2017 Sea-Doo GTI: Watercraft Review

Affordability is the key driver for Sea-Doo’s new 2017 GTS, GTI and GTI SE that we drove at the launch in Tampa, Florida. The new full-sized Sea-Doos in the Recreation range offer smaller engines — the inline three-cylinder 90hp Rotax 900 HO ACE — and lighter Polytec hulls to drive a bargain and plenty of accessible fun.

OVERVIEW
- The lightest low-cost and versatile three-seaters on the market
Don’t mistake affordability for fun. The performance of the new 2017 90hp three-seater GTIs almost matches that of the 130hp GT 130 in last year’s line-up. Yet the retail price has gone down, can you believe it, thanks to the smaller engine, more efficient hull production, increased power-to-weight gains, and aggressive marketing by Sea-Doo.

The new combination of less horsepower and less weight pays adage to the saying: less is more. The GTI family takes the value quotient up the range and extends the accessibility of the game-changing Spark — with its keen $7800 pricepoint — to these bigger three-seater Sea-Doos in the Recreation range starting from $12,599 msrp.

Accomplished riders seeking on-edge thrills might scoff at 90hp, but the GTI range is where most watercraft buyers shop today. BRP is now banking on these new 2017 models undercutting the opposition, namely Yamaha’s VX range, and hooking yet more people into the sport via full-sized three seaters.

The 2017 GTI models turn up the heat in the entry-level watercraft wars and, with lively look-at-me colours, playful performance and keen pricing, they're at the frontline of the battle to draw new blood to the sport.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- Three key models in the expanded Recreation range built around the Rotax 900 HO ACE engine
Sea-Doo’s new 2017 Recreation range starts with the basic GTS, a three-seater powered by the 90hp 900 HO ACE engine. This is a pared-back Sea-Doo without the Intelligent Braking and Reverse system (iBR) or the Variable Trim System (VTS).

Pitched at the off-the-beach rental and resort fleet, the GTS is a direct-drive model that starts in gear and has a preset trim mode with a flat running attitude and, it seems to me, a bit more hull drag. It’s the tamest Sea-Doo in the range and comes with a Learning Key that limits RPMs and acceleration for less experienced riders.

The GTS is basically a point-and-shoot fun machine, the lightest three-seater on the market, and the cheapest full-sized three-seater in the line-up. Dressed in White-and-Orange-Crush livery, the GTS retails from $12,599 (sans trailer and regos).

The new 2017 Sea-Doo GTI (that’s “I” for the iBR braking system) is a nicer drive and docking proposition. The iBR transforms the 'Manta Green' GTS into a sophisticated riding experience, with Touring and Sport modes to maximise acceleration from the spirited three-cylinder 900 HO ACE engine.

We reckon the GTI is set to be the best seller in the 2017 line-up. It’s perfect for budget-conscious buyers and a fleet of two or three GTIs in the boatshed would keep your family, friends and weekend visitors happy. Retail price is $12,999, an extra $400 over the GTS, and the premium for the iBR (with neutral start-up) is money well spent.

Next stop, the GTI SE models include the Variable Trim System, plush Touring Seat, reboarding ladder and more Rotax engines options — from the 90hp 900 HO ACE to the decade-old-and-well-proven 130hp 1503 4-TEC and the 155hp NA version deemed the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in the Sea-Doo fleet.

We performed a fascinating comparison around the Tampa Bay cans between the super bright Sunrise Orange 90hp and a White and Black 130hp GTI SE. You have to ask yourself, is a tad more top end worth the extra money for the additional 40hp?

With weight savings of 68kg — almost that of one adult on the seat — compared with the 2016 130hp model with fibreglass hull, and with dollar savings of about $1600, retail the new lightweight 90hp GTI makes dollars and sense.

With the smaller 900 HO ACE engine and Polytec hull, Sea-Doo says it’s offering unbeatable value for a full-sized recreational watercraft with this GTI SE and that it has reduced the retail price for families fun-seekers.

Price for the GTI SE starts at $13,999 for the 900 HO ACE, ranges to $15,999 for the 130hp to $16,599 for the top 155hp 1503 NA 4-TEC. Great to see Sea-Doo extending its affordable range up the range.

At which point, we should mention the top-of-the-range GTI 155 LTD with the high performance Variable Trim System (VTS), Cruise Control and Slow modes, plus additional gauge functions including fuel trip and data.

The plush touring seat with lumbar support mollycoddles the driver and passenger, the fold-down reboarding ladder and a ski tow eye will appeal to tow-sports buffs, and you get a watercraft cover, a removable dry storage bag, and safety kit in the kit.

HULL AND ENGINEERING
- Polytec hull and 900 HO ACE prove their longevity prior to the new pairing
After three years in the marketplace via the Spark, the Polytec hull has been introduced up the range to the GTI family with full confidence. The full-sized GTI hull otherwise remains unchanged, measuring 336.8cm long versus 305cm for the three-seater Spark.

Impact resistance from sledgehammer strikes in the promo footage appears greater than with traditional GRP GXI hull. The plastic hulls are scratch resistant and being matt grey means you don't have to worry about superficial damage.

You can repair Polytec hull tears up to a point and pop-out minor dents using heat, but it might be more cost effective just to replace a hull if you somehow incur serious impact or gash damage. These are affordable hulls after all.

The mid-sized GTI hull platform used widely by Sea-Doo, also for its Wake and GTR go-fast machine, has a moderate V shape designed for forgiving and nimble performance. The more power you add to it, the livelier it gets. From the 90hp to the 155hp to the new 230hp GTR 230-X, the hull starts to lift, skip and slide into a very playful PWC.

