Four Sea Doo Models tested

Bombardier Recreational Products has once again raised the bar with its 2003 range of Sea.Doo personal watercraft. Bombardier had four of the five new models available at a recent media day for us throttle-happy journos to put through their paces.

By far the most revolutionary addition to the 2003 lineup is the company's new supercharged four-stroke, three-cylinder Rotax SOHC engine. This 1494cc powerplant pumps out a whopping 185hp, making it the most powerful PWC in its class. This supercharged four-stroke has no doubt set the benchmark for other manufacturers to follow.

Another upgrade that really grabbed our attention was the application of Orbital Direct Injection to the ever-popular Sea.Doo XP. This upgrade has made a great boat even better with neck-snapping acceleration and far better economy.

Another great leap forward in PWC technology is Bombardier's introduction of a closed-loop cooling system on its four-stroke models. This means you no longer have to flush the engine and puts an end to potential internal corrosion problems.

Of course, all the other features we've come to know and enjoy from Sea.Doo like OPAS (Off Power Assisted Steering), Sea.Doo Learning Key and D-Sea-Bel sound reduction system are present throughout the range.

RECREATION: 2003 GTI LE RFI
I purposely jumped on the GTI LE RFI first as I new it would be the lowest horsepower PWC I would drive on the day and didn't want to be disappointed after jumping straight off one of the new supercharged models.

As an entry-level PWC, the GTI LE RFI has plenty of appeal. While not a neck-snapper, the 110hp fuel-injected two-stroke still has plenty of poke and would keep most social PWC riders more than happy.

PERFORMANCE: 2003 GTX 4-TEC Supercharged
Everyone was impressed when Bombardier answered the calls for an environmentally friendly PWC by launching its GTX 4-TEC four-stroke more than a year ago.

At the time, though, some said the four-stroke lacked the punch of it two-stroke counterparts. To answer those critics, the Sea.Doo GTX 4-TEC is now available in a supercharged version with no less than 185hp under the seat.

The supercharged 4-TEC was great fun to drive and should indeed dispel any criticisms that four-strokes lack acceleration.

LUXURY PERFORMANCE: 2003 GTX 4-TEC Limited Supercharged
The limited edition supercharged GTX 4-TEC is the PWC for the guy who wants the best and doesn't care what it costs.

With all the features of the standard supercharged 4-TEC, the limited edition is indeed a serious PWC with a few bells and whistles to make you stand out from the crowd. Nice colour, too.

SPORT: 2003 XP DI
While the big four-strokes were great fun to ride, in my opinion I saved the best for last. The XP DI is a PWC that loves to be ridden hard. With its racing heritage, the XP is a thoroughbred with attitude.

By adding Orbital Direct Injection technology, the XP gets chokeless, instant start-up and according to Sea.Doo, 37% better fuel economy.

After throwing the XP DI into the tightest of turns, jumping a few boat wakes and still managing to stay on - just - I had to call it a day. I was physically exhausted but you just couldn't get the smile off my face.