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2009 Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Specs and Review [Video]
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 was a supercharged 3-seater Sea-Doo designed with an innovative suspension seat and a distinctive yellow/black color scheme. This ski was only a 2009 model that was replaced by the more powerful RXT iS 260 in 2010. The closest relative of the RXT iS 255 was the more luxurious GTX Limited iS 255.
If you want to learn all about this iconic high-performance Sea-Doo, you’re in the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 review!
Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Review
The Sea-Doo RXT Line
In 2005 Sea-Doo introduced the RXT family as its high-performance 3-seater line. Over the years RXTs have undergone many different generations, which were as follows:
- 2005-2010: RXT 215
- 2008-2009: RXT-X 255
- 2009: RXT iS 255
- 2010-2012: RXT iS 260
- 2010-2015: RXT-X 260
- 2011-2016: RXT-X aS 260
- 2011-2017: RXT 260
- 2016-2023: RXT-X 300
- 2018-2019: RXT 230
- 2024- RXT-X 325
Therefore, it offered great comfort and capacities along with outstanding performance.
The first ski in this breed was the 2005 RXT 215 followed by the RXT-X 255 in 2008.
In the next model year, the innovative suspension seat found its way to the RXT series and the RXT iS 255 was born.
Sea-Doo RX iS 255 Engine and Pump
The RXT iS 255 shared its Rotax 1503 4-TEC engine with its high-performance siblings including the RXT-X 255, RXP-X 255, and the GTX Limited iS 215.The key features of this supercharged Rotax 1503 4-TEC engine were as follows:
- Displacement: 1494cc
- Cylinders: in-line triple
- Rotax Multipoint Fuel Injection
- Supercharged and intercooled
- Valves: 12 valves with hydraulic lifters (no adjustment)
- Lubrication: Dry sump (2 oil pumps)
- Bore x stroke: 100 x 63.4 mm
- Closed-loop cooling system (CLCS)
- Electric starter
According to the shop manual, the estimated pump power of this Sea-Doo was a remarkable 125hp (93 kW).
Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Hull
It’s safe to say that the closest relative of the RXT iS 255 was the GTX Limited iS 255. These skis shared the same engine, suspension seat, top deck, and the stepped S3 hull.
But while the GTX offered more comfort and bells and whistles, the RXT iS 255 was intended to be a performance model.
Both of these models enjoyed the proven S3 hull made of fiberglass reinforced composite (FRC). Regarding dimensions, this body was 139 inches long, 48 inches wide, and 44-50 inches high.
The dry weight of the RXT iS 255 was 990 pounds, 20 pounds more than the GTX Limited iS 255. The load limit of the RXT iS 225 was 500 pounds or three people.
Unfortunately, iS models were significantly heavier and much more top-heavy than standard-seat models.
Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Suspension
Unlike the base “fixed-seat” Sea-Doos and their more advanced relatives with manually-adjustable suspensions, the RXT iS 255 featured the high-end Intelligent Suspension (iS) system.
As the name suggests, this suspension could be adjusted by the press of a button, and it also offered an auto-calibration function.
Thanks to its innovative design, this suspension system reduced the bumps and hits caused by wakes and waves.
You can find out more about Sea-Doo suspension seats in this detailed post.
Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Features
Being a high-end Sea-Doo, the RXT iS 255 came with luxury features including high-performance sponsons, reboarding step, mirrors, mooring cleats, storage compartments, and more.
Its large information center had many useful functions including, a tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, and riding modes.
It also had an innovative programmable electric trim system (VTS) that ensured a smoother operation and faster acceleration.
The RXT iS 255 was also one of the earliest Sea-Doos that came standard with the user-friendly iBR electric brake and reverse system.On the other hand, unlike the RXT-X 255, this ski also lacked the race-inspired X-package, which included adjustable aluminum handlebars with a billet finger throttle, a racing saddle, and custom deck mats.
Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Performance
When it came out in 2009, Yacht and Boat described the RXT iS 255 as the “Bumblebee of the water”and with good reason.
This ski not only featured a Transformer-like yellow/black design, but it also offered outstanding performance.
Also, just like the flagship GTX Limited iS 255, the RXT iS 255 was also known for its easy operation and amazing comfort.
Thanks to its unique suspension seat, it offered a smooth ride even on a choppy day.
This seat was only intended to dampen the hits caused by choppy waters, but its height was also adjustable allowing you to set an optimal seating position.
Just like any other 255hp supercharged Sea-Doo in the late 2010s, the RXT iS 255 also topped out at 65-67 mph out of the box.
Its reported maximum fuel consumption was 19.5 US gph (73.8 lph).
