Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 RS

BRP is looking to reignite the market with its new-for-2012 RXP-X 260 RS, a production version of the same hull employed by Sea-Doo watercraft racer James Bushell, double world champion in 2011.

As to be expected, the RXP is fast. Actually, it’s Sea-Doo’s fastest. But it’s not just straight-line speed that gets your heart racing. The race-bred PWC has been designed to corner as though on a time-trial circuit or the proverbial rails.

Sure, the RXP has the same potent 260hp Rotax engine as the RXT-X aS 260 RS released last year. But the RXP is almost 75kg lighter! Instead of the big S3 hull platform, the RXP has a new T3 hull -- short for tight turning, we’re told -- with deep-vee running surface, hard chines and some other cool tricks.

Meanwhile, with fresh investment post GFC from private equity company Bain Capital, which owns 50 per cent of BRP, the company is a lot more accountable these days. And not just in fiscal matters.

In the next three to five years, the emphasis will be on producing greener products, developing the social acceptability of its craft, and opening up recreational powersports to everyday folk, BRP told us at its annual media do.

Thanks to its unique Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) system its PWCs are also getting safer. More on this later.

The demo unit was equipped with optional fold-down reboarding step ($379) at the transom to assist with clambering back aboard from the water. After my one and only spill, I boarded the RXP from the side without issue. It’s actually quite a stable at-rest platform and not the narrowest hull about.

You might want to add Cruise Control and Ski Mode module ($493) if you want to tow a partner. This lets you preset how swiftly and smoothly your PWC accelerates or ramps up to the preset tow speed.

Of course, you’ll need to add the usual personal safety-gear, handheld GPS, perhaps a riding suit, preferably some goggles and gloves. But as the RXP is likely to appeal to PWC converts, you’ll have that kit already.

If you’re new to riding, well, it’s good to know that Sea-Doo bundles the RXP in standard guise with a (programmable) iControl learning key to tame performance and newbies.

There are twin rear-vision mirrors, a digital dash display with 31 functions from Touring/Sport to Eco modes, lap timer, boost indicator relaying engine load, fuel consumption meter, time/distance to empty, top/average speed readouts, compass and more.

The 116-litre dry-storage compartment, under the eye-catching chartreuse (termed dayglow yellow) forward cowl, is the equally the biggest of any Sea-Doo. So you can have your performance and all the gear with your lunch packed aboard too. The angled front splash protectors help keep the water at bay, yet the Sea-Doo doesn’t look too "plasticky".

The seat is, as we touched on, more compact than other Sea-Doos. You can still double but we assume most riders won’t appreciate the extra weight when tapping into the impressive performance of the RXP.

To this end, the RXP comes with new adjustable rear sponsons or "fins" that can be lowered for even snappier turning ability or raised for speed, plus trim tabs for optimum ride attitude.

One up, as we drove it, the RXP was a comfortable craft that really does help keep you contained. Sea-Doo is probably right in claiming the unit minimises upper-body fatigue. Yet I’m still aching.

Supercharging doubles the horsepower from 130 on the base GTi 130 we also drove to 260 on this RXP. The engine can perform perfectly well on octane down to 87 per cent, although Sea-Doo recommends 91 or above. And no-one in the marine game likes ethanol blends as they can separate over time. Stay away.

There’s an external intercooler and, do note this, a closed-loop cooling system with coolant that therefore doesn’t rely on, say, seawater. This should improve engine life. Sea-Doo’s proven direct-drive propulsion system, using an aluminium pump and stainless-steel impeller, can be operated safely in a metre or more (knee height) of water.

The transmission is the iBR (braking and reverse) system exclusive to Sea-Doo, with a fly-by-wire throttle. The watertight digital ignition is a red button that operates once the safety lanyard is snapped home. It’s then that you can dial up Eco or Sport Modes before taking off.

Eco mode (retarded engine acceleration) gives at least 25 per cent less CO2 emissions and up to 46 per cent improved fuel consumption, claims BRP. Of course, we ran the RXP almost exclusively in Sport mode. We keep our carbon footprint in check by publishing this test exclusively online *winks*.

The hull, meanwhile, has visibly more deadrise and rake than some other Sea-Doos we tested on the day. The in-built trim tabs help keep the sharp forefoot driving through the water for a smooth ride.

We tested the RXP on a lake so can only defer to Sea-Doo’s opinion that this is one of the best rough-water PWC on the market.

A series of resonators and vibration-absorbing components, along with the four-stroke engine configuration, helped reduce noise.

Thus, with some trigger happiness, you can go forward, wash off your speed and go to neutral, then reverse about the dock with aplomb. This gives Sea-Doo hitherto new levels of manoeuvrability.

But let’s face it, the RXP-X 260 RS with T3 hull and Ergolock deck is all about speed and cornering. The vee-shaped hull heels over in the turns, as the adjustable rear ‘sponsons’ and a trim tab hook the craft around without skating.

I went first. I was rusty. I came a cropper. But before long I, too, resembled the human cannonball while powering through sharp turns and out of the apex for the next buoy. Three days later, the arms and shoulders still feel tight.

Whereas 100km/h top speed seemed more than fast enough last time I drove a high-performance PWC, the new RXP-X 260 RS hits 125km/h. It’s not for the faint of heart and do make sure the road ahead is clear.

The activity-specific Touring/Sport or Eco modes offer performance options, while the iBR braking and reverse system is intuitive and improves safety.

In a word, the RXP-X 260 is dynamic. It won a prestigious Innovation Award at the year’s Miami boat show. And if innovation can inspire, then this PWC will keep riders coming back, while Sea-Doo's entry-level recreational and luxury models (with the same iBR system) get the masses aboard.