a larger 3-passenger seat.

Regarding engines, the RXP-X 300 houses a supercharged, 4-stroke, 1630cc, fuel-injected Rotax triple. This power mill is often referred to as a 300 HP engine, but as reported by PersonalWatercraft.com it only produced 291 HP at 8,000 RPM on EPA tests.

The power source of the GP1800R SVHO is a supercharged, 1812cc, fuel-injected, Yamaha SVHO marine engine. This smooth 4-cylinder power mill puts out 247 HP at 7,500 RPM.

Features

Both skis come with electric brake and reverse as standard, which is christened as iBR on the Sea-Doo and RiDE on the Yamaha. Except for some minor differences, these two systems are almost identical.

These skis also feature cruise control, different riding modes, and a special launch control that adjusts the trim angle to achieve the quickest acceleration available.

For the best handling, the RXP-X 300 comes standard with the Sea-Doo-exclusive Ergolock system, including angled footweels, adjustable handlebar, and the specially engineered Ergolock seat.

The Tech Package can also be a nice addition to the RXP-X, including the panoramic 7.8-inch display with the smartphone Bluetooth connection, and the 100W BRP Premium Audio System.

Both the Sea-Doo and the Yamaha come with a wide range of innovative features as standard, including:

Besides the base model, Sea-Doo released a limited edition of the RXP-X 300, labeled Apex.Compared to its standard brother, this ski features a unique design with carbon fiber components, hydraulic-dampened handlebars, along with the Tech Package.

Performance and Handling

Some probably expect the Yamaha to be faster because of its lighter construction, but the opposite is the truth.

As reported by the WaterCraft Journal, the Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 outperforms the GP1800R SVHO in straight-line acceleration. Fully loaded, the RXP-300 can go from 5 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, while the GP1800R SVHO does the same run in 3.85 seconds.

Although this seems to be a minor difference, it’s definitely noticeable on the water. Why can’t the Yamaha beat the RXP-X?

In a nutshell, its pump suffers from more cavitation, which doesn’t allow the engine power to be fully transferred to the water.

The top speed of each ski is electronically limited to 67 mph, but with a small rider, they can even hit 68-69 mph under ideal conditions.

In terms of handling, these skis are more aggressive than any other production jet ski out there.

The hull of the RXP-X is designed for high-speed cornering, so it leans more into the turns. This translates to quicker and sharper turns even at top speeds while the Ergolock seat virtually “locks” you to the ski, resulting in less upper-body fatigue.

On the Yamaha, you have to use your arms and upper body more and work harder just to stay in the saddle.

While the RXP-X 300 can outperform the GP1800R SVHO in many ways on flat water, the latter shines more on rough waters. Due to a different hull design, the Yamaha feels more stable and more predictable on bigger waves.

RXP-X 300 vs. GP1800R SVHO Comparison Chart

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of these skis into this RXP-X 300 vs. GP1800R SVHO comparison chart:
SpecsGP1800R SVHORXP-X 300
BrandYamahaSea-Doo
CategoryPerformancePerformance
Displacement (cc)18121630
Cylinders43
SuperchargedYesYes
Brake & ReverseYesYes
HP250300
Length (in)131.9130.6
Width (in)48.849.2
Dry Weight (lbs)754780
Curb Weight (lbs)880905
Fuel Capacity (gal)18.518.5
Storage Capacity (gal)28.440.6
Weight Capacity (lbs)na400
Rider capacity31 (2-opt.)
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.

Conclusion

Both the RXP-X 300 and the GP1800R SVHO offer amazing performances, but each of them has its pros and cons, including:Pros of the Yamaha GP1800R SVHO:

  • Better rough water performance
  • Lighter weight (754 vs. 780 lbs.)
  • Smooth, bigger displacement, 4-cylinder engine
  • Rated for three riders
  • Higher reliability
Pros of the Sea-Doo RXP-X 300:

If you are undecided between these two skis, you may want to test ride both to experience the differences.

But as a final word, you can’t go wrong with either of them!