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2023 Sea-Doo Vs Yamaha Vs Kawasaki

A new year and a new Sea-Doo vs. Yamaha vs. Kawasaki post, but this year is different.

Due to current events, not much has changed with watercraft. Much of the 2022 models will carry over to the 2023 line up. Since there wasn’t a lot of change, most of what was written in 2022 post still holds true.

I want to mix things up a bit; instead of comparing a couple of models with their closest competitor, we’re going to compare them all to each other. This way, you can see everything and draw your on conclusions on what you think is best for your needs.

Jet Ski Manufacturers

For more information, please check out the manufacturers below:

Previous Years

I’ve been doing these vs posts for a few years now, so if you need a previous year model or to look back at what things used to cost, the posts below will help.

Jet Ski Terms

There is a lot of mumbo jumbo when it comes to jet skis, so I created a post to help you better understand them.

I also have a section on how to drive jet skis here.

A section on maintenance for jet skis.

And the common questions people have about jet skis.

2023 Jet Ski Prices

Prices are in USD.

You may have to pay extra charges on top of the MSRP listed below, things like tax, title, and dealer fees.

Sea-DooSpark 2UP 60HP$5,999
Sea-DooSpark 3UP 90HP$7,299
YamahaEX$7,599
Sea-DooSpark 2UP 90HP iBR$7,699
Sea-DooSpark Trixx 2UP$8,199
Sea-DooSpark 3UP 90HP iBR$8,299
Sea-DooSpark Trixx 3UP$8,799
YamahaEX SPORT$8,899
YamahaEX DELUXE$9,999
YamahaVX-C$9,999
YamahaSUPERJET$10,499
YamahaEX LIMITED$10,599
YamahaJETBLASTER$10,699
Sea-DooGTI 130$10,699
YamahaVX$11,199
KawasakiSTX 160$11,399
Sea-DooGTI SE 130$11,499
KawasakiSX-R$11,599
KawasakiSTX 160X$11,999
YamahaVX DELUXE$12,099
Sea-DooGTI SE 170$12,099
YamahaVX CRUISER$12,499
Sea-DooWAKE 170$12,899
YamahaVX CRUISER HO$13,299
KawasakiSTX 160LX$13,699
YamahaVX LIMITED$13,699
Sea-DooGTX 170$13,999
Sea-DooGTR 230$14,099
YamahaGP1800R HO$14,199
Sea-DooFISH PRO SCOUT$14,299
Sea-DooGTX 230$14,999
YamahaVX LIMITED HO$14,999
YamahaFX HO$15,399
YamahaGP1800R SVHO$16,499
YamahaFX CRUISER HO$16,699
Sea-DooRXP-X 300$16,799
Sea-DooExplorer Pro 170$16,799
Sea-DooFISH PRO SPORT$17,299
Sea-DooGTX 300$17,499
Sea-DooWAKE PRO 230$17,499
KawasakiULTRA 310X$18,299
Sea-DooRXT-X 300$18,799
YamahaFX SVHO$18,899
Sea-DooGTX Limited 300$18,899
KawasakiULTRA 310LX-S$19,299
YamahaFX CRUISER SVHO$19,399
Sea-DooFISH PRO TROPHY$19,599
YamahaFX LIMITED SVHO$19,999
KawasakiULTRA 310LX$20,299
Sea-DooRXP-X Apex 300$20,999

Power

Top speed is in MPH.

ModelMPHHP
Spark 2UP 60HP4060
Spark 3UP 90HP4990
Spark 2UP 90HP iBR4990
Spark Trixx 2UP4990
Spark 3UP 90HP iBR4990
Spark Trixx 3UP4990
EX50100
EX SPORT50100
EX DELUXE50100
EX LIMITED50100
FISH PRO SCOUT50130
JETBLASTER51110
GTI 13052130
GTI SE 13052130
Explorer Pro 17052170
FISH PRO SPORT52170
FISH PRO TROPHY52170
VX-C53125
SUPERJET53100
VX53125
VX DELUXE53125
VX CRUISER53125
VX LIMITED53125
WAKE 17055170
GTI SE 17056170
STX 16057160
STX 160X57160
STX 160LX57160
GTX 17058170
FX HO58180
FX CRUISER HO58180
SX-R59150
VX LIMITED HO62180
VX CRUISER HO62180
GTR 23063230
GP1800R HO65180
WAKE PRO 23065230
GTX 23066230
FX SVHO68250
FX CRUISER SVHO68250
FX LIMITED SVHO68250
GP1800R SVHO70250
RXP-X 30070300
GTX 30070300
ULTRA 310X70310
RXT-X 30070300
GTX Limited 30070300
ULTRA 310LX-S70310
ULTRA 310LX70310
RXP-X Apex 30070300

Measurements

Length, width and height are in inches. The weight is in US pounds.

