Captain's Report

Features Inspection

Handlebars.

There are four distinct tilt angles for the handlebars, adjustable to give the driver maximum comfort and control. Sea-Doo also developed ergonomic support with new palm rests, providing relief for long days of gripping the handlebars.

Sea-Doo’s Ergolock seating system, developed and perfected on the racing circuit

, is found as standard equipment on more models for 2016. The GTX Limited 300 is one of those. A narrow profile seat with hollows that the rider can grip with his or her knees, helps reduce the effort to hold on with shoulders, arms and hands in turns and in chop. This all means less fatigue for the upper body, as well as greater use of the added power with more confidence.In addition to the handling and control advantages of the Ergolock seat, Sea-Doo added wet storage under the exclusive removable watertight storage bin, creating over three times more storage capacity than the previous generation — 42.8 gallons (162 L) of total storage — and a larger glove box.

Now in its second generation, Sea-Doo’s iBR

is an advanced, electronically activated braking and reversing system that the company says can help stop forward motion 160 feet sooner than a model with no braking system. It’s activated by a quick squeeze of the left-hand lever, and it also gives the driver better slow speed control, especially useful when maneuvering around the dock and always starts in neutral for safety.

An intelligent throttle control

, or iTC, provides the GTX Limited 300 with three power delivery curves and Cruise Control. Its selectable Touring/Sport mode offers throttle response settings that are optimal for two-up cruising, or more aggressive acceleration and mid-range power, respectively. And an Eco mode targets the most economical RPM setting for best economy. Finally, Sea-Doo incorporates Off Throttle Assisted Steering, or O.T.A.S., that seamlessly provides additional steering effect when the throttle is released.

Engine

The new Rotax 1630 ACE (Advanced Combustion Efficiency) engine

is 9% bigger than the venerable Rotax 1503 and creates 15% more power with a boosted 300-hp, according to Sea-Doo. The new engine has a longer stroke compared to the Rotax 1503, raising displacement to 1.6L and increases efficiency in two areas; friction reduction and better cooling. A protective plasma coating on the engine cylinder liners creates a metallic layer that provides a hard and durable surface to withstand piston friction forces, improves surface durability, and produces better heat transfer and superior performance. A reengineered cooling system includes an additional heat exchanger and larger, more efficient engine oil cooler.

A new, re-designed supercharger with a faster spinning 32- blade wheel (double the blades of the previous version) produces 30% more intake boost and requiring no maintenance, according to the builder. A new larger intercooler provides a more dense air charge, aids in increased airflow and features a new air fin design for improved heat transfer. New ignition curves have been developed to efficiently match the increased air boost with the output of the larger fuel injectors, leading to the 15% increase in horsepower, according to Sea-Doo.

Handling

An innovative hull Sea-Doo calls the S3 adds to the rider’s confidence

and comfort in rough water. It has a deep-V center section to knife cleanly through chop, and has stepped sections on the wide outer surfaces to help break suction on the hull bottom for better speed and turning. It is capable of satisfying performance, but also adds the comfort of predictable running characteristics for longer rides.

Standard Equipment

A three-gauge cluster on the handlebars

— speedo, customizable multifunction digital screen, tachometer — makes it easy for the driver to evaluate performance and engine conditions, among many other data points, at a glance. There’s an elevated fuel filter, dual drain plugs and a freshwater flush kit to help keep the exhaust system operating reliably throughout the season as the engine features an exclusive closed-loop cooling system. Wide-angle mirrors give a great view behind and to both stern quarters.The 2016 GTX Limited 300 watercraft is equipped with a long list of luxury features and accessories with the exclusive Limited package, including: Speed ties which do away with the need for normal docklines, a glove box organizer, watercraft cover, high-performance Variable Trim System (VTS) for quick pre-sets of boat trim for acceleration and stability, a removable dry bag, safety kit, and additional interactive gauge functions including a depth finder and water temperature.

Options to Consider

On the optional equipment list, there are several must-have items

, including a snap-in fender installation kit to protect the boat from dock rash, a bilge pump kit for those days when the waves are tall, and a fire extinguisher — just common sense there. For towing sports, there’s a three-position retractable ski pylon and a wakeboard rack. And Sea-Doo offers its own line of Move trailers for single and double unit hauling that offer proper support and sensible security for PWCs. We think the depth finder gauge would be a good addition, particularly if visiting unfamiliar waters is part of the game plan.

Price

Sea-Doo offers the GTX Limited 300 starting at $15,999 with the added Limited package features and the powerful 300-hp Rotax 1630 ACE engine, and it’s covered by a one-year warranty from the parent company, Bombardier Recreational Products.

Observations

We think Sea-Doo’s take on the luxury segment, three-rider market is spot on — enhanced by the high-output Rotax engine, and by the improved Ergolock seating with stepped design that will give the driver more control with less fatigue. That should put the fun back into longer days on the water.

Standard and Optional Features