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Sea-Doo RXT and RXT-X History and Models [Video]

Sea-Doo RXT and RXT-X History and Models [Video]

Sea-Doo revealed its supercharged RXT line with the introduction of the innovative RXT 215. Over the years this model line went through many changes and upgrades. The latest model in this breed is the RXT-X 325, offering an industry-leading performance and a wide range of advanced features.

If you want to find out more about the Sea-Doo RXT line and compare these models head-to-head, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know under one roof!

The History of the Sea-Doo RXT Line

Before the introduction of the RXT line, Sea-Doo offered two different high-end PWC lines; the 3-seater touring GTX and the 2-seater performance RXP families

The GTX enjoyed a much more stable 3-seater hull and more bells and whistles.

In return, it was less nimble and agile than the lively RXP.

Built on the modified GTI hull, the RXP was a race-ready PWC designed for competition and performance-minded enthusiasts. Even though it was rated for two riders, it was more of a one-rider racing PWC than a couch for passengers.

Therefore, if you wanted to buy a flagship Sea-Doo in the early 2000s, you had to choose between comfort and performance.

To get the best of both worlds, Sea-Doo started to work on a “hybrid” touring-performance model after the Millennium.

Released in 2005, the revolutionary RXT 215 was a unique mix of the touring GTX 215 and the sporty RXP 215.

Keeping capacities and comfort in mind, it was built on the 3-seater GTX platform, and was tuned for high performance rather than comfort.

As a rule of thumb, each Sea-Doo RXT model was released with a supercharged engine rated at 215-325hp depending on the model and its year.

Over the decades the Canadian manufacturer released many more exciting RXTs, including:Models:

(You can discover each model by following the links above.)

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

The Sea-Doo RXT Family

2005-2010 RXT 215

The RXT 215 was the first Sea-Doo RXT ever built, introduced for the 2005 model year.

It borrowed its fiberglass reinforced composite (FRC) hull from the GTX 155 and  GTX 4-TEC SC. This platform measured 130 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 44 inches in height.

As a comparison, the smaller RXP 215 enjoyed a modified GTI hull measuring 121 inches in length and 47 inches in width. Both the RXP 215 and RXT 215 shared the same supercharged and intercooled Rotax 4-TEC engine rated at 215hp and still featured the outdated manual reverse.

The RXT 215 was manufactured with the “old” GTX hull and top deck from 2005 through 2009, but for the 2010 season, it was released with the S3 hull and a new top deck design.

After the 2010 season, this model was discontinued.

2008-2009 RXT-X 255

The RXT-X 255 was an upgraded, more powerful version of the proven RXT 215.

It inherited its hull and top deck from its smaller brother, but was designed with a 255hp engine option and the advanced X-package.

The latter included the race-inspired color scheme, adjustable aluminum handlebars with a billet throttle lever, racing-style saddle, custom deck mats, and high-performance sponsons.

The dry weight of the RXP-X 255 jumped up to 818 pounds while its storage capacity was 32.5 gallons.

This ski still had the simple manual reverse system.

The RXT-X 255 was introduced in 2008 and was carried over to 2009 without any noticeable changes.

2009 RXT iS 255

The 2009 RXT iS 255 was a revolutionary model in many ways.

It was not only built on the all-new S3 platform completed with an entirely new top deck, but it also enjoyed the iBR brake and reverse and the innovative intelligent suspension (iS) system.Compared to its predecessor, the RXT iS 255 was 9 inches longer and 172 pounds heavier, which was a very significant weight gain on this model.

The dry weight of the ski was 990 pounds and it could carry three passengers or 500 pounds.

It lacked the X-package, which was reserved for “X-models” like the RXT-X 255.

2010-2012 RXT iS 260

The RXT iS 255 was only manufactured in the 2009 model year since it was phased out by the RXT iS 260 in 2010.Under the hood, you could find the upgraded Rotax 1503 4-TEC engine rated at 260hp.

Unlike the engine, the body and features of the ski were carried over from the RXT iS 255.

2010-2015 RXT-X 260

While the RXT iS 255 was upgraded to the RXT iS 260, the RXT-X 260 replaced the RXT-X 255.

This model was introduced in 2010 and remained in production through 2015.

Except for its slightly more powerful engine, the body and features of the RXT-X 260 were inherited from its predecessor.

Just like any other “X-model” the RXT-X 260 also enjoyed the X-package but lacked an Ergolock seat.

2011-2016 RXT-X aS 260

The 2011-2016 RXT-X aS 260 was a suspension variant of the RXT-X 260.

These skis were almost equivalent, except the former housed the manually adjustable “aS” suspension system and some model-specific features like adjustable trim tabs and front sponsons.Compared to the “iS” model the aS 260 had a simpler design and longer suspension travel.

Even though it was an “X-model” it lacked an Ergolock seat, which was reserved for the RXP-X 260.

