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2012-2016 Sea-Doo GTR 215 Review and Specs [Video]

2012-2016 Sea-Doo GTR 215 Review and Specs [Video]

The 2012-2016 Sea-Doo GTR 215 was virtually a supercharged GTI, and predecessor of the more advanced GTR 230. This ski shared its hull, top deck, and most features with the GTI family but borrowed its 215 HP engine from the Wake Pro 215.

If you want to find out more about this popular Sea-Doo, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo GTR 215 review!

2012-2016 Sea-Doo GTR 215 Review

Sea-Doo introduced its revamped GTI line for the 2011 season, including the GTI 130, GTI SE 155, and the GTI Limited 155.

The GTI series was marketed as Sea-Doo’s Recreation line, exclusively featuring naturally-aspirated models.

By 2012, the Canadian manufacturer had expanded its fleet with a new model, the GTR 215.

Even though it was classed in the Performance category, this model was actually a Sea-Doo GTI with a 215 HP supercharged engine.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about this model in detail!

Sea-Doo GTR 215 Hull and Deck

The GTI and GTR 215 shared the same redesigned 2011- GTI platform, which had an all-new top deck. It featured more modern angular lines and improved ergonomics.

Unlike the deck, the hull had been inherited unchanged from the previous 2006-2010 GTI. Both were made of innovative Fiberglass Reinforced Composite (FRC).

The hull featured a relatively shallow, 16-degree deadrise that offered a similar riding experience as vintage 2-stroke Sea-Doos.In terms of dimensions, the GTR 215 measured 132.6 inches in length, 48.5 inches in width, and 44 inches in height.

Its dry weight was 765 pounds, 10 pounds heavier than naturally-aspirated GTI models.

The load capacity of the ski was 600 pounds and it housed a standard 15.9-gallon fuel tank.

Its combined storage space was 30.8 gallons, which was split into a watertight bow storage and a standard glovebox.

Sea-Doo GTR 215 Engine and Propulsion

The power source of the 2012-2016 Sea-Doo GTR 215 was the supercharged configuration of the 4-stroke, 1494cc, SOHC, 3-cylinder inline 1503 Rotax 4-TEC engine. Thanks to a gear-driven supercharger and water-cooled intercooler, this power mill generated 215 HP out of the box.

In contrast, the naturally-aspirated GTI and GTS models offered 130-155 HP depending on the model. What’s more, the performance of the GTI Rental was restricted to just 99 HP.

This means that the GTR 215 offered significantly more engine power in the same hull, which translated to a much better power-to-weight ratio.

The key features of the Sea-Doo GTR 215 engine were as follows:

  • 4-stroke, 3-cylinder architecture
  • Engine power: 215 HP
  • Supercharged and intercooled
  • 62 mm throttle body
  • 12 valves (4 per cylinder) with hydraulic lifters
  • Single over head camshaft (SOHC)
  • Compression ratio: 8.4:1
  • Water-cooled exhaust system
  • Dry sump lubrication system
  • Multi-port fuel injection
  • Chokeless starting
  • Water/air separator
  • Watertight digital ignition
  • RPM limiter
  • Warning device
  • Tips Over Protection System (T.O.P.S.)
  • D-Sea-Bel sound reduction system
  • Closed-loop cooling system
  • Electric starter
This engine was paired with an aluminum jet pump, housing a replaceable wear ring and a stainless-steel impeller.

Sea-Doo GTR 215 Features

The Sea-Doo GTR 215 came with many advanced features, including:

  • Multifunction Digital Information Center
  • Sea-Doo learning keys
  • DESS post (engine cut-off switch)
  • Handlebar-mounted start/stop buttons
  • VTS trim system
  • Watertight front storage bin
  • Glovebox
  • Padded handlebar cover
  • iBR brake and reverse system
  • 3-rider seat
  • Rear seat latch
  • Tool kit
  • Dual drain plugs
  • Finger throttle lever
  • Tow hook
  • Mooring cleats
  • Bumpers
  • Rear grab handle
  • Automatic bilge siphon
  • Foam flotation
  • Sponsons
  • Deck mats
  • Adjustable mirrors
  • Ski tow eye

Sea-Doo GTR 215 Performance

The GTR 215 was known as a great entry-level performance Sea-Doo.

Its hull featured a shallower deadrise than the purpose-built performance models, so it couldn’t beat them when cornering.

On the other hand, thanks to its smaller dimensions and flatter hull design it was easier to spin.

Therefore, it offered very playful rides along with easy handling and predictable behavior.

Its electric brake and reverse system (iBR) ensured a safe and stress-free operation, which was a game changer for beginner riders.

Powered by the high-performance 215 HP engine, the top speed of the GTR 215 was 65 mph under ideal conditions.

The power of the ski could easily be tailored using the different riding modes of the advanced Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) system.They included the ECO mode for best fuel economy, Touring for cruising, and Sport for aggressive rides.

In 2017, this GTR 215 was phased out by the more powerful GTR 230.

