Sea-Doo GTI vs. GTX

[Cal Coon]

I think a good question to ask would be to Biggd since he has both. The question is which ONE would you keep if you could only have one or the other, and why? I would be interested in hearing his response to this question if I was on the fence between the two. I really don't know that much about them, but I do know that I would buy which ever one handles the rough water better since I do all of my boating on wkends, but that's just me.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Cal Coon

I think a good question to ask would be to Biggd since he has both. The question is which ONE would you keep if you could only have one or the other, and why? I would be interested in hearing his response to this question if I was on the fence between the two. I really don't know that much about them, but I do know that I would buy which ever one handles the rough water better since I do all of my boating on wkends, but that's just me.

What I'm finding is that everybody seems to love their GTXs unequivocally whereas GTI people often mention value or "fun, but can beat me up in chop." The lake is much calmer where we are in the north--even on weekends--but given that I'm not a speed or tricks freak, I think I'm leaning more towards the GTX.

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[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Cal Coon

I think a good question to ask would be to Biggd since he has both. The question is which ONE would you keep if you could only have one or the other, and why? I would be interested in hearing his response to this question if I was on the fence between the two. I really don't know that much about them, but I do know that I would buy which ever one handles the rough water better since I do all of my boating on wkends, but that's just me.

I prefer the GTI. It's a little easier for me to toss around. The GTX has more features and is faster but much heavier. It all depends what kind of riding you want to do

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I prefer the GTI. It's a little easier for me to toss around. The GTX has more features and is faster but much heavier. It all depends what kind of riding you want to do

Do you ever bring the skis out in chop? If so, how much of a difference is there and, if the new GTI hull bridged the gap a bit, would that be a good balance?

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[Biggd]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Do you ever bring the skis out in chop? If so, how much of a difference is there and, if the new GTI hull bridged the gap a bit, would that be a good balance?

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I'm on Lake Waukewan so the chop isn't as bad as Winni but, I think, the GTX handles the rougher water better because it's heavier.
If I was going out all day on Winni I would rather have the GTX but on my lake, where you can ride the whole lake in 15 minutes, I prefer the GTI. My GTI is a 130 and my GTX is a 260 so it's twice the HP and much heavier. The GTI is plenty fast enough, 50 to 60MPH depending on the chop. The GTX is a rocket, over 70MPH and you can't go that fast on Winni.
When I was looking for a second machine I was honestly looking for another GTI but this GTX was too good a deal to pass up. It's a 2013 and it only had 23 hours on it.
My GTI is older, 2009, so I'm sure the newer ones are better. But my 2009 is like an older Toyota Camry, it just goes and goes and never lets me down.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I'm on Lake Waukewan so the chop isn't as bad as Winni but, I think, the GTX handles the rougher water better because it's heavier.
If I was going out all day on Winni I would rather have the GTX but on my lake, where you can ride the whole lake in 15 minutes, I prefer the GTI. My GTI is a 130 and my GTX is a 260 so it's twice the HP and much heavier. The GTI is plenty fast enough, 50 to 60MPH depending on the chop. The GTX is a rocket, over 70MPH and you can't go that fast on Winni.

Awesome, thanks! Having not owned a ski before, I really have no idea how I'll use it most often, but, given that I'm in the north and not likely to be out on heavy chop days, it definitely sounds like either the GTI or GTX could work.

Now it'll come down to the features and feel of the two. I think the larger fuel tank in the GTX and direct storage may sway me in that direction.

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[chipj29]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Awesome, thanks! Having not owned a ski before, I really have no idea how I'll use it most often, but, given that I'm in the north and not likely to be out on heavy chop days, it definitely sounds like either the GTI or GTX could work.

Now it'll come down to the features and feel of the two. I think the larger fuel tank in the GTX and direct storage may sway me in that direction.

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I think this is right, but go with whichever has the most storage. I have an older GTX that has a massive storage compartment up front. It is so big, it is hard to reach the bottom of it while sitting on the ski. My buddy has a '13 GTI which has a much smaller storage compartment.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by chipj29

I think this is right, but go with whichever has the most storage. I have an older GTX that has a massive storage compartment up front. It is so big, it is hard to reach the bottom of it while sitting on the ski. My buddy has a '13 GTI which has a much smaller storage compartment.

Ok, so the new GTI's storage is much bigger than the GTX, BUT the "new" GTX ('18+) have "direct access" storage, which is where the steering control assembly lifts up to access storage from the seated position. So...more storage that I may not be able to access while on the machine vs. a bit smaller while seated?

Here's a video that shows it: https://youtu.be/N2KDG7x_opE

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[tbonies]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Ok, so the new GTI's storage is much bigger than the GTX, BUT the "new" GTX ('18+) have "direct access" storage, which is where the steering control assembly lifts up to access storage from the seated position. So...more storage that I may not be able to access while on the machine vs. a bit smaller while seated?

Here's a video that shows it: https://youtu.be/N2KDG7x_opE

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Have you investigated what colors you might be able to get the GTX and GTI in? Do you have a preference?

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by tbonies

Have you investigated what colors you might be able to get the GTX and GTI in? Do you have a preference?