2011-2017 RXT 260

The 2011-2017 RXT 260 was a simpler version of the 2010-2015 RXT-X 260.

However, the latter came standard with the X-package and a distinctive color scheme, otherwise these skis were identical.

2016-2023 RXT-X 300

The RXT-X 300 replaced the RXT-X 250 for the 2016 model year.

This all-new Sea-Dop was built on a brand new ST3 platform designed from scratch. The top deck of the ski was also completely redesigned and returned (finally!) with the Ergolock seat and the innovative direct-access front storage.

It housed an entirely new Rotax 1630 ACE 300 engine. This 4-stroke, 1630cc, SOHC triple was rated at 300hp.

2018-2019 RXT 230

The short-lived RXT 230 was manufactured from 2018 through 2019.

This “budget” performance Sea-Doo was built on the new ST3 hull but featured the old 1.5L engine.

Marketed as the 1500 ACE HO, this engine was a de-tuned (230hp) version of the outdated 1.5L Rotax 1503 4-TEC 260.

Although the more advanced Rotax 1630 ACE debuted in 2016, Sea-Doo used these old 1.5L engines in the RXT 230 and some suspension models as well.

2024 RXT-X 325

The RXT-X 325 was introduced in late 2023 as the replacement model for the RXT-X 300.

Its engine was heavily upgraded to handle the incredible power of 325hp, but the platform and the features of the ski were carried over from the predecessor.

You can read more about the amazing Sea-Doo RXT-X 325 in this post.

Sea-Doo RXT Comparison Chart

For a better comparison, we’ve listed the key specs of the Sea-Doo RXT models in one chart:
YearsModelHullEngineHPWeight (lb)*Length (in)With (in)SuspensioniBR
05-09RXT 215"GTX"1503 4-TEC21586913048-No
08-09RXT-X 255"GTX"1503 4-TEC25581813048-No
10RXT 215S31503 4-TEC21583913948-Yes
09RXT iS 255S31503 4-TEC25599013948iSYes
10-12RXT iS 260S31503 4-TEC26097013948iSYes
11-16RXT-X aS 260S31503 4-TEC26096013948aSYes
10-15RXT-X 260S31503 4-TEC26085513948-Yes
11-17RXT 260S31503 4-TEC26084513948-Yes
16-22RXT-X 300ST31630 ACE 300300829135.949.4-Yes
18-19RXT 230ST31500 ACE HO230508135.949.4-Yes
23-RXT-X 325ST31630 ACE 325325842135.949.4-Yes

Takeaways

As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the RXT line.

When did the Sea-Doo RXT Come Out?

Sea-Doo revealed its RXT line for the 2005 model year.

How Fast is a Sea-Doo RXT?

The top speed of each Sea-Doo RXT and RXT-X model is a (limited) 67 mph.

How Much HP Does a Sea-Doo RXT Have?

The latest Sea-Doo RXT, the RXT-X 325 delivers a whopping 325hp. Its predecessors were rated at 215-300hp depending on the year and the model.

Is the Sea-Doo RXT Supercharged?

As a rule of thumb, each Sea-Doo RXT and RXT-X was designed with a supercharged engine.

Is the Sea-Doo RXT a 3-Seater?

The Sea-Doo RXT and RXT-X models are built on the 3-seater GTX platform.

What Was the Difference Between the RXT-X aS 260 and RXT iS 260?

The Sea-Doo RXT-X aS 260 featured a simpler manually-adjustable suspension but had the race-inspired X-package,  front sponsons, and adjustable trim tabs.

In contrast, the RXT iS 260 was designed with the electronically adjustable “intelligent suspension (iS)” system.

Except for these differences, these two models were identical, utilizing the same engine and body.

What Was the Difference Between the RXT-X 260 and RXT iS 260?

The RXT iS 260 was a suspension model featuring the intelligent suspension system and the two-piece top deck. This model was significantly heavier as well.

Its RTX-X 260 sibling was designed with a standard seat and the X-package.

What Was the Difference between RXT-X 255 and RXT iS 255?

Contrary to popular belief, the RXT iS 255 is not just an RXT-X 255 with a suspension seat. Although both of these machines shared the same S3 hull and a supercharged Rotax 1503 (255hp) engine, there were many differences between these models, including:

  • Top deck: The RXT iS 255 borrowed its top deck from the GTX Limited iS 255, while the RXT-X 255 had a different top deck design.
  • Seat: The RXT iS 255 had a suspension seat while the RXT-X was designed with a standard seat.
  • X-Package: The RXT-X 255 had the race-inspired X-Package, including the racing-style saddle, aluminum adjustable race handlebars with a billet finger throttle lever, and X-style deck mats.
  • Weight: The RXT iS 255 was 172 pounds heavier (and more top-heavy) than the RXT-X 255.
  • Brake and Reverse: The RXT-X 255 had a simple manual reverse with no brake, while the RXT iS 255 came standard with an iBR electric brake and reverse.