ModelWeightLengthWidthHeight
SUPERJET37595.73031.1
Spark 2UP 60HP4101104641
Spark 3UP 90HP4251204641
Spark Trixx 2UP4281104642
Spark Trixx 3UP4391204642
Spark 2UP 90HP iBR4441104641
Spark 3UP 90HP iBR4461204641
JETBLASTER549123.644.546.5
SX-R551104.530.133.1
EX578123.244.545.3
EX SPORT584123.244.545.3
EX DELUXE600123.244.545.3
EX LIMITED602123.244.545.3
VX DELUXE675132.748.847.2
VX CRUISER679132.748.847.2
VX LIMITED697132.748.847.2
VX-C701131.148.847.2
GP1800R HO717131.948.847.2
VX719132.748.847.2
GTI 13073913049.244.8
GTI SE 13073913049.244.8
GTI SE 17073913049.244.8
WAKE 170747130.649.244.8
GP1800R SVHO754131.948.847.2
GTR 230774130.649.244.8
VX CRUISER HO776132.748.847.2
GTX 170776135.949.444.8
RXP-X 300780130.649.244
RXP-X Apex 300780130.649.244
FISH PRO SCOUT783130.649.246.1
VX LIMITED HO794132.748.847.2
GTX 230805135.949.444.8
GTX 300819135.949.444.8
WAKE PRO 230829135.949.445.2
RXT-X 300829135.949.445.2
FX HO840140.95048.4
FX CRUISER HO842140.95048.4
GTX Limited 300849135.949.444.8
FISH PRO SPORT858146.849.445.3
FX SVHO858140.95048.4
Explorer Pro 170859146.849.455.5
FX CRUISER SVHO860140.95048.4
STX 160864124.146.545.4
STX 160X864124.146.545.4
STX 160LX877124.146.545.4
FX LIMITED SVHO877140.95048.4
FISH PRO TROPHY898146.849.445.3
ULTRA 310X1032135.44746.5
ULTRA 310LX-S1065140.94746.5
ULTRA 310LX1089140.94748.8

Capacity

Storage and fuel capacity is in US GAL.

ModelStorageSeatingFuel
SUPERJET0Standup5
SX-R0Standup6.1
Spark 2UP 60HP0.4227.9
Spark 3UP 90HP0.4237.9
Spark Trixx 2UP0.4227.9
Spark Trixx 3UP0.4237.9
Spark 2UP 90HP iBR7.4227.9
Spark 3UP 90HP iBR7.4237.9
EX7.7313.2
EX SPORT7.7313.2
EX LIMITED7.7313.2
EX DELUXE7.7313.2
JETBLASTER7.7313.2
GTX 23026.1318.5
GTX 17026.1318.5
GTX 30026.1318.5
WAKE PRO 23026.1318.5
RXT-X 30026.1318.5
GTX Limited 30026.1318.5
GP1800R HO28.4318.5
VX LIMITED HO28.4318.5
GP1800R SVHO28.4318.5
VX-C30.1318.5
VX30.1318.5
VX DELUXE30.1318.5
VX CRUISER30.1318.5
VX CRUISER HO30.1318.5
VX LIMITED30.1318.5
STX 16035320.6
STX 160X35320.6
STX 160LX35320.6
FISH PRO SPORT39.6318.5
FISH PRO TROPHY39.6318.5
GTI 13040.3315.9
GTI SE 13040.3315.9
GTI SE 17040.3315.9
WAKE 17040.3315.9
RXP-X 30040.6118.5
RXP-X Apex 30040.6218.5
GTR 23042.5315.9
FISH PRO SCOUT43.8315.9
FX HO44318.5
FX CRUISER HO44318.5
FX SVHO44318.5
FX CRUISER SVHO44318.5
FX LIMITED SVHO44318.5
ULTRA 310X44.5321.1
ULTRA 310LX-S44.5321.1
ULTRA 310LX44.5321.1
Explorer Pro 17052.3318.5

Transmission & Hull

iBR, RIDE and KSRD are all types of electronic forward, reverse, neutral and braking. It’s the best option you can have and makes driving a jet ski a lot easier.

