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Sea-Doo GTX 170 Review and Specs [Video]

Sea-Doo GTX 170 Review and Specs [Video]

The Sea-Doo GTX 170 is the more powerful successor of the proven GTX 155. As the name suggests, the power source of this upgraded model is a naturally aspirated Rotax 1630 ACE rated at 170hp. The supercharged configurations of this ski are the midrange GTX 230 and flagship GTX Limited 300.

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

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo GTX 170 review!

Sea-Doo GTX 170 Review

The History of the GTX 155/170

Interestingly, the history of the non-supercharged Sea-Doo GTX line goes back to 2002 when the Canadian manufacturer introduced its first 4-stroke PWC.

Labeled the GTX 4-TEC, this model was manufactured from 2005 to 2006 and was rebranded as GTX 155 for the 2007 season. The latter remained in production until 2009.

Both of these models were designed with the “old” GTX hull and the naturally aspirated configuration of the Rotax 4-TEC engine. This 4-stroke, 1494cc, SOHC triple produced 155hp out of the box.

The GTX 155 was completely revamped for the 2010 model year. It returned with the all-new S3 platform and a redesigned top deck. Unlike its body, the engine of the ski remained unchanged.

Sea-Doo manufactured this S3-based GTX 155 from 2010 through 2017. In the 2018 and 2019 seasons, this model came built on the upgraded ST3 hull.

For the 2020 model year, the smallest GTX got the more powerful Rotax 1630 ACE 170 engine and was renamed the GTX 170.

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

Sea-Doo GTX 170 Engine and Propulsion

There’s no question that the biggest novelty of the GTX 170 was its more powerful engine option.

While the predecessor GTX 155 was powered by the 1494cc Rotax 4-TEC engine (rebranded as Rotax 1503 NA in 2016), the upgraded GTX 170 enjoys the Rotax 1630 ACE 170 rated at 170hp.

The key specs of this naturally aspirated Rotax 1630 engine are as follows:

This engine was matched with an axial-flow, single-stage jet pump, housing a stainless steel impeller.

Sea-Doo GTX 170 Hull

As we’ve discussed, the predecessor GTX 155s were built on three different hulls, including:

  • 2002-2009: “old” GTX hull
  • 2010-2017: S3
  • 2018-2019: ST3
While the GTX 170 was designed with a completely new engine, its ST3 hull and top deck were carried over from the 2019 GTX 155 without any significant changes.

Designed for the touring Sea-Doo line, this ST3 replaced the proven S3 platform in the 2018 model year. Since then, it’s found its way into many model lines including the RXT, GTX, and Wake series.

Regarding dimensions, the GTX 170 measures 135.9 inches in length, 49.4 inches in width, and 44.8 inches in height. The dry weight of the ski is 776 pounds, which is 10 pounds less than the weight of the 2019 GTX 155.

The GTX 170 can carry 600 pounds, including three riders and 26.1 gallons of gear.

Sea-Doo GTX 170 Features

The GTX 170 inherited most of its features from the 2017-2019 GTX 155, including:

Sea-Doo GTX 170 Performance

The Sea-Doo GTX line is known for its smooth performance and outstanding stability, and the GTX 170 is no exception.

Although it can’t beat its supercharged brothers, its power is plenty enough, especially for beginner riders. You can expect the top speed of this ski to be roughly 58 mph under ideal conditions.

Also, its innovative ST3 touring platform offers an excellent rough water performance. Its stepped design keeps the hull glued to the water when cornering while helping to reduce water drag.

Thanks to its reliable engine, predictable attitude, and great capacities, the GTX 170 is popular among families and novice riders.

Sea-Doo GTX 170 Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the main specifications of the Sea-Doo GTX 170 into these charts:

Sea-Doo GTX 170 Engine Specs

Engine SpecsSea-Doo GTX 170
TypeRotax 1630 ACE – 170, 4-Stroke, Single Over Head Camshaft (SOHC)
Intake system TypeNaturally Aspirated
Number of cylinders3
Number of valves12 valves (4 per cylinder) with hydraulic lifters (no adjustment)
Displacement1630.5 cc (99.5 cu. in)
Bore100 mm (3.9 in)
Stroke69.2 mm (2.7 in)
Compression ratio11:1
Fuel injection typeMultipoint fuel injection with iTC (intelligent Throttle Control).
Throttle bodySingle throttle body (60 mm) with an actuator
StarterElectric
Cooling systemClosed-loop system

