Sea-Doo GTI SE 170 (2020-)

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Brief Summary

The GTI SE 170 is a new platform for the 2020 season, and Sea-Doo has given us the option of two engine packages. In addition, consumers can choose from two color schemes as well – Ice Metal and Orange Crush, and Beach Blue Metallic and Lava Grey. Plus, the new GTI is designed to be as versatile as ever, giving owners the freedom to rapidly accessorize, hop on and ride – solo or with a crew of three.

Key Features

A few key features which define the GTI are:

iTC – the intelligent throttle control system
iBR – the intelligent braking system
CLCS – closed loop cooling system

Specifications

Length Overall	130.6" 3.32 m
Beam	49.2" 1.25 m
Weight Capacity	600 lbs. 272 kg
Person Capacity	3
Fuel Capacity	15.9 gal. 60 L

Engine Options

Std. Power
Opt. Power

Captain's Report

Captain's Report By Capt. Greg Thornton

Blue and Orange Seadoo GTI SE 170

Sea-Doo designed the GTI platform to be versatile with its three-up seating and LinQ accessory system.

Orange Crush Seadoo GTI SE 170

The GTI boasts a 3-cylender Rotax® 1630 ACE engine with the optional choice of 130 or 170ccs.

A few key features which define the GTI are:

iTC – the intelligent throttle control system
iBR – the intelligent braking system
CLCS – closed loop cooling system

Drilling down a bit deeper, the iTC has four different driving modes:

ECO Mode – which automatically determines the most economical power delivery

Speed Regulator Mode – as the name suggests, this set-it-and-forget-it mode will, depending upon the activity, set the specific speed for cruising, tow sports, navigating no-wake zones, etc.

Sport Mode – a mode that will provide the top-end performance for the GTI

Ski Mode – which provides smooth and predictable power, ensuring consistency and safety for the driver as well as those on the other end of the tow rope.

Mission

The goal of the GTI was to design a safe and stable personal watercraft that could safely accommodate three persons and that would allow for a preparedness for a wide range of recreational activities - in a moment’s notice.

Major Features

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The speakers are out of the knee-strike zone, the Ergolock Touring Seat is very comfortable, and all of the controls and console features are spaciously laid out and unmistakably labeled.

Several major features on the GTI SE 170 are:

BRP Audio-Premium System
Boarding ladder
Watertight phone box
Swim platform with integrated LinQ™ system
Large front storage

Design

Sea-Doo lowered the overall center of gravity, the internal storage compartment space, and the passenger position – the seat, footwells, and handlebars. Together with the new Polytec 2.0 hull design, the GTI provides for a much more stable ride.

The GTI’s new Polytec 2.0 hull design is 1” wider, lighter, and is bonded.

In addition, the sponsons on either side aid in the overall stability and ride.

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Unlike a molded hull, the top and bottom are bolted together.

If in the event something needed to be replaced, it would be as simple as unbolting the two pieces and replacing the necessary mold.

Ergonomics

Ergonomically speaking, the GTI is designed to be form fitting to the rider.

Once seated upon the Ergolock Touring Seat, the riders three critical points of contact – the feet, hips, and hands are comfortably and ergonomically stationed.

The feet are planted back or forward in their position; the hips can be relaxed or in tight.

The palm rests help to lessen the fatigue on the rider’s hands and made a huge difference after our day of riding.

Additional riders have grab handles.

The spotter faces aft.

The ski pylon and stirrups help the spotter remain safely in place.

Sea-Doo decided to do away with any pull-up cleats that may snag or stub a toe. Instead they’ve installed built-in arches on either side of the handlebar base.

There also aren’t any drain plugs –the GTI only requires a little throttle and any water contained will slip out the back of the footwells.

Performance

Testing the GTI SE 170 was a welcomed addition to our usual tests. It was fun, fast, and nimble to say the least. It really stuck to the water and as we discovered, is quite capable of being fully accessorized for a long adventure or a quick rip around.

The GTIs “3-up” seating allows for a driver and two passengers or a weight capacity of 600 lbs. (275 kg).

For starters, each GTI has its own unique security key FOB, which when inserted unlocks and allows usage of the engine ignition.

Without it, the GTI won’t start. Adversely, removing the FOB cuts power to the engine.

There’s a RED engine STOP button on the left handlebar which is the usual means of cutting power to the engine.

The GTI SE 170 has an LOA of 130.6” (331.8 cm), a width of 49.2” (125 cm), and a height of 44.8” (113.7 cm). Its dry weight is 739 lbs. (335 kg) and its fuel capacity is 15.9 gallon (8.8 L).

The GTI was easy to get use to and left us feeling like seasoned pros in no time. There was no jarring nor unforeseen pulls in any direction. We felt well connected to the seat and the ride was smooth.

We put the GTI into some tight banks and turns. All in all, the hull felt very rigid and stable and the ride was controllable and predictable.

The GTI SE 170 has tremendous snap going into and coming out of turns. There’s very little delay if any when throttling up and out of turns.

Crossing Waves

We crossed waves and wakes with ease and never experience any hard shock absorption.

If riders want to remain dry while riding the GTI, that won’t be an issue – unless it’s raining.

The GTI cut through the water and sent the spray off the back and out to the sides.

Acceleration and Top Speed

In the acceleration test, we went from zero to 50 mph / 80.47 kph in 5.3 seconds and reached an overall top speed of 53 mph / 85.30 kph.

