2016 Sea Doo PWC RXT-X 300 Boat Review

Introduced in 2007, Sea-Doo’s high performance RXT-X has gone through some big changes for 2016. 

The 1630 ACE engine is nine percent bigger and produces 15 percent more power. The aluminum block engines are plasma coated and the new intercooler reduces the air temperature by 120 percent, resulting in a more condensed air charge and the most powerful Sea-Doo ever.

The engine is available on a few models, but the RXT-X is what I was eager to get my hands on “ and for good reason. TheErgolock system’s Advanced Ergonomic Steering was immediately obvious. The handholds have palm-rests that extend out to create a flat resting surface which helps save your grip strength during a full day of cruising. The handlebars are adjustable, too, so thewidth and angle of grip becomes natural.

Knee indents and angled footrests lock your knees in place for aggressive cornering and high-speed, straight-line runs. Instead of feeling like you’re sitting on the Sea-Doo, it feels more like you’re sitting init. 

Now stopping faster is possible thanks to the first major upgrade to the game-changing Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) system. Plus, more importantly, there is nobow diving that used to result in a wave of water crashing into your lap when stopping.

The S3 hull, the power of the new engine and adjusting the trim meant that even in high winds and big waves running from Tampa Bay into the Gulf was surprisingly quiet and comfortable.Easily, I was able to hit a top speed of 71 miles per hour in moderate chop and the RXT-X cruised exceptionally well in all conditions between 40 and 60 miles per hour. 

This Sea-Doo is designed for those who want to get from point A to point B as fast as possible, but it’s also a capable and comfortable ride. I just feel bad for the Sea-Doo designers who now have to find a way to top this in the coming years.

Test Boat Engine

Rotax 1630 ACE, 1630-cc (99.5 ci), three-cylinder, supercharged and intercooled four-stroke gasoline inboard pushing a water-jet pump

ACCELERATION (mph/sec)

0-20 / 2.1

TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)

8,000 / 71

CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)

5,000 / 37; 6,000 / 46; 7,000 / 60

SPECS

Model year: 2016

Make: Sea Doo PWC

Model: RXT-X 300

Category: PWC

Length: 11ft 7in / 3.53 m

Beam: 4ft / 1.22 m

Hull Type: Fiberglass

Engine Type: Jet Drive

Fuel Capacity: 42.8

According: Boattest.com