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2017-2019 Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Review and Specs [Video]

2017-2019 Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Review and Specs [Video]

The 2017-2019 Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 was the short-lived predecessor of the more powerful GTR-X 300. It was built on the nimble GTI hull and featured a supercharged Rotax 1500 ACE HO engine rated at 230hp.

If you want to find out more about this budget performance Sea-Doo, you’ve come to the right place.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 review!

2017-2019 Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Review

Sea-Doo revealed the all-new GTR series in 2012 with the introduction of the GTR 215.Five years later, this ski was replaced by the more powerful GTR 230, and its “X-variant” the GTR-X 230.

These skis were almost the same except that the latter featured the X-package and a unique color scheme.

While the GTR 230 is still in production, the GTR-X 230 was discontinued after two short years of production.  (To the greatest delight of many performance-minded riders, it returned for the 2024 model year with a more powerful, 300hp engine.)

Let’s drill into the details and talk about the deservedly popular GTR-X 230 in detail!

Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Engine

The heart of the 2017-2019 Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 was a Rotax 1500 ACE HO engine. This 4-stroke, supercharged, 1494cc, SOHC, triple was rated at 230hp. Sea-Doo also used the naturally aspirated version of this same engine in its smaller models.

The first supercharged Sea-Doo engine made its debut in the luxurious Sea-Doo GTX 4-TEC SC but quickly found its way into the performance series, including the RXP, RXT, and GTR.

The original engine was rated at 215hp, which was increased up to 230hp.

The key features of the supercharged 230hp Rotax 1500 ACE HO were as follows:

  • 4-stroke, 3-cylinder architecture
  • Engine power: 230hp @ 8000 RPM
  • Supercharged and intercooled
  • 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

Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Hull

The GTR-X 230 was built on the playful medium-sized GTI hull.

While they shared the same hull, the top deck of the GTI and GTR line was quite different. The latter was heavily influenced by the RXP-X and featured a much sportier design.

In terms of dimensions, the GTR-X 230 was 130.6 inches long, 45.5 inches wide, and 45 inches high.

Unlike the simpler 3-seater GTR 230, the GTR-X 230 was rated at only 2 riders or 400 pounds. The dry weight of these skis was 807 and 821 pounds, respectively.

The total storage capacity of the ski was 30.7 US gallons including a glovebox and a watertight front storage bin.

Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Features

The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 came with many advanced features, including:

Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Performance

Since the GTX-X 230 enjoyed the medium-sized GTI hull featuring a moderate-V design, it offered more playful rides than its deep-V brothers.

This shell built its reputation on its nimble and forgiving attitude, yet it was also very sporty in experienced hands.

Due to its flatter hull and smaller dimensions, the ski could easily do spins, doughnuts, and other sit-down PWC tricks.While the non-supercharged GTI and GTS lines only offered a shy 99-155hp, the 230 ponies of the GTR-X ensured a thrilling riding experience. Even though it produced 70hp less than flagship performance Sea-Doos, this difference was only noticeable to experienced riders.

Just like any other performance Sea-Doo, the GTR-X 230 also topped out at 67 mph out of the box.

On the other hand, due to its shallower hull, the GTR-X 230 couldn’t beat the big boys in the corners.

Also, it came standard with the innovative iBR brake and reverse, which provided a stress-free operation and more safety, while the iTC throttle-by-wire throttle allowed you to tailor the engine’s characteristics via different riding modes.

Sea-Doo marketed the GTR-X 230 from 2017 through 2019, but the model made a comeback in late 2023 with a 300hp engine option.

Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 into these charts:

Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Engine Specs

Engine SpecsSea-Doo GTR-X 230
TypeRotax 1503 ACE HO, Single Over Head Camshaft (SOHC)
Declared Power (as per ISO 8665 at propeller-shaft)169.16 kW @ 8000 RPM
InductionGear-driven supercharger with slip clutch. Water/air intercooler
Number of cylinders3
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-X 230 Electrical System

Electrical SystemSea-Doo GTR-X 230
IgnitionIDI (Inductive Discharge Ignition)
Spark plug - Make and typeNGK, DCPR8E with solid post or equivalent
Spark plug - Gap0.80 mm to 0.90 mm (.031 in to .035 in)
Battery12 V, 18 Ah. Electrolyte type

Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Propulsion System

Propulsion systemSea-Doo GTR-X 230
Propulsion systemSea-Doo® jet pump with iBR (intelligent brake and reverse)
Jet pump typeAxial flow, single stage. Large hub with 10-vane stator
Jet pump materialAluminum
ImpellerStainless steel
TransmissionDirect drive

Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Dimensions and Capacities

Dimensions and capacitiesSea-Doo GTR-X 230
Overall length331.6 cm (130.6 in)
Overall width115 cm (45.3 in)
Overall height114.3 cm (45 in)
Rider capacity2 (refer to load limit)
Weight (dry)373 kg (821 lb)
Load limit (passengers + luggage)182 kg (400 lb)
Storage capacity116.4 L (30.7 U.S. gal.)

Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Fluids

FluidsSea-Doo GTR-X 230
Fuel TypeRegular unleaded
Minimum octane number87 Pump Posted AKI (RON+MON)/2 Minimum (Inside North America, 92 (RON) E10 (Outside North America)
Fuel tank capacity60 L (15.9 U.S. gal)
Engine oil - TypeScandinavia: 4T 5W40 SYNTHETIC, BLEND OIL (EUR) (P/N 779290), All other countries: 4T 5W40, SYNTHETIC BLEND OIL (P/N 779133)
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-X 230.

What is a Sea-Doo GTR-X 230?

The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 was a mid-size supercharged performance Sea-Doo built on the GTI hull.

When did the Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Come Out?

The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 debuted in 2017 and remained in production until 2019.

What Size was a Sea-Doo GTR-X 230?

The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 measured 130.6 inches in length, 45.3 inches in width, and 45 inches in height.

How Much Did a Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Weigh?

The dry weight of the Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 was 821 pounds.

How Many People Could Ride on a Sea-Doo GTR-X 230?

The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 could carry two riders or 400 pounds.

What Kind of Engine was in the Sea-Doo GTR-X 230?

The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 was powered by a 1494cc, SOHC, Rotax 1500 ACE HO engine.

Was the Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Supercharged?

The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 utilized a supercharged engine.

Was the Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 a 4-Stroke?

The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 was powered by a 4-stroke engine.

How Much Horsepower Did a Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Have?

The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 produced 230hp out of the box.

How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Hold?

The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 was equipped with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.

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

The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 required 3.2 US quarts of oil w/ filter.

How Much Weight Could a Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Hold?

The total weight capacity of the Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 was 400 pounds.

How Much Gear Could a Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Carry?

The total storage capacity of the Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 was 30.7 gallons.

How Fast Did a Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Go?

The top speed of a Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 was a (limited) 67 mph under ideal conditions.

Could the Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Thanks to its three-passenger seat, the Sea-Doo GTR-X 300 could legally tow a skier or a wakeboarder.

Did the Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Have a Reverse?     

The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 came standard with an electric reverse.

Did the Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Have a Brake?         

The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 enjoyed the advanced iBR brake and reverse system.

How Much Does a Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 Cost?

The asking price of a used Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 varies between $8,000 and $14,000 depending on the year and its condition.