I didn’t believe all the negativity toward the ST3, especially as it was really only you highlighting it. I’m on a GTR. I finally got to ride one yesterday and you are spot-on. As soon as you hit a wave that’s not perpendicular, the ski just grabs it like it’s on rails. On my GTR I never worry about being thrown off unless I want to. The ST3 hull it’s a possibility. So glad I’m on the GTI hull.
I’ve just got my new GTR and I’ve come off a RXTX that we rode for 3 years over here off the west coast of Ireland and it was a nightmare in chop, got on a GTI and said omg i need this hull , Kevin is as always spot on 👍
Should have my new GTR 230 this month. I can’t wait! You helped make my decision. I had a 2017 GTI SE 130 and sold it at the end of last summer knowing I wanted a new PWC this year. Thanks for all the top notch reviews.
I havea 2021 GTR 230 on order for the exact reasons you just mentioned. Appears way more flickable on turns than the GTX. Yes storage is fantastic where I need it and the simple fact that it runs on Reg gas is icing on the cake! Can't wait for the lakes to melt here in Alberta.
Totally agree - i just rode ST3 GTX in very rough waters in Spain and it was total Trash, tracked like crap, bow hunts like hell and needs tons of rider input….. and skipped left and right just as you described i then took out a 170 & 130 GTi over a 2 week vacation and wow what a difference the budget ski put it to shame. Who would have thought it…..
Have a 21 gtx 170 that my wife rides with the kids. The hull can be annoying. However, it's a hell of a lot more comfortable when pounding off waves when the wind comes up on a long ride compared to my spark. It was the only sled I could get my hands on that year. I got a 23 GTI 170 on order. Looking forward to riding it. Hopefully it will be the best of both worlds!
I was riding behind my son 2 years ago on my 300 rxtx I noticed he was herky jerky with the bars. He’s got enough experience to keep it straight at 50 plus mph. Kevin is right in chop I must be the same way with that bastard
Thank you Kevin! Last year, 2021, I purchased 3 new skis, a 2021 GTI SE 170, Wake 170, and a Spark Trixx 3up in large part based on information I found from the Watercraft Journal!
I'm really appreciative of these Videos. I'm on the fence on what to get as far as a 3 seater ski I can carry my girlfriend on. Looking for comfort and stability with good power. Lots of Chop here in North Florida with a mix of brach/ocean, so whatever hull handles chop the best is gonna be for us. Thanks Kevin!
I wish I could get a GTR 300. The darting in rough water is not what I want at all. I love my 18 GTI 155 but want some more power. Again want not need. I love how comfortable my ski is. It handles the choppy water well I think. Ill be able to ride a 2021 GTX limited soon. I might be able to make a deal and trade for the 2021 GTX. Long story but I'll try comment after I ride it.
I'm confuse that shouldn't GTX ST3 hull handle rougher sea condition better than GTI Polytech 2 hull? I'm pulling the trigger on GTX 130 Pro for touring and tow sports on open sea. Before that I consider GTI 170 SE but GTX 130 Pro as rental model come with heavy duty components which I suppose would be better for long term ownership. Going to get RIVA Racing Stage 1 tune so it should run slightly faster than stock 170. Anyway, great channel and learn a lot from your video.
I'm thinking of getting a Wake. Either the 2018/2019 Wake 155 or the 2020/2021 Wake 170. Do you recommend one over the other? I like the colours of the 2018/2019 better than the 2020/2021. Maybe I should wait for the 2022 colours to come out? I'm assuming it'll be the same ski as the 2020/2021 just with an updated colour scheme.
Downsizing from a boat that we mostly use for tow sports to a Sea Doo. Will use it for a combination of purposes, but tow sports is most important. Will mostly be looking for smooth water, but may go through some rough to get there (rivers off Chesapeake Bay). A previous video suggested the ST3 is more "off shore", so I figured better on rough water, but this video suggests GTI is better. Which is the best hull for tow sports and some rough water? GTI? Also, should I go with 230 hp for tow sports or is 170 hp enough? I could go GTR and add ski pylon and ski mode options. Last question - if ST3 is better for me, was thinking about going GTX 230 so I could get iDR and adding the ski pylon, wakeboard rack, and ski mode, so I would make a "Wake Pro" with iDR, but noticed the seats are different on the GTX. Can the observer for tow sports sit backwards on a GTX with all those little backrests? Hoping to pre-order this month!
