Captain's Report

Features Inspection

Sea-Doo’s Ergolock seating system, developed and perfected on the racing circuit

, is found as standard equipment on more models for 2016. The RXP-X 300 was the model where Ergolock was originally introduced. Combining an adjustable handlebar with inward-angled footwells, and a narrow profile racing seat with hollows the rider can grip with his or her knees, helps reduce the effort to hold on with shoulders, arms and hands in turns. This all means less fatigue for the upper body as well as faster turns when the rider leans into the turns with more confidence.

Adjustable Ergonomic Steering

, which Sea-Doo refers to as A.E.S., allows the rider to customize the handlebar width and grip angle. New palm rests for 2016 add more comfort at the grips.

Adjustable three-position rear sponsons

offer a range of cornering stability — lower for sharper turns, higher for a more freestyle riding experience. Integral winglets are designed to enhance lean angles in the turns. Trim tabs are included to limit bow rise during hole shots and improve tracking in rough water.

Now in its second generation, Sea-Doo’s iBR

is an advanced, electronically activated braking and reversing system that the company says can help stop forward motion 160’ (49 m) sooner than a model with no braking system. It’s activated by a quick squeeze of the left-hand lever, and it also gives the rider better slow speed control, especially useful when maneuvering around the dock and it always starts in neutral for safety.

An intelligent throttle control

, or iTC, provides the RXP-X 300 with three power delivery curves. Its selectable Touring/Sport mode offers throttle response settings that are optimal for two-up cruising, or more aggressive acceleration and mid-range power, respectively. And an Eco mode targets the most economical RPM setting for best economy. Finally, Sea-Doo incorporates Off throttle Assisted Steering, or O.T.A.S., that seamlessly provides additional steering effect when the throttle is released.

To support the high performance mission

and style of this model, Sea-Doo includes what it calls its X-Package, a range of features that starting with a race-inspired seat, adjustable ergonomic steering, adjustable rear sponsons, and additional interactive digital gauge functions, including a boost indicator, time/distance to empty, top/average speed/rpm, lap timer and engine temperature.

Performance

High performance is the promise of the Sea-Doo RXP-X 300

, and it delivers in style. Top speed on all PWCs is held back industry-wide per agreement with the Coast Guard, but Sea Doo’s test team found that the RXP-X reached a speed of 67 mph at 7700 rpm. The factory’s techs tell us that the most economical cruising speed is that of the ECO Mode automated speed control which is approximately 39-41 mph, burning 7.1 gph and achieving a theoretical range of 89 statute miles, with a 10% fuel reserve.

Engine

The new Rotax 1630 ACE (Advanced Combustion Efficiency) engine

is 9% bigger than the venerable Rotax 1503 and creates 15% more power with a boosted 300-hp, according to Sea-Doo. The new engine has a longer stroke compared to the Rotax 1503, raising displacement to 1.6L and increases efficiency in two areas; friction reduction and better cooling. A protective plasma coating on engine cylinder liners creates a metallic layer that provides a hard and durable surface to withstand piston friction forces, improves surface durability, and produces better heat transfer and superior performance. A reengineered cooling system includes an additional heat exchanger and larger, more efficient engine oil cooler.

A new, re-designed supercharger with a faster spinning 32- blade wheel (double the blades of the previous version) produces 30% more intake boost and requiring no maintenance, according to the builder. A new larger intercooler provides a more dense air charge, aids in increased airflow and features a new air fin design for improved heat transfer. New ignition curves have been developed to efficiently match the increased air boost with the output of the larger fuel injectors, leading to the 15% increase in horsepower, according to Sea-Doo.

Handling

An innovative hull Sea-Doo calls the T3 adds to the rider’s confidence

and comfort in rough water by blending soft and hard chines that create suction in the turning surface. This supports tighter leaning angles and turns.

Dual running surfaces make a difference, with shallower-V surfaces outboard providing great stability at idle and slow speeds, as well as in the turns. When running straight ahead, the narrower deep-V surfaces on each side of the keel add sharper angles to cut waves more effectively.

Standard Equipment

A three-gauge cluster on the handlebars

— speedo, customizable multifunction digital screen and a tachometer — makes it easy for the driver to evaluate performance and engine conditions, among many other data points, at a glance. There’s an elevated fuel filter, dual drain plugs and a freshwater flush kit to help keep exhaust and intake systems operating reliably throughout the season as the engine requires an exclusive closed-loop cooling system. Wide-angle mirrors give a great view behind and to both stern quarters.

Options to Consider

On the optional equipment list, there are several must-have items

, including a snap-in fenders installation kit to protect the boat from dock rash, a boarding ladder to make getting back aboard much easier, a bilge pump kit for those days when the waves are tall, and a fire extinguisher — just common sense there. Sea-Doo offers its own line of Move trailers for single and double unit hauling that offer proper support and sensible security for PWCs, and we think the depth finder gauge would be a good addition, particularly if visiting unfamiliar waters is part of the game plan.

Price

Sea-Doo offers the RXP-X 300 starting at $15,199 with the powerful 300-hp Rotax 1630 ACE engine, and it’s covered by a one-year warranty from the parent company, Bombardier Recreational Products.

Observations

With the 2016 RXP-X 300, we think Sea-Doo has over-delivered on its promise to experienced owners who want high performance power, handling and control at levels they’ve never experienced before. This could be the most satisfying two-rider Sea-Doo ever.

Standard and Optional Features