Sea-Doo first released iBR in 2009, Yamaha was in 2015 and Kawasaki in 2022.

The jet skis with “Forward Only” will be the hardest to drive, with manual forward and reverse being easier, and lastly electronic systems beings easiest.

To learn about the transmissions on a jet ski and how they have brakes, see our post here.

ModelTransmissionHull
Spark 2UP 60HPForward OnlyPolytec
Spark 3UP 90HPForward OnlyPolytec
EXForward OnlyFiberglass
Spark 2UP 90HP iBRiBRPolytec
Spark Trixx 2UPiBRPolytec
Spark 3UP 90HP iBRiBRPolytec
Spark Trixx 3UPiBRPolytec
EX SPORTManual Forward and ReverseFiberglass
EX LIMITEDRIDEFiberglass
EX DELUXERIDEFiberglass
VX-CForward OnlyFiberglass
SUPERJETForward OnlyFiberglass
JETBLASTERRIDEFiberglass
GTI 130iBRPolytec
STX 160Manual Forward and ReverseFiberglass
VXRIDEFiberglass
SX-RForward OnlyFiberglass
GTI SE 130iBRPolytec
STX 160XManual Forward and ReverseFiberglass
VX DELUXERIDEFiberglass
GTI SE 170iBRPolytec
VX CRUISERRIDEFiberglass
WAKE 170iBRPolytec
VX CRUISER HORIDEFiberglass
STX 160LXManual Forward and ReverseFiberglass
VX LIMITEDRIDEFiberglass
GTR 230iBRPolytec
GP1800R HORIDEFiberglass
FISH PRO SCOUTiBRPolytec
GTX 230iBRFiberglass
GTX 170iBRFiberglass
VX LIMITED HORIDEFiberglass
FX HORIDEFiberglass
GP1800R SVHORIDEFiberglass
FX CRUISER HORIDEFiberglass
RXP-X 300iBRFiberglass
Explorer Pro 170iBRFiberglass
FISH PRO SPORTiBRFiberglass
GTX 300iBRFiberglass
WAKE PRO 230iBRFiberglass
ULTRA 310XKSRDFiberglass
RXT-X 300iBRFiberglass
FX SVHORIDEFiberglass
GTX Limited 300iBRFiberglass
ULTRA 310LX-SKSRDFiberglass
FX CRUISER SVHORIDEFiberglass
ULTRA 310LXKSRDFiberglass
FISH PRO TROPHYiBRFiberglass
FX LIMITED SVHORIDEFiberglass
RXP-X Apex 300iBRFiberglass

Basic Features

The items are sorted by basic features, this includes the cooling, step (reboarding ladder) and mirrors.

I’ve sorted the chart by step as I find a reboarding ladder to be more important and more useful out of all these features. Many of the models without a reboarding step can have them added for an extra cost.

The mirrors are next in line and often a legal requirement for tow sports in many places. Learn more about jet ski mirrors and if you need them here.