The ST3 is not good for rough water as it bow hunts almost violently at speeds above 35mph unless you are trimmed ALL THE WAY UP. When you do this, you will be relying upon the flattest portion of the hull. There are ZERO Sea-Doo racers using a ST3 hull - literally none. Many used the GTR 230 until the RXP-X came out. Neither of these are good options for what you're doing or the ages of the riders, so I do not recommend them. The Wake Pro 230 is a fine machine. We rated ours rather high, despite its problematic hull shape. If wake boarding/skating/skiing is your FIRST PRIORITY then yes, get the Wake Pro 230. If rough water/open ocean riding is your top priority, consider a FX or Ultra.
@@watercraftjournal Thank you so much for your reply. A couple of follow-up questions (sorry, I'm an engineer and tend to over-think things): 1. Why do you not recommend the GTR 230 for our plans to do tow sports and some touring? Is the standard Wake ok or under-powered (170 hp) 2. Is the Wake Pro a GTX 230 as far as hull and engine? Retail for a GTX 230 adding wakeboard rack and pylon, ski mode, iDF and sound system is $220 less than a Wake Pro and you get iDF (which Wake Pro doesn't have). It does look like the seats are different on the GTX. Can the observer sit backwards on a GTX seat?
The ST3 platform is shared by all full sized Sea-Doos (RXT-X, GTX, Wake Pro, Fish Pro, etc.). Powertrains are the same as well. Rearward seating is slightly easier on the Wake (intentionally).
Hey Kevin, have you seen a repair done on a st3 hull ? let's say someone hit a rock just under the water at 34 mph and cracked the bottom enough to see the fiberglass under the shell in 2 spots 3inches long; not much of a separation but hairlines on the inside. Some rash as well. Sea-Doo has a method of repair ,but it is a plastic shell . Any thoughts?
Never repaired a crack but had to repair a nice, fat gouge. Thankfully, repairing the CM-Tech (the white stuff) is just like most fiberglass repairs. Then you need to layer epoxy resin in to fill in the acrylic (it's thicker than it looks). Finally, you prepare the surface for paint with filler putty, lots of sanding, primer and paint. A durable clear coat is a nice last touch.
@@watercraftjournal thanks so much Kevin, they are more of a gash than a crack, so sounds much the same as yours albeit smaller.Sea-Doo has a tech procedure for this( just like you explained) probably much like car bumpers are repaired. So the long-term viability of this is ok? The gtxi is new and I was told it should be totaled, I cringe at that.
@@watercraftjournal I did find one recently, can't find alot of info on long term viability of this type repair, but it looks like you've had some success. thanks for the response
Hi Kevin, Fantastic Video champ!! Quick question, what hull would you take if your ski was living on a floating pontoon dock, and you were taking it on and off all the time ? Would the polytech be "tougher" in this regard ? Would the ST3 take more damage, or would it also be OK ? Cheers 😎
Depends. Damage from misuse and poor care can effect all of them. This sounds almost like a "which ski don't I have to take of more?" question, and that's the wrong foot to start off on. The damage of sitting on a floating dock (UV and weather exposure, mold/mildew, moisture, etc.) are real and will effect all PWC. If you're asking "which hull can I slam into my dock repeatedly and see the least amount of damage?" I'd say a Kawasaki as it's the toughest. -K
I’m looking for a little input. I’m debating between 2 different seadoos. 1 being a 2012 rxp x 260 around 80 hours and a 2015 gtr 215 at 100 hrs with supercharger rebuilt. Both are the same price. I would like your thoughts which would be a better buy, and im concerned about the comfort of riding the gtr 215. I’ve driven a 2012 rxt x for a few years and it’s ultra comfy. Would I be satisfied with the gtr 215 ride feel ( in terms of riding over choppy lake water with the hull it has) Thanks for any input!
