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Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Review and Specs [Video]
The short-lived Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 was the smaller brother of the flagship GTX Limited iS 260. They shared the same S3 platform and the intelligent suspension (iS) seat, but the GTX iS 215 only had 215hp and lacked the Limited package. Sea-Doo only manufactured this model in the 2010 and 2011 model years.
If you want to find out more about this midrange suspension Sea-Doo, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 review!
2010-2011 Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Review
For the 2010 season, Sea-Doo released three GTX models, namely the GTX 155, the GTX iS 215, and the GTX Limited iS 260.The GTX 155 was the least-featured model in this breed, powered by a 155hp naturally-aspirated engine option.
In contrast, the GTX Limited iS 260 was designed to be the flagship touring ski in the 2010 Sea-Doo lineup.
It came standard with the intelligent suspension (iS) saddle, Limited package, and top-of-the-line supercharged, 260hp Rotax engine.
Between these models, you could find the midrange GTX iS 215, which was a more affordable configuration of the 260hp Limited model.
It lacked the Limited package and its engine power was restricted to 215hp, but aside from these differences, the two skis were identical.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about the GTX iS 215 in detail!
Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Hull
Just like all other GTX and RXT Sea-Doos at that time, the GTX iS 215 was also designed with the composite fiberglass S3 hull.This innovative platform replaced the outdated GTX hull in the 2008 season. The name “S3” stood for: “Stepped, Stable, and Strong,” and with good reason.
Its unique stepped design not only reduced water drag, but also kept the ski glued to the water.
Thanks to its deep deadrise, the S3 cut through the chop with ease, making the GTX a great offshore ski.In terms of dimensions, the GTX iS 215 measured 139 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 43.9 inches in height.
It weighed 960 pounds dry, 20 pounds less than the 260hp model but 135 pounds more than the GTX 155.
The top deck of this model also enjoyed the “new” GTX deck, which was revealed in 2008.
It housed a removable front storage bin, a glovebox, a rear platform storage, with an overall capacity of 16.4 gallons. Keeping long tours in mind, the fuel capacity of the ski was 18.5 gallons.
Although the GTX iS 215 was rated at three riders, it could only carry 500 pounds because of its heavy suspension system.
In comparison, the weight limit of standard-seat Sea-Doos was 600 pounds.
Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Suspension
Each “iS” Sea-Doo model was designed with an advanced intelligent suspension system, and the GTX iS 215 was no exception.
Also known as the “suspension seat,” this system was designed to protect the operator and passengers from the negative impacts of choppy waters.
This ski featured a two-piece top deck, which was mounted together with aluminum arms. These arms were connected to a Fox PS6 Racing shock absorber with a massive spring.
The key advantage of this intelligent suspension was its electronically-adjustable design. It allowed you to tailor the softness of the suspension based on riding conditions and the load.
Aside from nine manual settings, the system also offered an auto-calibration function.
Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Engine and Propulsion
The heart of the Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 was a supercharged Rotax 4-TEC engine detuned to 215hp.
The key specifications of this power mill were as follows:
- 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
The aluminum pump housing enclosed a 10-vane aluminum stator, a replaceable urethane wear ring, a stainless-steel impeller, and a large-diameter direct driveshaft, featuring a crowned spline design.
Behind the jet nozzle was the reverse bucket of the iBR brake and reverse system.
The propulsion system was completed with an electronically controlled trim system (VTS).
Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Features
Other features of the Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 included:
- Interactive Multifunction Digital Information Center
- Sea-Doo learning keys
- Digitally Encoded Security System (D.E.S.S.™)
- iS Intelligent Suspension
- Floating safety lanyard
- Handlebar-mounted start/stop buttons
- High-performance electric Variable Trim System (VTS)
- Removable, watertight front storage bin
- Glovebox
- Swim platform storage
- Adjustable handlebar
- Tilt steering
- Palm rest grips
- iBR brake and reverse system
- 3-rider touring seat
- Set strap
- Splash deflector
- Dual drain plugs
- Finger throttle lever
- Tow hook
- Mooring cleats
- Bumpers
- Rear grab handle
- Quick latch fuel filler design
- Foam flotation
- Sponsons
- Deck mats
- Adjustable mirrors
- Fold-down reboarding step
- Ski tow eye
This package included some (not really essential) bells and whistles like a depth finder, speed ties, and some extra storage units.
A custom cover was also part of the Limited package, but it was available separately as well.
Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Performance
The Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 built its reputation on its outstanding comfort and a smooth riding experience.
Its stable S3 hull, combined with the iS suspension system, smooth out the small chop with ease.
Even though its supercharged engine would have been capable of an even greater performance, the top speed of the ski was electronically limited to 67 mph.