ModelCoolingStepMirrors
Spark 2UP 90HP iBRClosed LoopYesNo
Spark 3UP 90HP iBRClosed LoopYesNo
EX SPORTOpen LoopYesYes
EX LIMITEDOpen LoopYesYes
EX DELUXEOpen LoopYesYes
JETBLASTEROpen LoopYesYes
STX 160Open LoopYesYes
VXOpen LoopYesYes
GTI SE 130Closed LoopYesYes
STX 160XOpen LoopYesYes
VX DELUXEOpen LoopYesYes
GTI SE 170Closed LoopYesYes
VX CRUISEROpen LoopYesYes
WAKE 170Closed LoopYesYes
VX CRUISER HOOpen LoopYesYes
STX 160LXOpen LoopYesYes
VX LIMITEDOpen LoopYesYes
GP1800R HOOpen LoopYesYes
FISH PRO SCOUTClosed LoopYesYes
GTX 230Closed LoopYesYes
GTX 170Closed LoopYesYes
VX LIMITED HOOpen LoopYesYes
FX HOOpen LoopYesYes
GP1800R SVHOOpen LoopYesYes
FX CRUISER HOOpen LoopYesYes
Explorer Pro 170Closed LoopYesYes
FISH PRO SPORTClosed LoopYesYes
GTX 300Closed LoopYesYes
WAKE PRO 230Closed LoopYesYes
ULTRA 310XOpen LoopYesYes
FX SVHOOpen LoopYesYes
GTX Limited 300Closed LoopYesYes
ULTRA 310LX-SOpen LoopYesYes
FX CRUISER SVHOOpen LoopYesYes
ULTRA 310LXOpen LoopYesYes
FISH PRO TROPHYClosed LoopYesYes
FX LIMITED SVHOOpen LoopYesYes
Spark 2UP 60HPClosed LoopNoNo
Spark 3UP 90HPClosed LoopNoNo
EXOpen LoopNoNo
Spark Trixx 2UPClosed LoopNoNo
Spark Trixx 3UPClosed LoopNoNo
VX-COpen LoopNoYes
SUPERJETOpen LoopNoNo
GTI 130Closed LoopNoYes
SX-ROpen LoopNoNo
GTR 230Closed LoopNoYes
RXP-X 300Closed LoopNoYes
RXT-X 300Closed LoopNoYes
RXP-X Apex 300Closed LoopNoYes

Driving Features

Driving Modes

  • Touring = Slow take off but full speed.
  • ECO = Gives you the best gas mileage.
  • Sport = Full power.
  • Slow Mode = For no-wake zones, usually limited to 5mph.
  • Slo = Kawasaki “touring mode”.
  • Speed Limiter / Regulator = Cruise control, called something different because it’s not the kind of cruise control you have in your car.
  • Ski Mode = You set the take-off power and top speed, and the Sea-Doo will maintain that every pull for the tuber or skier you’re pulling.
  • Trolling Mode = Super slow mode to creep around like you would in a fishing boat with a trolling motor.
  • Launch Control = Gives you a quicker take-off by adjusting the trim for you.

Trim

Trim on a jet ski is similar to trim on a boat. The trim raises and lowers the nose of the watercraft. It’s controlled by the nozzle of the jet ski, rarely jet skis have trim-tabs.

Trim is helpful for choppy riding conditions and tow sports. Some models even have trim that auto adjust for racing to give you better bite around corners.

ModelDisplayTrimSteeringModes
Spark 2UP 60HPLCD
Spark 3UP 90HPLCDTouring & Sport
EXLCD
Spark 2UP 90HP iBRLCDTouring & Sport
Spark Trixx 2UPLCDExtended Electric TrimAdjustable SteeringTouring & Sport
Spark 3UP 90HP iBRLCDTouring & Sport
Spark Trixx 3UPLCDExtended Electric TrimAdjustable SteeringTouring & Sport
EX SPORTLCD
EX LIMITEDLCD
EX DELUXELCD
VX-CLCD
SUPERJET
JETBLASTERLCDElectric Trim
GTI 130LCDSport & ECO
STX 160LCDFast & Slo
VXLCD
SX-R
GTI SE 130LCDElectric TrimSport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter
STX 160XLCDSpeed Limiter + Fast + Slo
VX DELUXEFull ColorSlow Mode – Speed Limiter
GTI SE 170LCDElectric TrimSport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter
VX CRUISERFull ColorSlow Mode – Speed Limiter
WAKE 170LCDElectric TrimSki Mode – Sport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter
VX CRUISER HOFull ColorSlow Mode – Speed Limiter
STX 160LXLCDElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSpeed Limiter + Fast + Slo
VX LIMITEDFull ColorSlow Mode – Speed Limiter
GTR 230LCDElectric TrimSport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter
GP1800R HOFull ColorElectric TrimSlow Mode – Speed Limiter
FISH PRO SCOUTLCDElectric TrimTrolling – Sport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter
GTX 230LCDElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter
GTX 170LCDElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter
VX LIMITED HOFull ColorSlow Mode – Speed Limiter
FX HOTouchscreenElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSlow Mode – Speed Limiter
GP1800R SVHOFull ColorElectric TrimSlow Mode – Speed Limiter
FX CRUISER HOTouchscreenElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSlow Mode – Speed Limiter
RXP-X 300LCD or Full Color on Tech PackageElectric TrimSport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter – Launch Control
Explorer Pro 170LCD or Full Color on Tech PackageElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter
FISH PRO SPORTLCDElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringTrolling – Sport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter
GTX 300LCDElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter
WAKE PRO 230Full ColorElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSki Mode – Sport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter
ULTRA 310XFull ColorElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSpeed Limiter + Fast + Slo
RXT-X 300Full ColorElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter – Launch Control
FX SVHOTouchscreenElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSlow Mode – Speed Limiter
GTX Limited 300Full ColorElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter – Launch Control
ULTRA 310LX-SFull ColorElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSpeed Limiter + Fast + Slo
FX CRUISER SVHOTouchscreenElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSlow Mode – Speed Limiter
ULTRA 310LXFull ColorElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSpeed Limiter + Fast + Slo
FISH PRO TROPHYFull ColorElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringTrolling – Sport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter
FX LIMITED SVHOTouchscreenElectric TrimAdjustable SteeringSlow Mode – Speed Limiter
RXP-X Apex 300Full ColorElectric TrimSport – ECO – Slow Mode – Speed Limiter – Launch Control

