RXP-X RS and Spark Trixx: Are the Sea-Doo jet boats from the market leader convincing?

Sea-Doo is a BRP brand, better known to motorboat drivers as Evinrude or Rotax. Incidentally, Jet-Ski is a brand name of the Japanese competitor Kawasaki, which is why in our test we are talking about jet boats or, as it is called in good German, water motorbikes. But is such a vehicle similar to a real boat or is it even an alternative? We wanted to find out and arranged to meet Jana Colakovic from Jet-Action for a test on the Meuse.
The manufacturer gave us two models to choose from so that we could get a better idea of what a jet boat is all about. One is the Spark Trixx, which, as the name suggests, is designed for tricks, and the other is the "pinnacle of jet boat racing performance", as SeaDoo itself describes its RXP-X RS. These two models differ not only in their performance class, but also in their intended use and of course, how could it be otherwise, in their price.

The Sea-Doo Spark Trixx

The Spark Trixx lives up to its name. It can also be ridden sportily by beginners and tricks such as wheelies, small jumps, spins and more can be learnt quickly with a little skill. Kick wedges for the feet at the rear provide grip, which is needed for wheelies, among other things. The Trixx is more manoeuvrable, easy to steer and smaller than its big brother, the RXP-X (2.79 metres x 1.18 metres). Of course, the 194-kilogram Trixx also needs to be powered. This is provided by a Rotax 900 ACE engine. It delivers 90 hp and catapults the boat and driver up to 80 kilometres per hour in just a few seconds. It is therefore clearly intended for sporty drivers who are not necessarily looking for comfort, but want to perform tricks. With a few extras, however, the Trixx can also be equipped for everyday use. For example, a battery-powered music system is available. There is waterproof storage space for mobile phones or keys. But nothing more. The total volume is 27 litres. The tank capacity is 30 litres.

The RXP-X RS

Now we come to the spearhead of the company, the Sea-Doo RXP-X RS. Unlike the Spark Trixx, it is not necessarily suitable for tricks. Rather for longer Sunday tours or touring. As its hull is longer (3.32 metres) and wider (1.25 metres), it is much more stable in the water than its little brother and therefore rides more slowly. For example, you have to accelerate a little to steer. The RS also has more storage space (around 153 litres in total), a music system, mirrors and a hydraulic steering damper. The latter is designed to eliminate steering feedback in rough conditions. We were unable to try this out during our test as the river was as smooth as glass. Speaking of optimal conditions. If you accelerate from a standstill with the supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE, you can reach 90 kilometres per hour in around 3.5 seconds. The top speed of the 300 hp bullet is an astonishing 120 kilometres per hour.

In contrast to a motorboat, the Sea-Doos have a type of brake, the so-called iBR system. By activating the system, it should be possible to come to a standstill up to 48 metres earlier from full throttle. Manoeuvring in port and reversing should also be made easier. It is activated via a lever on the handlebars. We have tested it and are of the opinion that reversing has proven to be very pleasant, especially for beginners. With the variable trim system (VTS), you can decide for yourself how high the bow rises or how flat it stays on the water. This works in a similar way to the trim function of a motorboat, but is much more pronounced and the effect is greater.

Advantages and disadvantages of a jet boat

Another advantage is the trailerability of the small vehicles. They can be towed by a normal car with a trailer coupling and can therefore be taken anywhere. So far, so good. But: They cannot be driven everywhere and if they can, then only under strict conditions. It is therefore essential to obtain the applicable regulations for the area. But what is the difference to a sports boat, for example a bowrider? Sure, we can only take a maximum of two or three people and don't have anywhere near the comfort of a real boat. But the fun factor is at least the same, if not higher. The price is also a point to consider. The basic version of the Sea-Doo RXP-X RS costs around 26,299 euros. A Mercury Verado F300 with the same performance currently costs around 36,700 euros. The matching boat and steering system are then added to this.

Conclusion on the two Sea-Doo models

So is a jet boat a good alternative or just a water toy? We don't think you can give a generalised answer to this question and, as with everything, it depends on the intended use. If you want to have a few hours of fun after work and feel the thrill of acceleration and speed, then a jet boat is worth considering. If you don't want to do without a cabin, freedom of movement and the feeling of driving a real boat, then perhaps jet boating is more interesting than touring. The Sea-Doo Spark Trixx would be well suited to this. However, neither jet boat excludes the other purpose.

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