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1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Specs and Review [Video]
Sea-Doo released the GSX Limited in late 1997, but it was considered a ’98 model. This lively 2-seater Sea-Doo inherited its platform from the GSX 800 but it was powered by a more advanced, Rotax 947 RAVE power source.
If you want to learn all about this popular 2-stroke Sea-Doo, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo GSX Limited review!
Sea-Doo GSX Limited Review
Sea-Doo introduced its popular GSX family for the 1996 season. In the following years, the 2-seater GSX line underwent three different generations, including:- 1996-1997 Sea-Doo GSX 800 (Rotax 787)
- 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited (Rotax 947)
- 1999-2001 Sea-Doo GSX RFI (Rotax 787 RFI)
The hull and the top deck of the GSX had been carried over from the GSX 800 without any significant changes. This platform measured 105 inches in length, 45.7 inches in width, and 94 inches in height. In contrast, the XP with the X4 hull was 106 inches long but just 41 inches wide.
Thanks to this wider hull, the GSX Limited was more stable and predictable than the nimble 2-seaters like the XP and the HX.
The body of the ski was dressed in a red/purple color scheme, including white “Sea-Doo” and “GSX” decals. The top deck only incorporated a small front storage unit and it had a one-piece seat rated for two riders.
Unlike its predecessor, the GTX Limited was given a more powerful engine option. This power source was the dual-carb “White” Rotax 947 RAVE, the most powerful 2-stroke Sea-Doo engine rated at 130 HP.
Just like the 787, this 951cc, 2-stroke twin was also mounted in a canted position to keep the center of gravity low.
Since the 947 was an all-new engine designed from scratch, it was no surprise that the early units in ’97 Sea-Doo models had some design flaws. Fortunately, most of these bugs had been resolved in the later “Silver” Rotax 947 engine used in the ‘98 GSX.
The key features of the carbed 947 Rotax RAVE engine were as follows:
- Digital DC-CDI ignition
- Variable-rate oil injection
- Reed valve induction
- Open-loop water cooling
- 2 x NGK BR8ES spark plugs
- 2 x Mikuni BN 46i carburetors
- High-performance tuned pipe
- R. A.V.E. exhaust valves
- Electric starter
Engine power was delivered to a Bombardier Formula jet pump via a direct driveshaft. This jet pump provided plenty of thrust, which quickly got the small GSX moving.
Its well-designed hull was fairly stable and predictable and handled surprisingly well in rough water conditions.It was equipped with many advanced features like an electric trim system, handlebar-mounted control buttons, sponsons, and rear grab handle, all of which greatly contributed to a perfect riding experience.
The fuel consumption of the GSX Limited was a whopping 14.5 GPH, so its 15-gallon fuel tank offered less than an hour of riding time at WOT. In return, this lively craft topped out at 60 mph under ideal conditions.
Standard features of the 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited included:- One-piece seat rated for two riders
- Handlebar-mounted start/stop button
- VTS trim system
- Front storage
- 15-gallon built-in fuel tank
- 1.6-gallon oil reservoir
- Electric start
- Tether cord
- 3-position fuel valve (ON, OFF, RES)
- 2 gauges (tachometer, info center)
- Overheating warning device
- Ski tow eye
- Thumb throttle
- Bilge drain plugs
- Sponsons
- Rear grab handle
- Tool kit
- D.E.S.S. key
- Clock
- Tachometer
- Speedometer
- Peak speed
- Average speed
- Trip meter
- Engine hour meter
- Water temperature
- Chronometer
- VTS
- Fuel level
- Low fuel
- Low oil
- Low voltage
- Overheating
- Maintenance information
In 1999, the manufacturer offered the GTS with two engine configurations, the GTS Limited with the carbed Rotax 947 and the GTS RFI with the semi-direct injected Rotax 787 RFI (Rotax Fuel Injection) engine.The latter model remained in production until the 2001 model year.