Considering its 18.5-gallon fuel capacity, the cruising time at full throttle was only 43 minutes without reserve, and 57 minutes with it.
Its advanced Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) system offered various riding modes, which allowed you to tailor the characteristics of the ski based on your skills and riding style.
Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Issues
Although the RXT iS 255 was an innovative machine, it had some initial design flaws, including iBR malfunctions and various issues caused by its unique seat design. Let’s talk about each in detail!
Although it was an amazing invention, the suspension seat caused many headaches for owners.
It not only reduced storage capacity, but also increased the overall weight of the machine and made it slightly top-heavy.
However, the biggest drawback of this “double top-deck” design was that it made it very hard to do major repairs on the engine.
This is because the upper part of the top deck had to be removed to access the engine. (In contrast, on standard models the engine sits right under the seat).
What’s more, the bolts on the suspension’s base were also weak and tended to break over time. As you can imagine, replacing them was also an enormous task.
On top of that, the engine was nestled in an enclosed plastic box, which didn’t allow the engine to dry.
Outcome?
The moisture around the engine quickly caused rust and various electrical malfunctions.
The RXT iS 255 also suffered from various iBR problems and the infamous driveshaft rubber-coating, which was prone to peeling off and damaging the impeller.
Ontop of that, the supercharger of these skis required costly rebuilds.
2009 Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Specs
For your convenience, we’ve listed the specifications 2009 Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 in these charts!RXT iS 255 Engine Specs
| Engine Specs | Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 |
|---|---|
| Type | Rotax® 1503 4-TEC®, 4-stroke, Single Over Head Camshaft (SOHC) |
| Induction | Supercharged intercooled |
| Number of cylinder | 3 |
| Number of valve | 12 valves 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 |
| Maximum HP | 8000 RPM |
| Lubrication Type | Dry sump (2 oil pumps). Replaceable oil filter. Water-cooled oil cooler |
| Lubrication Oil Type | XPS summer grade oil (P/N 293 600 121). Refer to LUBRICATION subsection |
| Lubrication Capacity | 3 L (3.2 qt (U.S. liq.)) oil change w/filter, 4.5 L (4.8 qt (U.S. liq.)) total |
| Exhaust system - Type | D-Sea-Bel sound reduction system. Water cooled/water injected (open loop). Direct flow from jet pump |
| Water injection in muffler | 3 x 3.5mm (.138 in) on exhaust pipe and 1 x 3.5mm (.138 in) on muffler |
RXT iS 255 Cooling System
| Cooling System | Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 |
|---|---|
| Type | Closed-loop cooling system (CLCS) |
| Cooling system - Coolant | Ethylene-glycol and distilled water (50% - 50%) Use premix coolant from BRP or a coolant specially formulated for aluminum engines |
| Cooling system capacity | 5.5 L (5.8 qt (U.S. liq.)) total |
| Thermostat 87°C (189°F) | 87°C (189°F) |
| Monitoring beeper setting 100°C (212°F) | 100°C (212°F) |
RXT iS 255 Electrical System
| Electrical System | Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 |
|---|---|
| Magneto generator output | 360 W @ 6000 RPM |
| Ignition system type | IDI (inductive discharge ignition) |
| Ignition timing | Variable (electronically controlled) |
| Anti-start system | D.E.S.S. (Digitally Encoded Security System) with selectable max vehicle speed settings for RK (rental key) and LK (learning key) |
| Spark plug - Make and type | NGK, DCPR8E |
| Spark plug - Gap | 0.7 to 0.8 mm (0.028 to .031 in) |
| Battery | 12 V, 30 Ah |
| Engine speed limiter setting | 8300 RPM |
RXT iS 255 Fuel System
| Fuel System | Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 |
|---|---|
| Fuel Injection Type | Multipoint fuel injection with iTC (intelligent Throttle Control). Single throttle body (60 mm) with an actuator |
| Fuel Pressure | 386 kPa to 414 kPa (56 PSI to 60 PSI) |
| Fuel Injector Quantity | 3 |
| Fuel Type | Unleaded |
| Minimum octane | Inside North America ((RON + MON)/2): 91 or higher, Outside North America (RON): 95 or higher |
| Fuel tank (including reserve) | 18.5 U.S. gal. (70 L) |
| Fuel tank reserve (from low level signal) | 3.7 U.S. gal. (14 L) |
| Idle speed (not adjustable) | 1800 ± 50 RPM |
RXT iS 255 Steering and Propulsion
| Steering and Propulsion | Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 |
|---|---|
| Steering | Adjustable tilt |
| Steering nozzle pivoting angle | 26° |
| O.T.A.S. (Off-Throttle Assisted Steering) | Electronically-controlled. Achieved with the iBR gate and engine speed |
| Jet Pump Type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Jet Pump Grease Type | Jet pump bearing grease (P/N 293 550 032) |
| Impeller Rotation (seen from rear) | Counterclockwise |
| Impeller material | Stainless steel |
| Drive shaft - Coupling type | Crowned splines, direct drive |
| Minimum required water level for propulsion system | 90 cm (3 ft) underneath the lowest rear portion of hull |
RXT iS 255 VTS and iBR
| VTS and iBR | Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 |
|---|---|
| Description | Intelligent Brake and Reverse activated by a LH lever. Electronically-controlled iBR gate to provide brake, reverse, neutral and forward position |
