Reviews on the 2014 Sea Doo Wake 155

Not much for the GTX 155 has inverse from last year's model apart from the striking metallic "Alloy Orangish" – a hue we'd love to run across on the ambitious blacked-out X-Series skis.

It wasn't long later we reviewed Yamaha's 2014 FX HO Cruiser that we were invited to have the equally-equipped 2014 GTX 155 out for a ride. Both skis share the same marketplace segment (apart from the Yamaha'due south next-level-up stadium-manner seating), especially those watersport enthusiasts looking for a happy medium of condolement and reliability, and best of form fuel mileage. And throughout our time aboard the Sea-Doo nosotros couldn't milkshake the trend to contrast the ii.

Unfortunately, a throwdown shootout between the two is not something you'll find here. But as Kawasaki's staid naturally-aspirated Ultra Lx is the brand's only entry in the non-huffer segment, the simply two really taking this course seriously are Bounding main-Doo and Yamaha, so we will be drawing some comparisons betwixt them.

It wasn't long agone when Bombardier first appear the "loftier output" 155-horsepower Rotax plant. By today's standards the successor to the brand'due south lowest producing 130HP engines seems anemic. Merely at the time and well up until the 215 and 260HP supercharged models, four-Tec 155 was enough of push to propel the previous "Phoenix" hull.

At almost 140-inches long and closer to 900-pounds when weight for oil and coolant are factored in, the S3-based GTX'due south naturally-aspirated 155-horsepower output might strike as bloodless, merely the iTC'south "Sport" style will resolve well-nigh concerns.

Standard on all Luxury-level Bounding main-Doos is this locking watertight bin. With total storage at 13.7 gallons, finding a secure place to stow your needful things should not be a problem.

However, once the larger S3 hull became the standard for 2010, the 155-level naturally-aspirated plant just seemed to wheeze when passed upward by Kawasaki's i.5L four-cylinder and Yamaha's not-so-thirsty 1,812cc monster. Well, at least that was what we thought…

Because of Body of water-Doo's iTC (Intelligent Throttle Control) and standard trio of bachelor engine tunes, namely "Touring," "Sport" and "Eco," the unboosted 155HP GTX manages to spring from a rolling start with no shortage of motivation.

While the long 3-seater (139.2-inches) won't suspension whatever 0-to-thirty second speed records, it will pull hard plenty to surprise most rear passengers.

In fact, the GTX'south iTC proved itself as the vehicle's most underrated resource. Toggling through the engine programs is equally as accessible as setting its 1-touch on Cruise control. Because that fuel economy was a main motivator for buyers of the GTX 155, nosotros rode nigh of the day in Eco Mode, inappreciably denting the scant $30 in fuel we poured into the tank before.

Major factors that aided in our overlooking a handful of small complaints were Ocean-Doo's unmatched ergonomics on the handlebars. Toggles are responsive and the 1-touch Cruise command is unrivaled in its ease.

The GTX comes with a thick padded folding swim step standard which makes boarding a cinch. Even with the locking admission panels, the rear platform in broad and spacious.

Those riding will find the single-slice bench seat supportive and roomy. In some cases nosotros've establish the alpine scalloped seats other brands a little restrictive for taller riders, but our qualm is merely a matter of preference. Beneath the tilt steering, the glove box is voluminous, and the sealable, locking bow bin (a standard characteristic on all GTX models) offers sufficient storage.

Fifty-fifty in its almost humble course, the lowest rung of the "Luxury" segment is endowed with Sea-doo's VTS (Variable Trim Organization), F/N/R gear indicator and adjustable LCD dash brandish settings.

As is with all Sea-Doos equipped with iBR (Intelligent Brake & Opposite), maneuvering around tight spots, docking and loading the trailer is a far superior experience than any other ski without it; not to mention the tremendous rubber benefits of a fully-functional braking organisation.

Quibbles with the Bounding main-Doo rose from its "plasticy" hood and glove box hinges, which felt fragile. These materials undoubtedly aid keep the large runabout downwardly to 816-pound (dry) weight.

The lines of the GTX are low and long and nowhere near as complex as the racier RXP-X – merely the family Deoxyribonucleic acid tin can still be found. We were pleased with the dry ride and maneuverability.

Priced at just over $12,000, the GTX 155 comes with 87 octane compatibility and BRP's Eco fashion, fuel consumption is conservative, helping recoup a trivial of your initial investment.

Besides, we struggled with the release lever to access the engine compartment. On two different occasions while driving to our location, the seat unlatched, swinging open up while on the highway. After securing it a 2d time, nosotros fought to open it again to no avail (sorry, no engine moving-picture show).

The juxtaposition of state-of-the-art innovation and thin, finicky plastics gave the GTX 155 an oddly imbalanced feeling. In Sport mode, the GTX failed to breach 60mph, but graciously remained i of the driest rides we had experienced all the while being spry, actively carving Due south-turns with modest provocation. Sea-Doo's handlebar grip-to-button ergonomics are second to none, and are establish on almost every other model. Button responsiveness is equally higher up the fray. For that we applaud BRP'southward engineers.

Priced well over $1,000 under that of the aforementioned Yamaha, the GTX 155 does manage to both autumn below and rising above its nearest competitor. We would've preferred the depression finish grunt and solidity of the HO Cruiser, merely keep returning to the iTC and iBR every bit its saving graces. Fuel economy (particularly in Eco mode), watertight storage and ergonomics assist push button the GTX over the border into the "recommended" category.

Huge thank you go to America'southward Motorsports for utilise of the Bounding main-Doo GTX 155.