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Sea-Doo GTX 215/Limited 215 Review and Specs [Video]

Sea-Doo GTX 215/Limited 215 Review and Specs [Video]

The 2011-2013 Sea-Doo GTX 215 and 2014-2016 GTX Limited 215 were mid-range touring Sea-Doos. These models were less-featured versions of the flagship GTX Limited iS 260, which came standard with a suspension seat and the 260hp engine option.

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

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

Sea-Doo GTX 215/Limited 215 Review

The GTX 215 had a rich history going back to 2007 when Sea-Doo introduced the 2007 GTX 215.

This ski was built on the “old” GTX hull and remained in production through 2009.

Its more advanced “Limited” configuration was the GTX LTD 215, which was part of the lineup in 2007 and 2008 model years.

This ski was the flagship touring model in the fleet before the appearance of the more powerful 2009 GTX LTD iS 255.

Interestingly, the GTX line skipped the base 215 model in the 2010 season. In return, it featured a more advanced version of this ski with a suspension seat (2010-2011 GTX iS 215).To the greatest delight of many fans, the base 215 model made a comeback for the 2011 model year.

The Canadian manufacturer marketed this model under the name GTX 215 from 2011 to 2013. For the 2014 season, it returned with the Limited package and was rebranded as the GTX Limited 215.

It was then phased out by the more powerful GTX Limited 230 in 2017.

In this post, we will review the very similar 2011-2013 GTX 215 and the 2014-2015 GTX Limited 215.

Sea-Doo GTX 215 /GTX Limited 215 Hull

Unlike its predecessors, which had the outdated GTX hull, the GTX 215 and GTX Limited 215 were built on a composite fiberglass S3 platform.This shell was revealed in 2008 but was replaced by the upgraded ST3 hull in 2018. It was completed with the all-new modern GTX top deck.

As the acronym of its name suggests (S3 = “Stepped, Stable, and Strong”), this hull was specifically engineered with jet ski touring in mind.

It featured a deep-V keel and a revolutionary stepped design that offered an outstanding rough-water performance while also significantly reducing water drag.

Regarding dimensions, the 2010-2013 GTX 215 measured 139 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 45.9 inches in height.

The ski was rebranded as GTX Limited 215 for the 2014 season since it got some upgrades. Its hull was slightly lengthened and widened by 0.2-0.2 inches, respectively.

Unlike its dimensions, the dry weight of the ski changed many times over the years:

  • 2011-2012 GTX 215: 855 lbs
  • 2013 GTX 215: 825 lbs
  • 2014 GTX Limited 215: 816 lbs
  • 2015 GTX Limited 215: 865 lbs
  • 2016 GTX Limited 215: 879 lbs
Note that these are just the dry weight figures, which means the water-ready (wet) weight of these skis were roughly 90 pounds heavier.

Under the front hood, you could find a watertight storage bin, and the rear platform enclosed a smaller storage unit.

They were completed with an industry-standard glovebox located in front of the standard (non-suspension) seat.

Both the GTX 215 and GTX Limited 215 could carry 600 pounds including three adult riders.

Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215 Engine

The engine of the GTX 215 and GTX Limited 215 was the same supercharged, 1494cc, SOHC, Rotax triple engine rated at 215hp.

This unit was originally labeled as Rotax 4-TEC but was rebranded as Rotax 1503 4-TEC NA in 2016.

The key specs of this engine include:

  • Type: 4-stroke, Inline-3, 12-valve
  • Engine power: 215 HP @ 8000 RPM
  • Supercharged and intercooled
  • Single over head camshaft (SOHC)
  • Compression ratio: 8.4:1
  • Single throttle body (60 mm) with an actuator
  • Water-cooled exhaust system
  • Dry sump lubrication system
  • Multi-port fuel injection
  • Watertight digital ignition
  • iTC (Intelligent Throttle Control)
  • Cruise control
  • Water/air separator
  • D-Sea-Bel sound reduction system
  • Closed-loop cooling system
  • Electric starter
Just like the engine, the propulsion system was also carried over the years without any noticeable changes.

This unit was an axial-flow, single-stage, 159mm jet pump utilizing an aluminum housing, a stainless-steel impeller, and a replaceable wear ring.

It was also equipped with the iBR brake and reverse system and the VTS trim system.

Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215 Features

Standard features of the Sea-Doo GTX 215 and GTX Limited 215 include:

As we’ve discussed, the 2014-2016 GTX Limited 215 was almost equivalent to the 2011-2013 GTX 215, except that it came standard with the Limited package.

The latter packed a wide range of goodies, the most important of which were the following:

  • Watertight front storage bin
  • Glovebox organizer
  • Depth finder
  • Spring-loaded speed ties
  • Sandbag anchor
  • Removable dry bag
  • Recessed cargo cleats
  • Safety kit
  • Custom Sea-Doo Cover

Sea-Doo GTX Limited 215 Performance

The Sea-Doo GTX 215 and GTX Limited 215 were known for their great performance and easy handling.