Sea-Doo GTX 170 Electrical System

Electrical SystemSea-Doo GTX 170
Ignition system typeIDI (Inductive Discharge Ignition)
Spark Plug TypeNGK, DCPR8E with solid post or equivalent
Spark Plug Gap0.80 to 0.90 mm (.031 to .035 in)
Battery12 V, 18 Ah
Total system output420 W @ 6000 RPM

Sea-Doo GTX 170 Fluids

FluidsSea-Doo GTX 170
Fuel TypeRegular Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel tank capacity (full)70 l (18.5 gal.)
Fuel tank capacity (reserve)14 l (3.7 gal.)
Engine oil TypeXPS 4T 5W40 Synthetic blend oil
Engine oil Capacity3 L (3.2 qt) Oil change w/filter, 5.0 L (5.3 qt) total
Recommended coolantXPS Extended life pre-mixed coolant
Cooling system capacity3.0 l (3.2 qt.)

Sea-Doo GTX 170 Propulsion System

Propulsion systemSea-Doo GTX 170
Propulsion systemSea-Doo jet pump
Jet Pump typeAxial flow, single stage. Large hub with double row ball bearings
Jet Pump materialAluminum
ImpellerStainless steel
TransmissionDirect drive

Sea-Doo GTX 170 Dimensions and Capacities

Dimensions and CapacitiesSea-Doo GTX 170
Number of passengers (Driver incl.)3
Load limit (passenger(s) and luggage, including accessories)600 lb
Storage capacity98.9 l (26.1 gal.)
Weight (dry)352 kg (776 lb)
Overall Length345.1 cm (135.9 in)
Overall Width125.5 cm (49.4 in)
Overall Height113.8 cm (44.8 in)
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 GTX 170:

What is a Sea-Doo GTX 170?

The Sea-Doo GTX 170 is the successor of the popular Sea-Doo GTX 155.

When did the Sea-Doo GTX 170 Come Out?

The Sea-Doo GTX 170 was revealed in 2020.

What Size is a Sea-Doo GTX 170?

The Sea-Doo GTX 170 measures 135.9 inches in length, 49.4 inches in width, and 44.8 inches in height.

How Much Does a Sea-Doo GTX 170 Weigh?

The dry weight of the Sea-Doo GTX 170 is 776 pounds (2023 model).

How Many People Can Ride on a Sea-Doo GTX 170?

The Sea-Doo GTX 170 is rated for three riders.

What Kind of Engine is in the Sea-Doo GTX 170?

The Sea-Doo GTX 170 is powered by a 4-stroke, Rotax 1630 ACE 170 engine.

Is the Sea-Doo GTX 170 Supercharged?

The Sea-Doo GTX 170 utilizes a naturally aspirated engine.

Is the Sea-Doo GTX 170 a 4-Stroke?

The Sea-Doo GTX 170 is powered by a 4-stroke engine.

How Much HP Does a Sea-Doo GTX 170 Have?

The Sea-Doo GTX 170 produces 170hp in stock condition.

How Much Fuel Does a Sea-Doo GTX 170 Hold?

The fuel capacity of the Sea-Doo GTX 170 is 18.5 gallons.

How Much Oil Does a Sea-Doo GTX 170 Hold?

The Sea-Doo GTX 170 requires 3.2 US quarts of oil with filter.

How Much Weight Can a Sea-Doo GTX 170 Hold?

The weight capacity of the Sea-Doo GTX 170 is 600 pounds.

How Much Gear Can a Sea-Doo GTX 170 Carry?

The total storage capacity of the Sea-Doo GTX 170 is 26.1 gallons.

How Fast Does a Sea-Doo GTX 170 Go?

The top speed of a Sea-Doo GTX 170 is 58 mph under ideal conditions.

Can the Sea-Doo GTX 170 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Due to its three-rider saddle, the Sea-Doo GTX 170 can legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.

Does the Sea-Doo GTX 170 Have a Reverse?      

The Sea-Doo GTX 170 comes standard with an electric reverse system.

Does the Sea-Doo GTX 170 Have a Brake?          

The Sea-Doo GTX 170 is designed with the iBR brake and reverse system.

How Much Does a Sea-Doo GTX 170 Cost?

The MSRP of the Sea-Doo GTX 170 is $15,199 this year.