But the big news is that the GTI range is now powered by the 90hp 900 HO ACE base engine versus 130hp 1503 4-TEC previous starting point. Yet performance from the Polytec hull and smaller 900 HO ACE, which is considered one of the most compact, lightweight and fuel efficient engines in the watercraft category, is on par up to mid-range speeds and not far behind at top end.

The naturally-aspirated Austrian-made three-cylinder 900 HO ACE engine has inherent reliability after some years — and tens of thousands of Sparks — on the circuit, while closed-loop cooling wards against corrosion. One last thing, with the Polytec hull, sound absorption is excellent and these Sea-Doos with the same engine are quieter than in fibreglass hulls.

As for all-important storage, all the GTIs have 116lt of under-‘bonnet’ and sub-seat storage for your gear, and options from ski pylon to wakeboard rack, bilge pump, to those trick Sea-Doo snap-in fenders and lots more.

ON THE WATER
- Playful and comfortable three-seaters
Sure, it’s not about blinding speed, banking corners and on-the-seat-of-your-neoprene-pant’s riding. You can drive the GTI SE with 90hp flat-out around the cans without much stress but a lot of fun. One design racing would be a hoot.

The GTI range is more about being there in the moment, enjoying a comfortable and predictable ride, and getting to your destination, be it a beach, bolthole, eatery, or spray-lashed wake that shakes the last vestiges of the working week from your naturally-aspirated system.

Of course, Sea-Doos resonate with the younger demographic, who are not always flush with funds in today’s high-debt world. As Pascal Vincent, head of Global New Product Development, told us over lunch at the 2017 #seadoolife Media Beach Party in Tampa Bay, BRP is committed to affordable watercraft solutions so more young riders can get afloat.

Cool styling and colours like solid Sunset Orange on the look-at-me GTI SE and Manta Green on the upgraded 155hp variant, along with wide mirrors that complement the eager look, command attention. Yet at the same time, the controlled handling means the average age of buyers tends to be 40-plus. You can get the GTI is black and white, too, but then come all the graphics or decal options if you want to 'pimp' your craft.

Either way, the GTIs are eager. Hit the red ignition button and your engine is started. One, two or three up, there’s room to ride, a rear grab handle, and Sea-Doo makes the point that the 900 HO ACE can pull a wake skater or boarder happily. This ski in the 155 variant is popular with tow-in surfers.

But the performance boast comes from that new entry-level 90hp 900 HO ACE engine. With it, the GTIs have 0-30mph (48km/h) acceleration that is the same as the heavier 130hp still on offer, and there’s only 6mph (10km/h) less top-end speed. If you’re regularly carrying two or three people, the extra displacement of the 1503 will count, otherwise, there's not a lot of difference.

With its 900 HO ACE engine and Polytec hull, Sea-Doo also claims 30 per cent better fuel economy than the (Yamaha VX) competition in this class. Which means these GT ‘skis’ should have good range from the 60lt standard tank for Sunday cruising.

VERDICT
- The smart buys for 2017 in the Recreation range
If less is more then here’s the proof. Sea-Doo delivers a more affordable but satisfying watercraft solution for those looking to get out on the water with family or friends.

It’s all about bang for your buck, versatility and value, in what is shaping up to be a price war between brands in 2017. Sea-Doo has thought carefully about its market positioning and the new GTI is right in the sweet spot.

It’s also a sweet ride thanks to the mindful, ergonomic design, padding where you need it, seating that isn’t too wide, angled footwells, handle grips with palm rests,

With the power-to-weight gains of the 900 HO ACE engine and the Polytec hull, the GTI has got cheaper at $13,999. You pay a $1600 premium for the 130hp model and $2600 for the 155hp 1503 NA power plant.

So we reckon we’ve found the new smart buys in the 2017 Sea-Doo range and forecast the GTI and GTI SE with the 90hp ACE will be the new best sellers in the three-seater Recreation category. Recreation is  the operative word, with these stable platforms working well for cruising, family fun, fishing, towing, exploring, camping and just getting on the water.

LIKES
>> Performance from Polytec hull and 900 HO ACE engine combo
>> Affordability with the new 900 HO ACE
>> Fuel efficiency of the new 900 HO ACE
>> GTI SE is a user-friendly three seater with brake and trim
>> All-round great mainstream packages set to be best sellers
>> Versatility for most on-water applications

NOT SO MUCH
>> Plasticky hull appearance from the Polytec hull construction
>> Replacement can be more cost effective than repair of large gashed hulls

Specifications: Sea-Doo GTS, GTI GTI SE 130/155, GTI 155 LTD
Price MSRP: GTS 90hp $12,599; GTI 90hp $12,999, GTI SE 90hp $13,999, GTI SE 130hp $15,599, GTI SE 155hp $16,599
Key Features: GTS is direct drive with electronic throttle control and Touring, Sport mode and Eco modes; GTI adds Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR); GTI SE gains Variable Trim System (VTS), boarding ladder, more gauges and the plush touring seat; GTI 155 LTD has more fruit including Cruise Control
Length: 336.8cm
Beam: 123.1cm
Weight: 286kg, 291kg (GTI SE), 359kg (GTI SE 130 & 155 LTD)
Storage: 116.6lt
Fuel: 60 litres
Fuel Type: 87 octane
Ride Capacity: 272kg
Engine Options: 90hp Rotax 900 ACE, 1503 4-TEC, 1503 NA 4-TEC
More at www.seadoo.com.