Tech Features

Some models come with GPS, some even have a fish finder added too. Some models are capable of adding GPS, but an extra charge to get the map card is needed. Then we have some models with GPS but it uses your phone’s app built by the manufacturer.

The audio is the stereo system of the jet ski. Just about every model from every manufacturer can have a stereo system added, but a few come with them from the factory.

The security is the “key” to unlock your jet ski. Some manufacturers use a chip on a lanyard, some do it by a chip in a plastic key, and some just use a PIN. A few models have no security at all, so a lock is needed, as talked about here.

Some models of jet skis have a USB port for charging, audio, or controlling your phone.

ModelGPSAudioSecurity USB
Spark 2UP 60HPAdd-on
Spark 3UP 90HPAdd-on
EXAdd-on
Spark 2UP 90HP iBRAdd-onDigital RF Key
Spark Trixx 2UPAdd-on
Spark 3UP 90HP iBRAdd-onDigital RF Key
Spark Trixx 3UPAdd-on
EX SPORTAdd-on
EX LIMITEDStandard
EX DELUXEAdd-on
VX-CAdd-on
SUPERJET
JETBLASTERAdd-on
GTI 130Add-onDigital RF Key
STX 160Digital Key
VX
SX-R
GTI SE 130Add-onDigital RF KeyOnly on Tech Package
STX 160XDigital Key
VX DELUXEAdd-onPIN CodeUSB
GTI SE 170Add-onDigital RF KeyOnly on Tech Package
VX CRUISERAdd-onPIN CodeUSB
WAKE 170Add-onDigital RF KeyOnly on Tech Package
VX CRUISER HOAdd-onPIN CodeUSB
STX 160LXStandardDigital KeyUSB
VX LIMITEDStandardPIN CodeUSB
GTR 230Add-onDigital RF Key
GP1800R HOAdd-onPIN CodeUSB
FISH PRO SCOUTGPS & Fish FinderAdd-onDigital RF Key
GTX 230Add-onDigital RF Key
GTX 170Add-onDigital RF Key
VX LIMITED HOStandardPIN CodeUSB
FX HOGPS Map-CapableAdd-onPIN CodeUSB
GP1800R SVHOAdd-onPIN CodeUSB
FX CRUISER HOGPS Map-CapableAdd-onPIN CodeUSB
RXP-X 300Add-onDigital RF Key
Explorer Pro 170GPS & Fish FinderAdd-onDigital RF Key
FISH PRO SPORTGPS & Fish FinderAdd-onDigital RF KeyUSB
GTX 300Add-onDigital RF Key
WAKE PRO 230StandardDigital RF KeyUSB
ULTRA 310XAdd-onDigital Key
RXT-X 300StandardDigital RF KeyUSB
FX SVHOGPS Map-CapableAdd-onPIN CodeUSB
GTX Limited 300BRP ConnectStandardDigital RF KeyUSB
ULTRA 310LX-SAdd-onDigital Key
FX CRUISER SVHOGPS Map-CapableAdd-onPIN CodeUSB
ULTRA 310LXAdd-onDigital Key
FISH PRO TROPHYGPS & Fish FinderStandardDigital RF KeyUSB
FX LIMITED SVHOGPS Map-CapableStandardPIN CodeUSB
RXP-X Apex 300Add-onDigital RF KeyUSB

Some models with a digital key may come with them but not be there when you take delivery and must be installed later due to supply chain issues.

