Sea Doo RXT 215

The slogan used to sell the 2005 Sea-Doo 215hp RXT three-seat performance craft is "leave everything else behind" - which is apt because, as the first three-seater putting out over 200hp, no others can keep up with it.

For the launch of the new Sea-Doo RXT three-seater the good folk from Sea-Doo manufacturer Bombadier Recreational Products invited a crew of reprobates including dealers, advertising reps and the odd journo up to the Couran Cove Marine Resort on South Stradbroke Island, a 45-minute ferry trip from Hope Harbour near Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast.

We were treated to a gala dinner on the night we arrived, and the dealer of the year awards were presented. Bill's Motorcycle's of SA, Adelaide Outboards of SA, and Makz Gear Ltd of the Shakey Isles in New Zealand all received Outstanding Achievement Awards. NZ's PWC Planet and Gold Coast's Sea-Doo dealership were crowned the dealer of the year.

 TEST DAY
Sea-Doo provided test models of most craft in their range, with the centre of attention the new RXT. There were two courses set out for us to play on and dodging the occasional cruiser was a handy excuse for a bit of wake jumping at full noise - but I paid the price after very painfully drilling the end of the handlebar into my thigh as the craft slid on the wake. My entire left thigh was black for a week.

The two-seat RXP we tested last year raised the bar in the performance and handling stakes and the three-seater RXT is a more complete craft. It is longer, higher, wider and heavier, but with the same mechanics: the engine is a Rotax four-stroke, three-cylinder with multi-point fuel injection in a 1494cc powerplant with closed loop cooling system and runs on unleaded fuel held in a 60lt tank. The power is delivered via an aluminium, axial-flow, single-stage, 10-vane, stator jet pump and it has direct drive with forward and reverse gears with a four-blade stainless-steel impeller housed in a semi-vee fibreglass reinforced hull.

The neutral seating position is comfortable with a spacious seat and deep foot wells.

 POWER AND PERFORMANCE
Standard features include a 15-function LCD information centre with analogue speedo and tacho, Off Power Assisted Steering, D-Sea-Bel noise reduction, a learning key for novices that limits the speed mirrors and a reboarding step, and a programmable ignition security key with anti-theft identification chip attached to the safety lanyard.

Only experienced riders should hoon one-up on the RXT as its turn of power is remarkable. Out of the hole the craft launches onto the plane in an instant and in five seconds you're travelling at close to 120kmh.

At 90kmh tipping into 180º turns the craft handles effortlessly without hesitation, and sponsons stop the stern flicking out or the craft sliding. The standing position gives the rider more control in turning. The power steering does work but its effect is limited and a bit of applied power is a lot safer to get out of a tight spot in a hurry.

 With three adults onboard - hanging on the back muttering: "If we go Bracksy, you're coming with us!" - the extra 150kg in weight does sink the stern a little. There is plenty of power to get on the plane, it just happens slightly slower. Also the steering characteristics change, making the craft lighter in the front.

Unlike the two-seater, the RXT does not feature variable trim. It is available in two colours: apple green or viper red. And with a RRP of $20,990 it'll give you more buzz for your buck than many other craft.

Also on hand for the day were several new Sea-Doo Sports Boats. Basically jet boats with the manoeuvrability of a team of Russian gymnasts, these boats will warrant a full test in an upcoming issue of Trailer Boat.