Believe it or not, that's not that big a deal (because both color options are nice!).

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[Cal Coon]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Believe it or not, that's not that big a deal (because both color options are nice!).

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That's a relief!! I figured the color options would be a whole new thread!! Anyways, Think, I think I have the ultimate solution to all your concerns. Buy one of each, his and hers, one in each color option, problem(s) solved. Gotta keep everyone happy!! Now all you have to do is wet your index finger, and point it up in the air to see which one you ride on that given day, or simply take turns riding each one. What a country we live in...!!!

[tis]

Originally Posted by Cal Coon

That's a relief!! I figured the color options would be a whole new thread!! Anyways, Think, I think I have the ultimate solution to all your concerns. Buy one of each, his and hers, one in each color option, problem(s) solved. Gotta keep everyone happy!! Now all you have to do is wet your index finger, and point it up in the air to see which one you ride on that given day, or simply take turns riding each one. What a country we live in...!!!

Instead of a finger in the air, maybe Think could start a thread asking opinions about which one he should use each day after he buys both of them. (Sorry Think, just had a good laugh at your expense. Thank you.)

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by tis

Instead of a finger in the air, maybe Think could start a thread asking opinions about which one he should use each day after he buys both of them. (Sorry Think, just had a good laugh at your expense. Thank you.)

Don't tempt me--you know how hard it is for me to not start five new threads just to piss people off?! "New Jetski Fuel Choice Advice Wanted," "New Jetski Anchor Advice Wanted," "New Jetski Maintenance Advice Wanted," "New..." Well, you get the idea!

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[Cal Coon]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Don't tempt me--you know how hard it is for me to not start five new threads just to piss people off?! "New Jetski Fuel Choice Advice Wanted," "New Jetski Anchor Advice Wanted," "New Jetski Maintenance Advice Wanted," "New..." Well, you get the idea!

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Careful Think, you might get yourself kicked off the forum by the moderator for killing us with all these threats!!! Or would that be doing us a favor...???

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Cal Coon

Careful Think, you might get yourself kicked off the forum by the moderator for killing us with all these threats!!! Or would that be doing us a favor...???

I'm confident the moderator is less concerned about my superfluous threads than forum members being jerks to fellow forum members.

I look forward to your responses on my "best way to launch a new jetski" thread.

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[Cal Coon]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I'm confident the moderator is less concerned about my superfluous threads than forum members being jerks to fellow forum members.

I look forward to your responses on my "best way to launch a new jetski" thread.

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Put it in the water.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Cal Coon

Put it in the water.

Yeah, but how deep should I go? Can the trailer wheels get wet? How do I keep my feet clean and dry?!

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[Cal Coon]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Yeah, but how deep should I go? Can the trailer wheels get wet? How do I keep my feet clean and dry?!

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Honestly Think, if you have to ask these questions, something is (seriously) wrong, or, am I to think that you are just messing around... I hope for your sake, it's the latter.

[Winilyme]

Originally Posted by Cal Coon

Careful Think, you might get yourself kicked off the forum by the moderator for killing us with all these threats!!! Or would that be doing us a favor...???

Honestly, give the guy a break. I know of no rule that says you need to read everything or limit new threads to things that haven't been discussed before. I'll admit, when Thinkxingu came out with his latest string I thought "jeez, weren't the others enough". I'd already contributed some thoughts to his prior inquiries and decided I didn't have anything else to say. So, I've stayed quiet and, come to find out, as an ardent jet-skier myself, I'm still enjoying the commentary. Steer clear if you have no interest.

Besides, he has T-rex arms. How would you like to have T-rex arms?

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Winilyme

Honestly, give the guy a break. I know of no rule that says you need to read everything or limit new threads to things that haven't been discussed before. I'll admit, when Thinkxingu came out with his latest string I thought "jeez, weren't the others enough". I'd already contributed some thoughts to his prior inquiries and decided I didn't have anything else to say. So, I've stayed quiet and, come to find out, as an ardent jet-skier myself, I'm still enjoying the commentary. Steer clear if you have no interest.

Besides, he has T-rex arms. How would you like to have T-rex arms?

Hey, I'm the reason you signed up, remember?!

I just re-read your post and actually missed the GTX part of it because it was only mentioned once. Thanks for your thoughts.

As far as my T-Rex arms, I'll remember that when you need me to bench press a lot of weight once or twice!

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[Winilyme]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Hey, I'm the reason you signed up, remember?!

I just re-read your post and actually missed the GTX part of it because it was only mentioned once. Thanks for your thoughts.

As far as my T-Rex arms, I'll remember that when you need me to bench press a lot of weight once or twice!

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Touche I say

[codeman671]

I have owned MANY pwc over my years at the lake. I will say I prefer Yamaha over Seadoo. I typically buy large, supercharged machines (RXT, RXT-X, FX-SHO, FX-SHO cruiser) so my experience may be different than others, I have never owned a smaller Doo. I found the Yamaha to be much more reliable in both short and long term. I don't love closed cooling on a pwc, there is no need for it on the lake where you are looking to run. If on the ocean it certainly has its benefits.