Adjustable handlebars allowed you to set the riding position based on your body size and riding style.
Thanks to the Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) system, the ski could be operated in various riding modes.
Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Problems
Although the GTX iS 215 was an amazing machine, it had some design flaws, which were as follows:
- Awkward top deck design: It was hard to work on the engine.
- Complicated suspension system: A lot of complexity was added to the ski.
- Corrosion issues: The engine was nestled in a sealed plastic coffin, in which moisture built up, causing various corrosion issues. Corroded wire harnesses often resulted in electrical malfunctions.
- Rubber coated driveshaft: The rubber peeled and these parts often caused impeller damage.
- iBR issues: Early iBR Sea-Doos suffered from iBR problems.
Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the main specifications of the 2010 Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 into these charts:Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Engine Specs
| Engine Specs | 2010 Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 |
|---|---|
| Type | Rotax® 4-TEC®, Single Over Head Camshaft (SOHC) |
| Intake system Type | Supercharged with intercooler |
| Electronic Throttle body | 60mm (2.4 in) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Number of valves | 12 valves (4 per cylinder) with hydraulic lifters (no adjustment) |
| Displacement | 1494 cc (91.2 cu. in) |
| Bore | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Stroke | 63.4 mm (2.5 in) |
| Compression ratio | 8.4:1 |
| Ignition system type | IDI (inductive discharge ignition) |
| Starter | Electric |
| Spark plug - Make and type | NGK, DCPR8E |
| Spark plug - Gap | 0.75mm (.03 in) |
| Battery | 12 V, 30 Ah, Electrolyte type |
| Cooling system | Closed-loop system |
Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Fluids
| Fluids | Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Unleaded |
| Minimum octane | Inside North America ((RON + MON)/2): 87, Outside North America (RON): 92 |
| Recommended octane rating for optimum performance | Inside North America ((RON + MON)/2): 91, Outside North America (RON): 95 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 L (18.5 U.S. gal.) |
| Engine oil Type | XPS synthetic blend oil (summer grade). |
| Engine oil Capacity | 3 L (3.2 qt (U.S. liq.)) Oil change w/filter |
| Cooling system Capacity | 5.5 L (5.8 qt (U.S. liq.)) |
Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Propulsion System
| Propulsion system | Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 |
|---|---|
| Propulsion system | Sea-Doo direct drive |
| Jet Pump | Aluminum, Axial flow, single stage. Large hub with 10-vane stator |
| Impeller | Stainless steel |
| Transmission | Electronic: iBR, Direct drive, (forward/neutral/reverse) |
| VTS system | Yes |
Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Dimensions and Capacities
| Dimensions and Capacities | Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers (Driver incl.) | 3 |
| Load limit (passengers + luggage) | 226 kg (500 lb) |
| Storage capacity | 62 L (16.4 U.S. gal.) |
| Weight (dry) | 435 kg (960 lb) |
| Length | 354 cm (139 in) |
| Width | 122 cm (48 in) |
| Height | 111.4 cm (43.9 in) |
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Sea-Doo GTX iS 215:What is a Sea-Doo GTX iS 215?
The Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 was a mid-range luxury Sea-Doo featuring an advanced suspension system.
When did the Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Come Out?
The Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 was manufactured from 2010 through 2011.
What Size was a Sea-Doo GTX iS 215?
The Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 measured 139 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 43.9 inches in height.
How Much Did a Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Weigh?
The dry weight of the Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 was 960 pounds.
How Many People Could Ride on a Sea-Doo GTX iS 215?
The Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 was rated for three riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the Sea-Doo GTX iS 215?
The Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 was powered by a 4-stroke, fuel-injected, 1494cc, SOHC, inline-3, Rotax 4-TEC engine.
Was the Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Supercharged?
The Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 utilized a supercharged engine.
Was the Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 a 4-Stroke?
The Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 was powered by a 4-stroke engine.
How Much Horsepower Did a Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Have?
The Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 produced 215hp out of the box.
How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Hold?
The Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 was equipped with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Oil Did a Sea-Doo GTI SE 133 Hold?
The Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 required 3.2 US quarts of oil with filter.
How Much Weight Could a Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Hold?
The weight capacity of the Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 was 500 pounds.
How Much Gear Could a Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Carry?
The total storage capacity of the Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 was 16.4 gallons.
How Fast Did a Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Go?
The top speed of a Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 was a limited 67 mph under ideal conditions.
Could the Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Due to its three-seater configuration, the Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.
Did the Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Have a Reverse?
The Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 came standard with an electric reverse system.
Did the Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Have a Brake?
The Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 was manufactured with the iBR brake and reverse system.
How Much Does a Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 Cost?
The asking price of a used Sea-Doo GTX iS 215 varies between $6,000 and $12,000 depending on the year and its condition.
