Jetboats are also becoming increasingly popular as dinghies. This was reason enough for us to take a look at the new models from market leader Sea-Doo. Sea-Doo is a BRP brand, also known to motorboat drivers under the names Evinrude or Rotax. So I set off for Cyprus as a complete beginner who had never sat on a jet boat - Jet-Ski is a brand name of the Japanese competitor Kawasaki, by the way.
With up to 117 litres of storage space, a Bluetooth system and a stable bathing platform, Sea-Doo increasingly sees itself as a more cost-effective alternative to small sports boats with some models, such as the GTX Limited.
For wakeboard enthusiasts, Sea-Doo offers two models in its Sport range that are specially tailored for surfing, with an on-board bracket, swim ladder, adjustable towing mast, space for three people and a top speed of around 95 km/h. A waterproof Bluetooth audio system for the smartphone is fitted as standard on the GTX Limited. It can be found on the list of accessories for the Wake Pro 230, RXT-X 300 and RXT 230 models.
Sea-Doo offers models from a total of five categories. The smallest category starts at €6399 with the Aquascooter Spark. According to the manufacturer, this fun-oriented compact class offers the lowest fuel consumption on the market at 7.34 litres per hour. Like most Sea-Doo models, it features the iBR, the intelligent braking and reversing system. Reversing has proven to be very convenient, especially for beginners. This class is very easy to trailer using the Click & Go system, even with smaller cars.
The Spark Trixx is the most playful jet boat, its extras make tricks and stunts very easy. However, its agility comes at a price and it is almost impossible to ride smoothly in waves.
Anyone thinking about wakeboarding when buying a jet boat should focus more on the Sport class. Here, the three-stage adjustable towing mast is already fitted as standard, while the new ST3 hull is also used on the larger Wake Pro 230. This can also be found on the following three models: RXT 230, GTX Limited and the RXT-X 300.
A direct comparison of an RXT-X with the old and the new hull clearly shows me the difference between the two hull shapes: With the 2018 version, I am far less susceptible to swell at high speed. This can also be explained by the lower centre of gravity, as the driver and passenger sit lower on the new models, and the jet boat is also slightly wider and lighter. With my 90 kg, I was able to stand right on the side edge of the RXT-X without feeling like I was losing stability.
In addition to the hull, Sea-Doo has also modified the handlebar console. You can now fold the entire unit forwards away from you. This reveals a 102.5-litre storage compartment - enough space for equipment or shopping from the mainland. If you fold the console down again, a shock and water-protected compartment for your smartphone can be opened above it; a USB port for charging is only included as standard on the GTX Limited.
The article appeared in BOOTE issue 01/2018