Huge storage has never been a big deal to me, I don't feel that I need to carry everything including the kitchen sink with me when I ride. I will say I really like the Sea Doo speaker option over the new Yamaha setup. If I was getting a Seadoo damn right it would have a stereo.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by codeman671

I have owned MANY pwc over my years at the lake. I will say I prefer Yamaha over Seadoo. I typically buy large, supercharged machines (RXT, RXT-X, FX-SHO, FX-SHO cruiser) so my experience may be different than others, I have never owned a smaller Doo. I found the Yamaha to be much more reliable in both short and long term. I don't love closed cooling on a pwc, there is no need for it on the lake where you are looking to run. If on the ocean it certainly has its benefits.

Huge storage has never been a big deal to me, I don't feel that I need to carry everything including the kitchen sink with me when I ride. I will say I really like the Sea Doo speaker option over the new Yamaha setup. If I was getting a Seadoo damn right it would have a stereo.

Thanks for your thoughts. The audio option is definitely one of the features that is leading me to Sea-Doo. The other ones are the Ergolock sides--I've not sat on the new Yamaha skis, but I felt my legs were like riding a horse on the one I did ride (I've got tree trunk legs)--rear platform size, handgrip palm rests, and trim (the VX Cruiser HO, which would be the Yamaha I'd be looking at/is comparable, doesn't have trim).

In terms of reliability, what I've found are four things: 1. Maintenance matters for all machines, but definitely for Sea-Doo. Almost all of the failures could be traced to maintenance. 2. Sea-Doo is ahead of the curve with features, but those features need time for kinks to be worked out. 3. Supercharged machines bring an extra complexity that, along with #1 and #2 seem to have hit Sea-Doo's reputation for reliability. #4. Dealer matters. From my research, much of the "non-fatal" issues are the result of poor dealer prep. Loose hoses, improper seals, etc. that should easily be avoidable with a good/thorough dealer.

I'm still a little open to Yamaha as DaSilva's sells both, and I'm looking forward to working with them, but there's a lot to keep me focused on Sea-Doo.

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[codeman671]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Thanks for your thoughts. The audio option is definitely one of the features that is leading me to Sea-Doo. The other ones are the Ergolock sides--I've not sat on the new Yamaha skis, but I felt my legs were like riding a horse on the one I did ride (I've got tree trunk legs)--rear platform size, handgrip palm rests, and trim (the VX Cruiser HO, which would be the Yamaha I'd be looking at/is comparable, doesn't have trim).

In terms of reliability, what I've found are four things: 1. Maintenance matters for all machines, but definitely for Sea-Doo. Almost all of the failures could be traced to maintenance. 2. Sea-Doo is ahead of the curve with features, but those features need time for kinks to be worked out. 3. Supercharged machines bring an extra complexity that, along with #1 and #2 seem to have hit Sea-Doo's reputation for reliability. #4. Dealer matters. From my research, much of the "non-fatal" issues are the result of poor dealer prep. Loose hoses, improper seals, etc. that should easily be avoidable with a good/thorough dealer.

I'm still a little open to Yamaha as DaSilva's sells both, and I'm looking forward to working with them, but there's a lot to keep me focused on Sea-Doo.

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I find that BRP really tweaks/tunes their machines to get every last bit out of them. Having been a snowmobiler for a long time it always seemed like the ski-doos were the ones always in the shop. Same company.

Dealers have a checklist to go through on every machine for prep. As far as a pwc goes, there isn't much to it as unlike a snowmobile or atv they arrive basically complete. With sleds skis aren't usually attached, front ends need to be aligned, windshields, off, etc. I bought a pwc from HK once and they had it out of the crate, fired up and ready to go within an hour or two.

Just saying I think there is more to it than just dealer prep that makes a machine reliable, but having a solid dealer backing it when you need them is important. I would never buy from Rochester Motorsports as I think they are goons. I have never bought from DaSilva, but haven't heard any complaints. I have done business with HK and it has always been good.

I am not saying I wouldn't ever buy another Seadoo though! I do like them. That stereo...Gotta have it.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by codeman671

I find that BRP really tweaks/tunes their machines to get every last bit out of them. Having been a snowmobiler for a long time it always seemed like the ski-doos were the ones always in the shop. Same company.

Dealers have a checklist to go through on every machine for prep. As far as a pwc goes, there isn't much to it as unlike a snowmobile or atv they arrive basically complete. With sleds skis aren't usually attached, front ends need to be aligned, windshields, off, etc. I bought a pwc from HK once and they had it out of the crate, fired up and ready to go within an hour or two.

Just saying I think there is more to it than just dealer prep that makes a machine reliable, but having a solid dealer backing it when you need them is important. I would never buy from Rochester Motorsports as I think they are goons. I have never bought from DaSilva, but haven't heard any complaints. I have done business with HK and it has always been good.

I am not saying I wouldn't ever buy another Seadoo though! I do like them. That stereo...Gotta have it.

The Sea-Doo will also come with a 4-year warranty if I buy at the boat show, which is a little peace of mind.

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[tis]

Think, I think you want the Sea Doo. Just buy it!!!!!!