Their supercharged engine could propel these skis up to 67 mph while the stepped S3 hull provided industry-leading stability and predictability.

Also, their deep-V hull was known for its great rough water performance since its keel cut through the chop with ease.

The skis featured an Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) system, which wasn’t a basic throttle-by-wire system. Instead, this feature offered different riding modes like the ECO and Sport.

Sea-Doo GTX Limited 215 Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the main specifications of the 2011-2013 GTX 215 and 2014-2016 GTX Limited 215 into these charts.

(Aside from some minor size and weight differences, the main specifications of these skis were basically equivalent.)

Sea-Doo GTX 215 / GTX Limited 215 Engine Specs

Engine SpecsSea-Doo GTX 215 / GTX Limited 215
TypeRotax, 4-stroke, Single Over Head Camshaft (SOHC)
Intake system TypeSupercharged with intercooler
Electronic Throttle body60mm (2.4 in)
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
Ignition system typeIDI (inductive discharge ignition)
StarterElectric
Cooling systemClosed-loop system

Sea-Doo GTX 215 / GTX Limited 215 Fluids

FluidsSea-Doo GTX 215 / GTX Limited 215
Fuel tank capacity15.9-16 U.S. gal.
Engine oil TypeXPS synthetic blend oil (summer grade).
Engine oil Capacity3 L (3.2 qt (U.S. liq.)) Oil change w/filter
Cooling system Capacity5.5 L (5.8 qt (U.S. liq.))

Sea-Doo GTX 215 / GTX Limited 215 Propulsion System

Propulsion systemSea-Doo GTX 215 / GTX Limited 215
Propulsion systemSea-Doo direct drive
Jet PumpAluminum, Axial flow, single stage. Large hub with 10-vane stator
ImpellerStainless steel
TransmissionElectronic: iBR, Direct drive, (forward/neutral/reverse)
VTS systemYes

Sea-Doo GTX 215 / GTX Limited 215 Dimensions

Dimensions and CapacitiesSea-Doo GTX 215 / GTX Limited 215
Number of passengers (Driver incl.)3
Load limit (passengers + luggage)272 kg (600 lb)
Storage capacity13.7 gal.
Weight (dry)816-879 lb*
Length139-139.2 in*
Width48-48.2 in*
Height45.9 in
*Varies by the yearThese 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 215 and GTX Limited 215:

What is a Sea-Doo GTX Limited 215?

The Sea-Doo GTX Limited 215 was the successor of the luxury Sea-Doo GTX 215.

When did the Sea-Doo GTX 215 and Limited 215 Come Out?

The second-generation Sea-Doo GTX 215 was released in 2011 and rebranded for GTX Limited 215 in 2014.

What Size was a Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215?

The S3-based Sea-Doo GTX 215 measured 139 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 45.9 inches in height.

In contrast, the GTX Limited 215 was 139.2 inches long, and 48.2 inches high.

How Much Did a Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215 Weigh?

The dry weight of the Sea-Doo GTX 215 and GTX Limited 215 was 816-879 pounds depending on the model year.

How Many People Could Ride on a Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215?

The Sea-Doo GTX 215 and the GTX Limited 215 were rated for three riders.

What Kind of Engine was in the Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215?

The engine of the Sea-Doo GTX 215 and GTX Limited 215 was a 4-stroke, fuel-injected, 1494cc, SOHC, inline-3, Rotax engine.

Was the Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215 Supercharged?

The Sea-Doo GTX 215 and GTX Limited 215 utilized a supercharged engine.

How Much HP Did a Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215 Have?

The Sea-Doo GTX 215 and GTX Limited 215 produced 215hp out of the box.

How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215 Hold?

The Sea-Doo GTX 215 and Limited 215 were equipped with a 16-gallon fuel tank.

How Much Oil Did a GTX 215/GTX Limited 215 Hold?

The Sea-Doo GTX 215 and Limited 215 required 3.2 US quarts of oil with filter.

How Much Weight Could a Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215 Hold?

The weight capacity of these skis was 600 pounds.

How Much Gear Could a Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215 Carry?

The total storage capacity of these skis was 13.7 gallons.

How Fast Did a Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215 Go?

The top speed of a Sea-Doo GTX 215 and GTX Limited 215 was 67 mph under ideal conditions.

Could the Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Thanks to their three-rider saddle, the Sea-Doo GTX 215 and GTX Limited 215 could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.

Did the Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215 Have a Brake?          

The Sea-Doo GTX 215 and GTX Limited 215 were manufactured with the iBR brake and reverse system.

How Much Does a GTX 215/GTX Limited 215 Cost?

The asking price of a used Sea-Doo GTX 215/GTX Limited 215 varies between $8,000 and $12,000 depending on the year and condition.