Sea-Doo’s new GTX Limited iS 255 is a major breakthrough with several never-before seen innovations that will change the way you ride.
Unique Factor
One of the groundbreaking features is the Intelligent Suspension (iS) that gives the hull of the GTX Limited iS 255 and the sportier RXT iS 255 the ability to move independently of the upper deck by as much as 6 inches. Simply put, the suspension absorbs the punishment your body (specifically, your behind) used to receive.
Another first is the iBR (Intelligent Brake and Reverse) system, which allows you to slow down in about one-third the time of a traditional watercraft. It’s activated by a hand brake and uses reverse thrust to stop as fast as possible without throwing you over the handlebars. It can be partially employed or fully jammed on and warns other riders you are stopping by shooting a tall geyser of water into the air. At rest, engaging the hand brake shifts the iS machines into reverse so you never have to take your hands off the handlebars.
Further adding to the safety quotient is the Off Throttle Assisted Steering (O.T.A.S.) system. When you let off the throttle on the iS machines, then turn the handlebars all the way, the O.T.A.S. will gently raise the rpm to allow it to turn.
Rather than the traditional thumb throttle, both iS machines have an accelerator trigger controlled by your index finger. It’s not controlled by a manual cable, but rather its fly-by-wire technology that uses electrical impulses. It’s finely graduated, so although you have more power than most sports cars, it comes on as fast and furious as you want.
Performance
Despite being considered a luxury model, with 255 hp the GTX iS really rips. (For 2010, the horsepower has been bumped up to 260.) Although top speed has been voluntarily limited to 65 mph per a Coast Guard agreement, it’s unlikely you’ve ever felt acceleration like this. Sea-Doo uses one basic motor for all its PWCs, the four-stroke Rotax 1.5L 4-TEC, but couples this model and the RXT iS with a huge intercooled supercharger for immediate throttle response.
Time to 50 mph was a blistering 3.6 seconds, which is about as fast as a 460 hp Lamborghini Murcielago. Another great feature is that you can limit the top rpm and how fast it gets there, thus keeping some of your crazier, less experienced friends from getting in over their heads. A closed cooling system keeps saltwater and impurities from prematurely aging internal passageways.
Handling
The three-seat GTX Limited iS is a big bad boy weighing 948 pounds and stretching 11 feet, 7 inches long. It gets even bigger when you start it, and the upper section raises up another 3 inches. If this is too tippy, you can engage the park mode that lowers it again. But once we rocketed on plane, it felt very nimble, with lots of lean into corners for quick changes of direction. Much of the credit goes to the new S3 hull design that creates a low-pressure zone to reduce drag for more speed and acceleration. Its deep-V design also helps it slice through the water. Waves from the beam don’t cause the customary amount of roll or slam you off line. It’s made from a proprietary material that is actually 19 percent lighter than other three-seater hulls.
We rode it in very challenging, pre-hurricane conditions in Pensacola, FL at a press event that featured all the top PWC press. These experienced riders (most were ex-racers) had been leaving me in their wakes all day … that is until I hopped aboard the GTX Limited iS 255 for a long run in confused 3-foot seas. Although you can set the suspension manually to be as firm or as soft as you choose, I selected the automatic setting, which adjusts to riding conditions on its own. The difference was amazing; the suspension absorbed the chop, and I responded by increasing the throttle until I was passing many of the pros and riding in far greater comfort. The VTS (Variable Trim System) allowed me to maintain the perfect attitude.
Another problem for riders in rough conditions is maintaining a constant speed, but thanks to the Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) you can set a speed, and its onboard GPS-based cruise control will keep your speed constant and is great for no-wake zones. Controlling all this intelligence is the iControl system, which is a computerized brain that integrates all systems and displays in the Digital Information Center.
Later, I ran the sportier yellow-clad RXT iS 255, which is the same length but has a stiffer suspension. While it does allow the driver to corner more aggressively, I preferred the more luxurious ride of the GTX.
Best Uses
This is the ultimate PWC for up to three people for smooth cruising even in choppy conditions. A standard ski tow eye helps make this a potent tow vehicle with plenty of power to do any type of skiing. Even though it’s large, riders can still whip it around in turns to scratch that aggressiveness itch, and with 255 hp, nobody is going to question its performance. Its fuel economy is better than you would expect, burning less than 20 gph at wide-open throttle. It can run on regular gas but prefers premium.
Preferred Setup
The Limited Package offers a bundle of useful add-ons like the Speed Tie system, which is a pair of retractable mooring lines located fore and aft that eliminates the need to carry dock lines. Also included are a depthfinder, boat cover, safety kit, sandbag anchor, dry bag and glove box organizer.