Specialty Features

Some jet skis come with coolers, most can have them added.

We also have specialty jet skis, like ones made for fishing or exploring.

ModelCoolerFishing
Spark 2UP 60HP
Spark 3UP 90HP
EX
Spark 2UP 90HP iBR
Spark Trixx 2UP
Spark 3UP 90HP iBR
Spark Trixx 3UP
EX SPORT
EX LIMITED
EX DELUXE
VX-C
SUPERJET
JETBLASTER
GTI 130Can be added, not included
STX 160
VX
SX-R
GTI SE 130Can be added, not included
STX 160X
VX DELUXE
GTI SE 170Can be added, not included
VX CRUISER
WAKE 170Can be added, not included
VX CRUISER HO
STX 160LX
VX LIMITED
GTR 230Can be added, not included
GP1800R HO
FISH PRO SCOUT13.5 GalFishing Kit
GTX 230Can be added, not included
GTX 170Can be added, not included
VX LIMITED HO
FX HOKit needed, not includedKit needed, not included
GP1800R SVHO
FX CRUISER HOKit needed, not includedKit needed, not included
RXP-X 300Can be added, not included
Explorer Pro 170Can be added, not included
FISH PRO SPORT13.5 GalFishing Kit
GTX 300Can be added, not included
WAKE PRO 230Can be added, not included
ULTRA 310X
RXT-X 300Can be added, not included
FX SVHOKit needed, not includedKit needed, not included
GTX Limited 300Can be added, not included
ULTRA 310LX-S
FX CRUISER SVHOKit needed, not includedKit needed, not included
ULTRA 310LX
FISH PRO TROPHY13.5 GalFishing Kit
FX LIMITED SVHOKit needed, not includedKit needed, not included
RXP-X Apex 300

Other Features

Debris free is the Sea-Doo iDF system, it allows you to reverse the impeller to free debris stuck in the pump. Normally, when you put a jet ski in reverse you’re only redirecting the thrust with a bucket and not changing the direction of the impeller like you do with a boat.

Tow sports are things like pulling tubes, wakeboards, and skiers. Every jet ski has a tow hook, but some have upgrades to make tow sports easier. While every jet ski has a tow hook, it doesn’t mean they’re all good at pulling. 90 to 100HP will struggle, 101HP to 130HP will be better, 131HP to 230HP is just perfect, and anything over 230HP is overkill for pulling.

ModelPhone StorageTow SportsDebris FreeNotes
Spark 2UP 60HPTow Hook
Spark 3UP 90HPTow Hook
EXTow Hook
Spark 2UP 90HP iBRTow Hook
Spark Trixx 2UPTow Hook
Spark 3UP 90HP iBRTow Hook
Spark Trixx 3UPTow Hook
EX SPORTTow Hook
EX LIMITEDTow Hook
EX DELUXETow Hook
VX-CTow Hook
SUPERJETTow Hook
JETBLASTERTow Hook
GTI 130WatertightTow Hook
STX 160Tow Hook
VXTow Hook
SX-RTow Hook
GTI SE 130WatertightTow HookOnly on Tech Package
STX 160XTow Hook
VX DELUXEWatertight
GTI SE 170WatertightTow HookOnly on Tech Package
VX CRUISERWatertight
WAKE 170WatertightPylon – Ski Mode – Wakeboard RackOnly on Tech Package
VX CRUISER HOWatertight
STX 160LXWatertightTow Hook
VX LIMITEDWatertightTow Hook – Tube – Cover
GTR 230WatertightTow Hook
GP1800R HOWatertightTow Hook
FISH PRO SCOUTWatertightTow HookStandard
GTX 230WatertightTow HookOptional
GTX 170WatertightTow HookOptional
VX LIMITED HOWatertightTow Hook – Tube – Cover
FX HOWatertightTow Hook
GP1800R SVHOWatertightTow Hook – Tube – Cover
FX CRUISER HOWatertightTow Hook
RXP-X 300WatertightTow Hook
Explorer Pro 170WatertightTow HookStandardWindshield, Bumper, and touring features.
FISH PRO SPORTWatertightTow HookStandardBigger body with the included Fishing Kit
GTX 300WatertightTow HookCan’t Add iDF
WAKE PRO 230WatertightPylon – Ski Mode – Wakeboard RackStandardMore features, bigger engine, bigger body than the WAKE
ULTRA 310XWatertightTow Hook
RXT-X 300WatertightTow Hook
FX SVHOWatertightTow Hook
GTX Limited 300WatertightTow HookStandardFully Loaded with tech and a cover.
ULTRA 310LX-SWatertightTow HookBackup Camera and Dock Lights
FX CRUISER SVHOWatertightTow Hook
ULTRA 310LXWatertightTow HookBackup Camera and Dock Lights
FISH PRO TROPHYWatertightTow HookStandardFish Kit, Modular swivel seat, Better Battery System, Live Well.
FX LIMITED SVHOWatertightTow Hook
RXP-X Apex 300WatertightTow HookLimited Run – APEX Package (Carbon fiber things) – Steering Damper