I have the older 2016 GTI (glass-fibre and geltech) and It's tracks straight over small to medium chop. If does bounce around over larger chop and I'm always pulling myself back onto the seat at higher speeds. Is the new GTI polytech hull much better?
@@watercraftjournal l guess I'm asking is there a hull difference (apart from construction materials) between the older GTi hulls and the new ones. And does it make much of a ride difference?
Do I understand it right, that I rather should go for GTI 170 instead of GTX 170 in terms of riding offshore? The opposite of what my sea doo dealer is saying?
Another excellent review and advice Kevin👍 I had a RXTX and over here in the Atlantic of the Irish coast it would dart all over the place a mad ride SO on your trusty advice I’ve just bought a new GTR230 and it’s night and Day, love it … and in the rough it’s miles quicker.. keep the videos coming, tks
In the rough stuff definitely the gtr 230 ie pollytec is far superior than the st3 by a mile. Much more accurate and comfortable as it doesn’t dart all over the place,
I’m having a problem understanding this. Most ocean going vessels have deep keels. You’re making it sound as if the keel is a sail. With respect in chop you’d think the floating item (GTI) would fair worse then the one cutting through. Especially if you trim your keel down.
Not exactly; yes, a deep keel is idea for predictable straight line tracking. The Kawasaki Ultra is exactly that. But the ST3 is NOT a deep-V/deep-keel hull. It has a prominent bow rise. That's it. After 3-feet, the rest of the hull is FLAT. So rather than a Deep-V, it's a flat bottomed hull with a blade-like bow - which acts as a forward rudder. The GTI hull is shaped more progressively (like a Yamaha VX), and while NOT IDEAL it is still 10-times more predictable than the ST3.
@@watercraftjournal ok I understand now more what you are saying. Interesting. So I must ask you for deep ocean and long rides you feel the GTI hull would be the better option? I guess I may have made the wrong choice with the GTX 230 I just ordered. I’m planning a Bimini trip. A lot of key west Florida island hopping. I thought about comfort and I took the keel as a plus. 😂
@@karlfarrulla6948 hey fellow floridian! I am here same as you, also questioned about this opinion. Was wondering if you ordered a GTX, maybe you can share what you think of this now? Since a year had passed. TIA!
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Thanks for the feedback about the GTI. Just got one and was worried about the ride offshore! 😊
I didn’t believe all the negativity toward the ST3, especially as it was really only you highlighting it. I’m on a GTR. I finally got to ride one yesterday and you are spot-on. As soon as you hit a wave that’s not perpendicular, the ski just grabs it like it’s on rails. On my GTR I never worry about being thrown off unless I want to. The ST3 hull it’s a possibility. So glad I’m on the GTI hull.
Thank you for this!
I’ve just got my new GTR and I’ve come off a RXTX that we rode for 3 years over here off the west coast of Ireland and it was a nightmare in chop, got on a GTI and said omg i need this hull , Kevin is as always spot on 👍
Precisely !
Should have my new GTR 230 this month. I can’t wait! You helped make my decision. I had a 2017 GTI SE 130 and sold it at the end of last summer knowing I wanted a new PWC this year. Thanks for all the top notch reviews.
Outstanding! Glad to hear it.
I havea 2021 GTR 230 on order for the exact reasons you just mentioned. Appears way more flickable on turns than the GTX. Yes storage is fantastic where I need it and the simple fact that it runs on Reg gas is icing on the cake! Can't wait for the lakes to melt here in Alberta.
That's awesome! We hope you enjoy it!
Regular fuel really? That’s amazing
Totally agree - i just rode ST3 GTX in very rough waters in Spain and it was total Trash, tracked like crap, bow hunts like hell and needs tons of rider input….. and skipped left and right just as you described i then took out a 170 & 130 GTi over a 2 week vacation and wow what a difference the budget ski put it to shame.