| VTS system | Electronically-controlled with manual and 2 preset positioning. VTS range angle: 8° up, 5° down |
| Actuator | 12 V, 80 A max. capacity (fused @ 30 A). Reversible PWM (pulse-width modulation) motor |
| iS Suspension | Intelligent suspension. Electronically-controlled suspension with auto mode or manual mode with 9 presets and a dock mode |
| iS Suspension Type | Direct action twin-rate suspension |
RXT iS 255 Dimensions and Capacities
| Dimensions and Capacities | Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers (Driver incl.) | 3 |
| Load limit (passenger and 10 kg (22 lb) luggage) | 227 kg (500 lb) |
| Weight (dry) | 446 kg (990 lb) |
| Length | 354 cm (139 in) |
| Width | 122 cm (48 in) |
| Overall height with keel horizontal, suspension extended | 128 cm (50 in) |
| Overall height with keel horizontal, suspension collapsed | 111 cm (44 in) |
RXT iS 255 Performance
| Performance | Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 |
|---|---|
| Estimated Pump Power | 93 kW (125 HP) |
| Maximum fuel consumption at wide open throttle | 19.5 U.S. gal/h |
| Cruising time at full throttle - fuel tank without reserve | ± 43 minutes |
| Cruising time at full throttle - fuel tank reserve (from low level signal) | ± 14 minutes |
Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 for Sale
Are you wondering where you can find a Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 for sale?As a first step, you can’t go wrong by doing extended research on PWC swap sites.If you are lucky, you can also find a used Sea-Doo RXT iS 255s for sale on Craigslist, or eBay.
Also, don’t forget to check Sea-Doo Facebook fan groups and the largest PWC forums like PWC Today and Greenhulk.However, if you are in the market for a used Sea-Doo, you may want to stay away from the suspension models. The manufacturer dropped these suspension seats after a couple of years of production and with good reason.
These machines had many issues, so it’s better to take a look at simpler models with a standard seat configuration.
Takeaway
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Sea-Doo RXT-X 255!What is a Sea-Doo RXT iS 255?
The RXT iS 255 was a high-performance 3-seater Sea-Doo equipped with a suspension seat.
What Year Did Sea-Doo Make the RXT iS 255?
Sea-Doo marketed the RXT iS 255 in the 2009 season.
How Many People Could Ride a Sea-Doo RXT iS 255?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 was rated for three riders.
What Size was a Sea-Doo RXT iS 255?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 was 139 inches long, 48 inches wide, and 44-50 inches high (suspension fully collapsed: 44 inches, suspension fully extended: 50 inches).
How Much Did a Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Weigh?
The dry weight of the Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 was a whopping 990 pounds.
What Kind of Engine was in the Sea-Doo RXT iS 255?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 was powered by a Rotax 1503 4-TEC engine. This 4-stroke, 1494cc, supercharged, SOHC, triple-cylinder engine was rated at 255hp.
Was the Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Supercharged?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 utilized a supercharged and intercooled engine.
Was the Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 a 4-Stroke?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 was powered by a 4-stroke engine.
How Much Horsepower Did a Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Have?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 produced 255 HP in stock condition.
How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Hold?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 was equipped with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Oil Did a Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Hold?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 required 3.2 US quarts of oil with filter (4.8 US quarts total).
How Much Weight Could a Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Hold?
The weight capacity of the Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 was 500 pounds.
What Size Storage Compartment Did a Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Have?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 featured a large front storage bin and a glove box with an overall storage capacity of 16.4 gallons.
How Fast Did a Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Go?
The top speed of a Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 was about 65-67 mph in stock condition.
Could the Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Due to its powerful engine and three-seater configuration, the Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 could tow a wakeboarder or skier.
Did the Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Have a Reverse?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 came standard with an electric reverse system.
Did the Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Have a Brake?
The Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 was manufactured with the innovative iBR brake and reverse system.
How Much Does a Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 Cost?
The asking price of a used Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 averages between $4,000 and $8,000 depending on its condition.
