The 2023 Sea-Doo vs Yamaha vs Kawasaki post has been converted to PDF to make it easier to read such a long document. You can download it below.
2023 Sea-Doo Vs Yamaha Vs Kawasaki
Author
Steven
I started working at a power sports dealership in 2007, I worked in parts, service counter, and as a technician before moving to sales in 2013. I created StevenInSales.com in 2014 to answer common watercraft questions I would get from people. Now managing the site full-time, I continue to provide advice and web tools for my readers about watercraft. I've owned several watercraft, with a Sea-Doo Spark as my current main PWC.
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!
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.
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”.
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.
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!
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.