1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the 1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited (GSX Limited 951) specifications into these charts!1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Dimensions
| 1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited | Dimensions and Capacities |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers | 2 |
| Overall length | 267 cm (105 in) |
| Overall width | 116 cm (45.7 in) |
| Overall height | 94 cm (37 in) |
| Weight | 241 kg (531 lb) |
| Load limit | 159 kg (351 lb) |
| Fuel tank | 56.5 L (15 U.S. gal) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity | 120 mL (4 U.S. oz) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level height | up to plug |
| Injection oil reservoir | 6 L (1.6 U.S. gal) |
1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Engine Specs
| 1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Rotax 947, 2-stroke |
| Induction type | Reed valve |
| Exhaust system | Water cooled / water injected with regulator |
| Exhaust Valve | R.A.V.E. |
| Lubrication - type | Oil injection |
| Lubrication - oil type | XP-S synthetic injection oil |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 951.2 cm3 (58 in3) |
| RPM Limiter Operation @ | 7200 RPM ± 50 |
| Cooling Type | Open circuit. Direct flow from propulsion unit |
| Fuel - type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Carburetor - type and number | Mikuni BN 46i (Diaphragm type). Fuel accelerator pump. Quantity :2 |
1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Propulsion
| 1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited | Propulsion |
|---|---|
| Propulsion system | Bombardier Formula pump |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow, single-stage |
| Impeller Rotation (seen from rear) | na |
| Transmission | Direct drive |
| Impeller shaft reservoir oil type | SEA-DOO synthetic polyolester oil SAE 75W90 GL5 |
| Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle) | ~ 23° |
| Minimum required water level for jet pump | 90 cm (3 ft) |
1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Electrical Features
| 1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited | Electrical Features |
|---|---|
| Magneto generator output | 180 W @ 6000 RPM |
| Ignition system type | Digital DC-CDI |
| Spark plug - Make and type | NGK, BR8ES |
| Spark plug - Gap | 0.5-0.6 mm (.020 - .024 in) |
| Starting system | Electric starter with reduction gear |
| Battery | 12 V, 19 A |
| Starting system Fuse | 5 A |
| Charging system Fuse | 2 x 15 A |
| Fuse - VTS system | 7.5 A |
| Fuse - Holder relay | 5 A |
Sea-Doo GSX Comparison Chart
| GSX | GSX Ltd | GSX RFI | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2-stroke, Rotax | 2-stroke, Rotax | 2-stroke, Rotax |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Displacement | 782 cc | 951.2 cc | 782 cc |
| Performance | 110 HP | 130 HP | 110 HP |
| Top speed | 54-56 mph | 60-62 mph | 56-58 mph |
| Carburetion | (2) Mikuni BN 40-38 | (2) Mikuni BN 46 | Fuel injection |
| Lubrication | Oil Injection | Oil Injection | Oil Injection |
| Dry Weight | 500 lbs | 523 lbs | 515 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 15 US gal | 15 US gal | 15 US gal |
| Oil Capacity | 1.6 US gal | 1.6 US gal | 1.6 US gal |
| Rider capacity | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Length | 105 | 105 | 106.3 |
| Width | 45.7 | 45.7 | 45.7 |
| Height | 39 | 39 | 39 |
Sea-Doo GSX Limited For Sale
If you are considering purchasing one, you probably want to know where to find a Sea-Doo GSX Limited for sale. As this model vanished from the market in 1999, it’s already a collectible item, so finding one is not an easy task!We recommend that you start your research on dedicated Sea-Doo forums and Facebook fan groups. Aside from some good deals, you may find some valuable info there about this ski.
Besides these sources, you may also find some used Sea-Doo GSX Limiteds for sale on Craigslist, PWC Trader, and other dedicated jet ski swap sites.
Takeaway
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Sea-Doo GSX Limited!What is a Sea-Doo GSX Limited?
The Sea-Doo GSX Limited was a 2-stroke 2-seater PWC manufactured by Sea-Doo.
What Year did Sea-Doo Make the GSX Limited?
Sea-Doo marketed the GSX Limited from late 1997 through 1999.
How Many People Could Ride a Sea-Doo GSX Limited?
The Sea-Doo GSX Limited was rated for two riders.
What Size was the Sea-Doo GSX Limited?
The Sea-Doo GSX Limited was 105 inches long, 45.7 inches wide, and 37 inches high.
How Much Did a 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Weigh?
The dry weight of the Sea-Doo GSX Limited was only 531 pounds.
What Kind of Engine Did the 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Have?
The power source of the 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited was a dual-carb Rotax 947 RAVE engine (951cc, 2-stroke twin).
How Much Horsepower Did a 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Have?
The 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited provided 130 HP at 7000 RPM.
Did the 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Have Reverse?
No, the Sea-Doo GSX Limited came without reverse.
What Size Storage Compartment Did a 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Have?
The Sea-Doo GSX Limited featured only a small bow storage.
How Much Weight Could a 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Hold?
The total weight capacity of the Sea-Doo GSX Limited was 351 pounds.
How Much Fuel Did a 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Hold?
The Sea-Doo GSX Limited utilized a 15-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Use?
The Sea-Doo GSX Limited fuel consumption was about 14.5 GPH at WOT.
Could the 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
No, the Sea-Doo GSX Limited was rated for two riders, so it wasn’t recommended for tow sports.
How Fast Did a 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited Go?
The top speed of a 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited was 60 mph in stock condition.
Was a 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited a 2-Stroke Ski?
Yes, the Sea-Doo GSX Limited utilized a 2-stroke twin engine.
How Much is a 1998-1999 Sea-Doo Limited Worth?
It’s hard to tell the exact price of a 1998-1999 Sea-Doo GSX Limited, as it strongly depends on its year, condition, and location. But as a rule of thumb, the prices typically range from $500 up to $3,000.