Who would have thought it…..
Have a 21 gtx 170 that my wife rides with the kids. The hull can be annoying. However, it's a hell of a lot more comfortable when pounding off waves when the wind comes up on a long ride compared to my spark. It was the only sled I could get my hands on that year. I got a 23 GTI 170 on order. Looking forward to riding it. Hopefully it will be the best of both worlds!
A punch in the teeth is more comfortable than riding a Spark in chop.
@@watercraftjournal
why are there so many blogs and forums that say the ST3 hull is more stable then?
I was riding behind my son 2 years ago on my 300 rxtx I noticed he was herky jerky with the bars. He’s got enough experience to keep it straight at 50 plus mph. Kevin is right in chop I must be the same way with that bastard
Again, it's about how much "rider input" you need to put in to keep it straight.
Thank you Kevin! Last year, 2021, I purchased 3 new skis, a 2021 GTI SE 170, Wake 170, and a Spark Trixx 3up in large part based on information I found from the Watercraft Journal!
That is awesome!
Sounds like I made the right choice for my first ski! GTI SE!
Same. Bought mine last year. It’s a great machine!
Glad to hear it! It's great!
You think they will eventually introduce a polytech hull on the GTX line? What’s stopping them from doing so?
No, that's very unlikely.
The 2008-9 Seadoo RXTX 255 SUPER-C darted too and it was scary at 70mph. 2:28
First time buyer, have been watching a lot of your videos trying to do my research and decide what to get. Really leaning towards the GTI SE 170.
It's a fantastic machine.
This is why i might get the fishpro scout instead of the trophy
I love mine 2024 scout, gas saver and quick enough to ran errands
My gti shows up this spring. Glad I got what I got 👊
Awesome!
What your opinion on the 2022 wake GTI 170 vs the GTX (170 ST3) hull?
I'm really appreciative of these Videos. I'm on the fence on what to get as far as a 3 seater ski I can carry my girlfriend on. Looking for comfort and stability with good power. Lots of Chop here in North Florida with a mix of brach/ocean, so whatever hull handles chop the best is gonna be for us. Thanks Kevin!
Glad to help
wondering what you wound up getting?
Does the GTR 230 have the same comfy front seat as the GTX 155 / 170?
I wish I could get a GTR 300. The darting in rough water is not what I want at all. I love my 18 GTI 155 but want some more power. Again want not need. I love how comfortable my ski is. It handles the choppy water well I think. Ill be able to ride a 2021 GTX limited soon. I might be able to make a deal and trade for the 2021 GTX. Long story but I'll try comment after I ride it.
You've got Kevin's opinion on the two. See what you think.
I'm confuse that shouldn't GTX ST3 hull handle rougher sea condition better than GTI Polytech 2 hull? I'm pulling the trigger on GTX 130 Pro for touring and tow sports on open sea. Before that I consider GTI 170 SE but GTX 130 Pro as rental model come with heavy duty components which I suppose would be better for long term ownership. Going to get RIVA Racing Stage 1 tune so it should run slightly faster than stock 170. Anyway, great channel and learn a lot from your video.
It SHOULD but it IS NOT. (Edited for correction)
I'm thinking of getting a Wake. Either the 2018/2019 Wake 155 or the 2020/2021 Wake 170. Do you recommend one over the other? I like the colours of the 2018/2019 better than the 2020/2021. Maybe I should wait for the 2022 colours to come out? I'm assuming it'll be the same ski as the 2020/2021 just with an updated colour scheme.
Your assumption is correct.
Got a 2023 gtr 230 was worried i got the wrong one thanks
are you happy with the gtr?
I have a 2018 GTI Se 155 it’s stock can I ask you what changes would you suggest thanks
Not a damn thing. You'd be wasting good money and time. Enjoy the ski for what it is, and when the time is right, save up for a faster unit.
@@watercraftjournal and that's why Im saving. No mods for the GTi 155. Just seat time. 200hrs on mine now. Thanks Kevin.