Sea-Doo GTR 215 Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the Sea-Doo GTR 215 into these charts:

Sea-Doo GTR 215 Engine Specs

Engine SpecsSea-Doo GTR 215
TypeRotax® 1503 4-TEC®, Single Over Head Camshaft (SOHC)
Declared Power (as per ISO 8665 at propeller-shaft)152 kW @ 8000 RPM
InductionGear driven supercharger with slip clutch. Water/air intercooler
Number of cylinder3
Number of valves12 valves (4 per cylinder) with hydraulic lifters (no adjustment)
Displacement1494 cc (91.2 cu. in)
Bore100 mm (3.9 in)
Stroke63.4 mm (2.5 in)
Compression ratio8.4:1
Cooling SystemClosed-loop cooling system (CLCS)
Fuel System - Fuel injection typeMultipoint fuel injection with iTC (intelligent Throttle Control). Single throttle body (62 mm) with actuator

Sea-Doo GTR 215 Electrical System

Electrical SystemSea-Doo GTR 215
IgnitionIDI (Inductive Discharge Ignition)
Spark plug - Make and typeNGK, DCPR8E
Spark plug - Gap0.75 mm (.030 in)
Battery12 V, 30 Ah. Electrolyte type

Sea-Doo GTR 215 Propulsion System

Propulsion systemSea-Doo GTR 215
Propulsion systemSea-Doo® jet pump with iBR (intelligent brake and reverse)
Jet pumpAluminum, axial flow, single stage. large hub with 10-vane stator
ImpellerStainless steel
TransmissionDirect drive

Sea-Doo GTR 215 Dimensions and capacities

Dimensions and capacitiesSea-Doo GTR 215
Overall length336.8 cm (132.6 in)
Overall width123.1cm (48.5 in)
Overall height111.8 cm (44 in)
Rider capacity3 (refer to load limit)
Weight (dry)348 kg (765 lb)
Load limit (passengers + luggage)272 kg (600 lb)
Storage capacity116.6 L (30.8U.S. gal.)

Sea-Doo GTR 215 Fluids

FluidsSea-Doo GTR 215
Fuel TypePremium unleaded gasoline
Minimum octane number91 Pump Posted AKI (RON+MON)/2, 95 RON
Fuel tank capacity60 L (15.9 U.S. gal)
Engine oil - TypeXPS synthetic blend oil (summer grade). Refer toMAINTENANCE section for more information
Engine oil - Capacity3 L (3.2 qt (U.S. liq.)) oil change w/filter
Cooling System - Coolant TypeEthylene-glycol 50% - 50% , antifreeze/demineralized water. Coolant containing corrosion inhibitors for internal combustion aluminum engines
Cooling System - Capacity5.5 L (5.8 qt (U.S. liq.)) total
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.

Takeaways

As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Sea-Doo GTR 215:

What is a Sea-Doo GTR 215?

The 2012-2016 Sea-Doo GTR 215 was an entry-level performance Sea-Doo built on the small GTI platform.

When did the Sea-Doo GTR 215 Come Out?

The Sea-Doo GTR 215 debuted in 2012 and remained in production until 2016. It was phased out by the upgraded 2017 GTR 230.

What is the Difference Between the Sea-Doo GTX and GTR?

The Sea-Doo GTR is an entry-level performance jet ski built on the mid-sized GTI platform. This ski debuted with the supercharged 215 HP engine, which was upgraded to 230 HP in 2017.

In contrast, the GTX is considered to be Sea-Doo’s Luxury/Touring line including the most comfortable and luxurious models. These skis are available with both naturally-aspirated and supercharged engine options, while the GTR is exclusively marketed with a supercharged engine.

What Size was a Sea-Doo GTR 215?

The Sea-Doo GTR 215 measured 132.6 inches in length, 48.5 inches in width, and 44 inches in height.

How Much Did a Sea-Doo GTR 215 Weigh?

The dry weight of the Sea-Doo GTR 215 was 765 pounds.

How Many People Could Ride on a Sea-Doo GTR 215?

The Sea-Doo GTR 215 was rated for three riders.

What Kind of Engine was in the Sea-Doo GTR 215?

The Sea-Doo GTR 215 was powered by a 4-stroke, 1494cc, SOHC, Rotax 1503 4-TEC engine.

Was the Sea-Doo GTR 215 Supercharged?

The Sea-Doo GTR 215 utilized a supercharged engine configuration.

Was the Sea-Doo GTR 215 a 4-Stroke?

The Sea-Doo GTR 215 was powered by a 4-stroke engine.

How Much Horsepower Did a Sea-Doo GTR 215 Have?

The Sea-Doo GTR 215 produced 215 HP in stock condition.

How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo GTR 215 Hold?

The Sea-Doo GTR 215 was equipped with a 15.9-gallon fuel tank.

How Much Oil Did a Sea-Doo GTI SE 133 Hold?

The Sea-Doo GTR 215 required 3.2 US quarts of oil w/filter.

How Much Weight Could a Sea-Doo GTR 215 Hold?

The total weight capacity of the Sea-Doo GTR 215 was 600 pounds.

How Much Gear Could a Sea-Doo GTR 215 Carry?

The total storage capacity of the Sea-Doo GTR 215 was 30.8 gallons.

How Fast Did a Sea-Doo GTR 215 Go?

The top speed of a Sea-Doo GTR 215 was about 65 mph under ideal conditions.

Could the Sea-Doo GTR 215 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Due to its three-seater configuration, the Sea-Doo GTR 215 could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.

Did the Sea-Doo GTR 215 Have a Reverse?         

The Sea-Doo GTR 215 came standard with an electric reverse system.

Did the Sea-Doo GTR 215 Have a Brake?             

The Sea-Doo GTR 215 was manufactured with the innovative iBR brake and reverse system.

How Much Does a Sea-Doo GTR 215 Cost?

The asking price of a used Sea-Doo GTR 215 varies between $9,000 and $13,000 depending on the year and its condition.