Buoyancy

We also wanted to see what the lower center of gravity did to the buoyancy. Standing in one footwell, we attempted to list the GTI and found it to be quite stable.

Should mechanical access be required, there’s easy access to the Rotax 1630 ACE-170 engine.

Simply unclip and remove the driver’s seat.

Features Inspection

The GTI’s 4.5” (11.43 cm) digital display sits just forward of the fixed handlebars and is controlled by the left and right handlebar keypads.

Left Handlebar – Button Pad

The left keypad controls the (1/3) VTS: variable trim system which adjusts the attitude, the (2) Speed Regulator: creating a limit between RPMs and (4) Mode: toggling between Touring, Sport, or Eco.

Right Handlebar – Button Pad

The right keypad controls the submenus within the left handlebar settings.

One can toggle through features such as: Trip, Units, Brightness, and Clock. The mirrors are recessed and safely out of the size crush zones.

The BRP audio-premium speaker system is just forward of the rider’s knees.

The speakers are well out of the knee-strike zone.

We found the seat to be spacious even slid all the way forward in an aggressive riding position.

The main audio controls are next to the left speaker.

It should go without saying but the controls are waterproof.

The center glovebox is readily located just forward of the rider and is 2.3 US gallon (8.8 L).

We fit two different sized drinks in the larger area within the storage compartment.

Within the center storage compartment is a watertight phone box and two USB ports.

There’s a 40.2 gallon (152 L) dry-storage compartment up front.

An optional storage bin organizer fits right in.

The fuel fill is located beneath the front storage hatch and the GTI SE 170 has an overall fuel capacity of 15.9 gallon (60 L). We also discovered that Sea-Doo decided to locate the fuel fill here because it meets ECO guidelines – that is, were any fuel to spill during fueling, it would essentially be contained within the compartment and not run into the environment.

Sea-Doo did a great job minimizing any components that may be susceptible to a corrosive, saltwater environment.

A safety equipment kit is off to the right (in orange). The registration and owner’s manual are kept in a water sealed bag just forward (in white).

Accessories

Seadoo has devised a system of accessorizing which they call their LinQ™ Attachment System. This allows the rider to gear up and go at a moment’s notice.

There are two pullup attachments located on the swim platform.

Each of the accessories have clips on the bottom that snap into the pull-up attachments.

Some of the attachments are stackable.

This feature allows the rider to double up on their accessories.

LinQ™ Attachment System Option

The cooler, fuel caddy, watertight bag, box, and cooler all float.

LinQ™ 4.2 gallon (16 L) cooler ($304.99).

LinQ™ fuel caddy ($199.99).

LinQ™ watertight bag ($189.99).

LinQ™ box ($144.99).

LinQ™ 13.5 gallon (51 L) cooler ($669.99).

LinQ™ retractable ski pylon ($314.99).

Quick attach rod holder ($24.99).

Wakeboard rack ($174.99).

Anchors

Sandbag anchor ($29.99).

Folding anchor kit ($49.99).

Dock tie ($29.99).

Speed tie for dock ($124.99).

Storage Bags

Removable storage bin organizer ($59.99).

2.6 gallon (10 L) dry bag ($31.99).

6.6 gallon (25 L) dry bag ($49.99).

Safety Equipment

Safety Equipment Kit ($17.99).

Fire extinguisher ($29.99).

In addition, the GTI SE 170 comes equipped with a tow hook.

Reboarding the GTI SE 170 is easy.

A spring-loaded reboarding ladder is mounted on the back of the GTI SE 170.

Warranty

BRP Limited warranty covers the watercraft for one year.

Optional Equipment

We think that it’s always a good idea to purchase a cover for your personal watercraft.

There are numerous options to choose from when outfitting the trailer; these are the two standard trailer frames.

Price

The base price for the Sea-Doo GTI SE 170 is $10,799.

The GTI SE 170 is shown in the Ice Metal and Orange Crush color scheme.

Observations

Sea-Doo has offered a spectacular package with the new GTI SE 170.

The GTI SE 170’s form-stability and ergonomics are immediately comfortable. And depending upon what adventure the day brings, thanks to the LinQ™ accessory system, you will be ready. When it comes to fuel performance, the GTI’s ECO mode automatically dials in the most economical RPM, allowing you to worry about other things - like having fun. All in all, the GTI is a great value if you’re in the market for a personal watercraft to share with friend’s or the family.

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Sea-Doo GTI SE 170 (2020-)

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Brief Summary

Key Features

Specifications

Engine Options

Captain's Report

Captain's Report By Capt. Greg Thornton

Mission

Major Features

Design

Ergonomics

Performance

Crossing Waves

Acceleration and Top Speed

Buoyancy

Features Inspection

Left Handlebar – Button Pad

Right Handlebar – Button Pad

Accessories

LinQ™ Attachment System Option

Anchors

Storage Bags

Safety Equipment

Warranty

Optional Equipment

Price

Observations

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Sea-Doo GTI SE 170 (2020-)

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Price

Brief Summary

Key Features

Specifications

Engine Options

Captain's Report

Captain's Report By Capt. Greg Thornton

Mission

Major Features

Design

Ergonomics

Performance

Crossing Waves

Acceleration and Top Speed

Buoyancy

Features Inspection

Left Handlebar – Button Pad

Right Handlebar – Button Pad

Accessories

LinQ™ Attachment System Option

Anchors

Storage Bags

Safety Equipment

Warranty

Optional Equipment

Price

Observations

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Sea-Doo GTI LE RFI