Downsizing from a boat that we mostly use for tow sports to a Sea Doo. Will use it for a combination of purposes, but tow sports is most important. Will mostly be looking for smooth water, but may go through some rough to get there (rivers off Chesapeake Bay). A previous video suggested the ST3 is more "off shore", so I figured better on rough water, but this video suggests GTI is better. Which is the best hull for tow sports and some rough water? GTI? Also, should I go with 230 hp for tow sports or is 170 hp enough? I could go GTR and add ski pylon and ski mode options. Last question - if ST3 is better for me, was thinking about going GTX 230 so I could get iDR and adding the ski pylon, wakeboard rack, and ski mode, so I would make a "Wake Pro" with iDR, but noticed the seats are different on the GTX. Can the observer for tow sports sit backwards on a GTX with all those little backrests? Hoping to pre-order this month!
Also, are the GTX seats more comfortable for riding that the GTR, Wake, or Wake Pro? Wife and I are mid-50s, so comfort matters.
The ST3 is not good for rough water as it bow hunts almost violently at speeds above 35mph unless you are trimmed ALL THE WAY UP. When you do this, you will be relying upon the flattest portion of the hull.
There are ZERO Sea-Doo racers using a ST3 hull - literally none. Many used the GTR 230 until the RXP-X came out. Neither of these are good options for what you're doing or the ages of the riders, so I do not recommend them.
The Wake Pro 230 is a fine machine. We rated ours rather high, despite its problematic hull shape. If wake boarding/skating/skiing is your FIRST PRIORITY then yes, get the Wake Pro 230. If rough water/open ocean riding is your top priority, consider a FX or Ultra.
Also, meant "iDF" not "iDR".
@@watercraftjournal Thank you so much for your reply. A couple of follow-up questions (sorry, I'm an engineer and tend to over-think things):
1. Why do you not recommend the GTR 230 for our plans to do tow sports and some touring? Is the standard Wake ok or under-powered (170 hp)
2. Is the Wake Pro a GTX 230 as far as hull and engine? Retail for a GTX 230 adding wakeboard rack and pylon, ski mode, iDF and sound system is $220 less than a Wake Pro and you get iDF (which Wake Pro doesn't have). It does look like the seats are different on the GTX. Can the observer sit backwards on a GTX seat?
The ST3 platform is shared by all full sized Sea-Doos (RXT-X, GTX, Wake Pro, Fish Pro, etc.). Powertrains are the same as well. Rearward seating is slightly easier on the Wake (intentionally).
Hey Kevin, have you seen a repair done on a st3 hull ? let's say someone hit a rock just under the water at 34 mph and cracked the bottom enough to see the fiberglass under the shell in 2 spots 3inches long; not much of a separation but hairlines on the inside. Some rash as well. Sea-Doo has a method of repair ,but it is a plastic shell . Any thoughts?
Never repaired a crack but had to repair a nice, fat gouge. Thankfully, repairing the CM-Tech (the white stuff) is just like most fiberglass repairs. Then you need to layer epoxy resin in to fill in the acrylic (it's thicker than it looks). Finally, you prepare the surface for paint with filler putty, lots of sanding, primer and paint. A durable clear coat is a nice last touch.
@@watercraftjournal thanks so much Kevin, they are more of a gash than a crack, so sounds much the same as yours albeit smaller.Sea-Doo has a tech procedure for this( just like you explained) probably much like car bumpers are repaired. So the long-term viability of this is ok? The gtxi is new and I was told it should be totaled, I cringe at that.
Totaled? Yikes that seems a little over zealous. Your dealer should have a preferred "body guy" or boat repair shop that they send work to.
