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Sea-Doo GTI 130 vs. Yamaha VX Comparison [Video]
The Yamaha VX and the Sea-Doo GTI 130 are the two main competing jet skis in the Recreation category. Yamaha gained its reputation for outstanding reliability and low running costs, while Sea-Doo is known for its greater performance and fresh design.
If you want to compare these skis head-to-head, you’ve come to the right place.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha VX vs. Sea-Doo GTI 130 comparison post!
Sea-Doo GTI 130 vs. Yamaha VX
By the Numbers
In the mid-size jet ski class, the main competitor models are the Kawasaki STX 160, the Sea-Doo GTI, and the Yamaha VX.
The latter is commonly used by jet ski rental shops and with good reason.
Powered by the smooth TR-1 Yamaha marine engine, the VX offers outstanding reliability and durability.
This 1049cc, 4-stroke, naturally-aspirated, fuel-injected, 3-cylinder engine produces 125 HP in stock condition.
Interestingly, this unit is derived from R1 motorcycles, but was heavily redesigned for marine use. It comes with an open-loop system and a reduction gear to decrease engine RPMs.
This power mill is planted in the mid-sized NanoXcel2 VX hull measuring 132.7 inches in length, 48.8 inches in width, and 47.2 inches in height.
The dry weight of the ski is 719 pounds, which convert to a curb weight of 841 pounds.
Unlike its Japanese competitor, the Sea-Doo GTI 130 enjoys a purpose-built PWC engine manufactured by Rotax. This powerhouse is a 4-stoke, 1630cc, fuel-injected triple utilizing a closed-loop cooling system.
This engine is nestled in the innovative Sea-Doo GTI platform, measuring 130.6 inches in length and 49.2 inches in width. It features a moderate-V design and is made of a special material called Polytec.The propulsion system of the Yamaha VX and the GTI 130 is an industry-standard axial-flow jet pump.
Regarding capacities, the storage capacity of the Sea-Doo is 40.3 gallons, plus it can hold 15.9 gallons of gas. In contrast, the Yamaha VX comes with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, but its storage capacity is only 30.1 gallons.
The overall weight limit of the Yamaha VX is 530 pounds while the GTI 130 can carry 600 pounds.
Features
Both the Sea-Doo and the Yamaha come standard with many innovative features, including:
- Brake and reverse system
- 2-piece seat for 3 riders
- LinQ / RecDeck compatibility
- Sponsons
- Bow storage compartment
- Glovebox
- Dual mirrors
- Tow hook
- Mooring cleats
- Deck mats
- And more
Differences?
In a nutshell, the base GTI 130 lacks some important features like a reboarding step, under-seat storage bin, and footwell drains, which come standard on the Yamaha.
On the other hand, the Sea-Doo has a fresh design, a more advanced dashboard, and a watertight phone storage box planted in the glovebox.
If you are looking for a more advanced Sea-Doo GTI model, you should take a look at the GTI SE 130 and GTI SE 170. These skis come with more bells and whistles like a reboarding step, cruise control, sound system, and Variable Trim System (VTS).
Sadly, these features are not available for the base GTI 130.
The Yamaha VX is also available in a more advanced configuration like the VX Deluxe and VX Cruiser.
Performance and Handling
In terms of handling and performance, there is not a huge difference between the Sea-Doo GTI and Yamaha VX.
Both skis are built on a moderate-V platform, which corners relatively flat and can’t handle rough waters as effectively as their bigger brothers. Therefore, they are recommended more widely for lakes and rivers rather than the ocean.
The top speed of these machines is about 52-53 mph, but the Sea-Doo delivers more torque thanks to its bigger displacement engine.
It also offers more comfort for big guys since it features deeper footwells and a slightly wider seat.
When it comes to slow-speed maneuvers, both skis do a very good job.
Their advanced brake and reverse system (RiDE and iBR) help you more precisely maneuver the machine around the dock, on the ramp, or in other tight spaces. The design and handling of these systems are almost identical.
As far as reliability goes, the Yamaha VX is almost completely bulletproof, which is why almost every rental company uses this model. It also has class-leading gas mileage and maintenance costs.
Yamaha VX vs. Sea-Doo GTI 130 Comparison Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of these machines into this Yamaha VX vs. Sea-Doo GTI 130 comparison chart:| Specs | VX | GTI 130 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Yamaha | Sea-Doo |
| Category | Recreation | Recreation |
| Displacement (cc) | 1049 | 1630 |
| Cylinders | 3 | 3 |
| Supercharged | No | No |
| Brake | Yes | Yes |
| Reverse | Yes | Yes |
| HP | 125 | 130 |
| Length (in) | 132.7 | 130.6 |
| Width (in) | 48.8 | 49.2 |
| Dry Weight (lbs) | 719 | 739 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 841 | 847 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 18.5 | 15.9 |
| Storage Capacity (gal) | 30.1 | 40.3 |
| Weight Capacity (lbs) | 530 | 600 |
| Rider capacity | 3 | 3 |
Conclusion
As a takeaway, we’ve compiled the pros and cons of each model into one list:Pros of the Sea-Doo GTI:- Large-displacement, 1630cc torquey engine
- Greater weight capacity (600 vs. 530 lbs)
- Watertight smartphone case
- Larger storage capacity (40.3 vs. 30.1 gallons)
- Lighter weight (719 vs. 739 lbs.)
- Greater fuel capacity (18.5 vs. 15.9 gallons)
- Better gas mileage
- Reboarding step
- Lower running and maintenance costs
- Under-seat storage
- Footwell drain
- Higher reliability
