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What is VTS (Trim) on a Sea-Doo? [Explained]
What does VTS stand for on a Sea-Doo? – we get this question more often than not. Well, VTS stands for “Variable Trim System,” an acronym Sea-Doo uses for its adjustable trim system.
If you want to find out more about this innovative feature, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo VTS review!
What is VTS on a Sea-Doo?
Most modern jet skis are equipped with an adjustable trim system, and Sea-Doos are no exception. The VTS (Variable Trim System) on a Sea-Doo is intended to trim the vertical angle of the jet nozzle to adjust the vertical position of the bow.Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and discuss this feature in detail!
How Does Sea-Doo’s VTS Work?
The Sea-Doo VTS works in a simple way, as it can be controlled by the “VTS buttons” on the left handlebar. Adjusting the VTS trim down causes the bow to sit lower in the water, resulting in more responsive and effective steering. In contrast, trimming the bow up raises the hull in the water, ensuring higher top speeds.
As far as different water conditions, it’s wise to set the VTS up on glass water and down on the chop.
The VTS also helps balance the craft when carrying a passenger or heavy gear on the rear platform.
On top of that, VTS can help eliminate porpoising, a common problem, especially of shorter Sea-Doo hulls.
Thanks to its advanced design, Sea-Doo’s VTS can be adjusted when the ski is on plane, regardless of its speed.
Are you wondering what the main components of this innovative system are? In a nutshell, the most important parts and their roles are as follows:
- Electric motor: On modern Sea-Doos, the VTS system uses the same electric motor as the iBR.
- Trim rod lever: The motor and the jet nozzle are connected by a metal rod, known as a “VTS rod lever.”
- Jet nozzle bracket: The jet nozzle features a bracket to which the trim rod lever is attached
- Control button: VTS control button is mounted on the left handlebar.
Brief History of the Sea-Doo VTS
For your convenience, we’ve listed the key milestones of the Sea-Doo VTS system:1992: Surprisingly, early Sea-Doos were manufactured without a trim system. The first Sea-Doo with a trim system was the 1992 XP 580, featuring a manual VTS. This manual Sea-Doo trim was controlled by a large trim knob mounted on the left side of the deck.1993: The 1993 XP 657 was upgraded with a more advanced, electric-controlled VTS. This system was controlled by handlebar buttons, while the trim knob worked as a “trim indicator.”1994: In 1994, Sea-Doo released the XP 657x with a dedicated VTS indicator gauge.
2008: The 2008 Sea-Doo RXP-X 255 and RXT-X 255 models came with a revamped, pre-programmable electric VTS trim. This more advanced design allowed you to pre-set your preferred lower and upper nozzle positions. Thanks to its special double-tap control, you could trim the nozzle into these positions by simply pressing the VTS button twice.
The key advantage of this system was that it didn’t require you to keep your eyes on the VTS gauge to accurately set the trim!
2017: The innovative Sea-Doo Spark TRIXX was revealed featuring the “Extended Range VTS.”
Takeaway – FAQs About Sea-Doo VTS
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Sea-Doo VTS!What Does VTS do on a Sea-Doo?
The acronym VTS (Variable Trim System) refers to Sea-Doo’s trim system.
This feature allows you to set the vertical angle of the jet nozzle. Trimming the nozzle down forces the nose of the Sea-Doo into the water, ensuring better cornering abilities, while trimming it up helps you reach higher top speed.
Do You Need VTS on a Sea-Doo?
Although VTS is a nice addition to any Sea-Doo, it’s not essential. It does a really good job on smaller skis like vintage 2-strokes and the Spark, as it can reduce porpoising. It also comes in handy if you want to do tricks, ride with a passenger, or race your ski.
On the other hand, most riders set the VTS about center then forgot it. Since today’s large Sea-Doo hulls are less prone to porpoising, playing with the VTS is typically unnecessary.
What is Extended Range VTS?
The Extended Range VTS (Variable Trim System) lets you adjust the jet nozzle longer. In other words, it doubles the range of adjustment compared to the standard trim configuration.
This special trim system is exclusively available on the Sea-Doo Spark TRIXX. Thanks to this feature, the TRIXX is capable of various sit-down jet ski tricks like huge jumps and the unique “wheelie.”
Do all Sea-Doo Sparks Have VTS?
The general rule is that only Sea-Doo Spark TRIXX models come with VTS as standard, while the base Sparks are marketed without this feature.
Can You add VTS to Sea-Doo Spark?
Yes, you can add VTS to a base Spark model if it’s already equipped with an iBR system.
However, if you want to add extended range VTS to your Spark, keep in mind that it fits models 2017 and up. 2016 and prior Spark models are only compatible with the regular-range VTS system.
For your convenience, Sea-Doo offers these VTS systems in different packages (standard-range and extended range VTS kits).
Can you add VTS without iBR?
As a rule of thumb, you can only add a VTS system to a Sea-Doo if it already features iBR. This is because iBR and VTS systems use the same electric motor and hardware.
If your Sea-Doo is a non-iBR model, this means it lacks this hardware and the electric motor, which would be the heart of the VTS system.
Consequently, VTS can easily be installed on any Sea-Doo if it already features iBR. Installing VTS in a Sea-Doo virtually means adding the chip and the VTS button to the ski, which brings the pre-installed system to life.