@@watercraftjournal I did find one recently, can't find alot of info on long term viability of this type repair, but it looks like you've had some success. thanks for the response
Hi Kevin, Fantastic Video champ!! Quick question, what hull would you take if your ski was living on a floating pontoon dock, and you were taking it on and off all the time ? Would the polytech be "tougher" in this regard ? Would the ST3 take more damage, or would it also be OK ? Cheers 😎
Depends. Damage from misuse and poor care can effect all of them. This sounds almost like a "which ski don't I have to take of more?" question, and that's the wrong foot to start off on. The damage of sitting on a floating dock (UV and weather exposure, mold/mildew, moisture, etc.) are real and will effect all PWC. If you're asking "which hull can I slam into my dock repeatedly and see the least amount of damage?" I'd say a Kawasaki as it's the toughest. -K
I’m looking for a little input. I’m debating between 2 different seadoos. 1 being a 2012 rxp x 260 around 80 hours and a 2015 gtr 215 at 100 hrs with supercharger rebuilt. Both are the same price. I would like your thoughts which would be a better buy, and im concerned about the comfort of riding the gtr 215. I’ve driven a 2012 rxt x for a few years and it’s ultra comfy. Would I be satisfied with the gtr 215 ride feel ( in terms of riding over choppy lake water with the hull it has) Thanks for any input!
It’s a little too hard to answer in the comments. Email Kevin directly.
I have the older 2016 GTI (glass-fibre and geltech) and It's tracks straight over small to medium chop. If does bounce around over larger chop and I'm always pulling myself back onto the seat at higher speeds. Is the new GTI polytech hull much better?
Better in what regards? See our review of the redesigned GTI SE 170 for more detail.
@@watercraftjournal l guess I'm asking is there a hull difference (apart from construction materials) between the older GTi hulls and the new ones. And does it make much of a ride difference?
See our review of the GTI SE 170 and the GTR 230. Full detail there.
Do I understand it right, that I rather should go for GTI 170 instead of GTX 170 in terms of riding offshore? The opposite of what my sea doo dealer is saying?
I said what I said. :)
Another excellent review and advice Kevin👍 I had a RXTX and over here in the Atlantic of the Irish coast it would dart all over the place a mad ride SO on your trusty advice I’ve just bought a new GTR230 and it’s night and Day, love it … and in the rough it’s miles quicker.. keep the videos coming, tks
@@alhit007 sto valutando gtr 230 e rxt x rs 300 quale mi consigli?
In the rough stuff definitely the gtr 230 ie pollytec is far superior than the st3 by a mile. Much more accurate and comfortable as it doesn’t dart all over the place,
@@alhit007 nel complesso? Comodità, velocità, ecc 4.000 + euro vale la pena rxtx300rs?
GTR 230 coming for us
Awesome!
What Canadian doesn’t know a F150 n up king ranch. Lol f150 is the most common truck here.
You videos would be better if you'd show pictures of what you're talking about so we can follow along. Try doing sharescreen more.
That's pretty hard to do during a live session. But the Quick Topics all are intercut with images and video.
I’m having a problem understanding this. Most ocean going vessels have deep
keels. You’re making it sound as if the keel is a sail.
With respect in chop you’d think the floating item (GTI) would fair worse then the one cutting through. Especially if you trim your keel down.
Not exactly; yes, a deep keel is idea for predictable straight line tracking. The Kawasaki Ultra is exactly that. But the ST3 is NOT a deep-V/deep-keel hull. It has a prominent bow rise. That's it. After 3-feet, the rest of the hull is FLAT. So rather than a Deep-V, it's a flat bottomed hull with a blade-like bow - which acts as a forward rudder. The GTI hull is shaped more progressively (like a Yamaha VX), and while NOT IDEAL it is still 10-times more predictable than the ST3.
@@watercraftjournal ok I understand now more what you are saying. Interesting.
So I must ask you for deep ocean and long rides you feel the GTI hull would be the better option?
I guess I may have made the wrong choice with the GTX 230 I just ordered.
I’m planning a Bimini trip. A lot of key west Florida island hopping. I thought about comfort and I took the keel as a plus. 😂
@@karlfarrulla6948 hey fellow floridian! I am here same as you, also questioned about this opinion. Was wondering if you ordered a GTX, maybe you can share what you think of this now? Since a year had passed. TIA!
@@karlfarrulla6948have you been happy with the GTX? Does it take much input in rough seas?
I need me a GTR