6 thoughts on “2023 Sea-Doo Vs Yamaha Vs Kawasaki”

  1. Hi Steven,

    I am looking to switch from a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO to a Sea-Doo GTX because of the completely borked fuel gauge on the Yamahas that they still have yet to fix.

    I have a question about the GTX 170 vs the 230. Will the GTX 170 feel on-par with the FX in terms of speed and acceleration? Watercraft Journal claims that the GTX 170 feels slower than the FX. Would running the 230 in Eco-mode for longer trips help mitigate that extra fuel consumption on the supercharged 230? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Unless you’re racing them both together at the same time, you’re not going to notice much of any difference. Going with the GTX 230 to only run it in ECO would be a downgrade from the 170; I would go with the GTX 170.

      Reply
      • I would not be running the 230 in Eco all of the time. Only if the occasion necessitated it, such as when running low on fuel, or long trips.

        I guess what I am really asking is…how does the fuel consumption differ between the 170 and 230 if you’re cruising; and how does the GTX 170 “feel” off-the-line compared to the FX HO? They have similar top speed, but I have found some joy in gunning it from idle and getting it to do sort of a “wheelie”.

        Reply
        • If you’re cruising, the amount of gas used won’t be too different, it’s when you get to the top speed range that the 230 just guzzles gas. The GTX 170 feels snappy off the line, just like the FX HO. I think I know what Kevin is talking about when it comes to the GTX 170. We’ve both ridden high HP jet skis, he’s even a racer himself, so going from racing jet skis to the 170 can feel lacking, but for people who have not ridden a 300HP+ jet ski the 170 feels fast. I remember my first time riding a jet ski, I’ve done 120MPH in my car before, but doing 70MPH on a jet ski felt a lot faster. It’s all about perspective, if you’re used to the FX HO, the GTX 170 will feel just about the same. The GTX 230 will feel faster, but if all you’re doing is cruising, then it’s a bit overkill. Where the 230 starts to shine is in pull sports.

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  2. Hi Steve, great content as usually and thanks for all your hard work. One error though; The VX CRUISER HO 1.8 does 65mph ( I have one and can verify gps, also video review of Watercraft Journal). It’s the exact same hull and engine as the GP1800R HO, which also does 65mph. Thanks and great content!

    Reply
    • Thank you for the correction. I found The Watercraft Journals video on the VX Limited HO, which has the same hull and engine, and they report 62MPH @ 7,500RPM (https://youtu.be/1M4LXANvUTs?t=463). I’ve corrected it with it (was 58, now 62). Truck King on YouTube also did a top speed test on a 2021 VX Cruiser HO and only got 57MPH (https://youtu.be/3QZfU9rtHQA) which is where I got the original number from. Rider weight and gear can be a factor along with location, so I do believe you’re getting 65MPh, but I’m going with 62MPH to split the difference. I’ve found it’s better to go with the lower MPH or closer to average, as every watercraft and every riding condition is different. Plus, it’s better to see your jet ski is faster than you realize, than the opposite.

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