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Sea.Doo's GTX DI is a perfect example of the new breed of PWC. It's quiet, it's fuel-efficient and produces next to no emissions.
Sea.Doo describe the 2002 GTX DI as a PWC for the safety-conscious person who doesn't want to sacrifice performance or style.
A new feature of the GTX in 2002 that even has the critics raving is its Off Power Assisted Steering (OPAS).
OPAS activates to improve steering when the throttle is released or power is turned off. It uses a dual rudder design to assist in deceleration and redirecting the path when the throttle has been released.
The main components of this system are dual spring-loaded side-vanes mounted near the rear of the hull. While the rider has the GTX DI at speed and on the plane, the rudders tuck up into their respective pockets on each side of the hull, which has no effect on handling.
However, when the throttle is released or the motor is turned off the OPAS is activated. Once the throttle is turned off, the water pressure drops in the water jet pump. This alerts the OPAS system and the side vanes automatically deploy into the water.
At low speed and in idle situations, the OPAS system is fully activated, which greatly increases manoeuvrability and safety.
The system has not gone unnoticed by overseas safety authorities either. In congratulating designers recently, the US National Transport Safety Board Acting Chairman Carol Carmody said: "I hope other PWC manufacturers will take similar action to advance personal watercraft safety."
A great advantage of the user-friendly OPAS system, Sea.Doo says, is that it's spring-loaded, thus allowing easy beaching, docking or trailering.
The 2002 GTX DI incorporates many of the technological advances that were introduced on the GT platform in the 1990s.
However, Sea.Doo updates this with a sleek new look, improved safety features, better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Past advances included in the new look GTX are digitally encoded security, integrated reverse system and sound reduction systems, orbital direct-injection and Learning Key technology.
In 2002 this technology has been refined with Sea.Doo designers claiming a 23% improvement in fuel efficiency on the GTX DI's 2001 predecessor. The octane level, Sea.Doo says, has also been reduced from 91 to 87.
With these improvements in fuel efficiency, Sea.Doo claims it can deliver up to a 75% reduction in exhaust emissions.
Bombardier Recreational Products President Michael Baril says of the GTX DI: "It travels up to 50% more quietly due to its D-Sea Bel™ sound reduction system and up to 90% cleaner than carburetted watercraft."
But the improvement doesn't stop there. Sea.Doo designers say they've improved the GTX's streamlined hull to increase performance. They've also expanded the storage space and improved comfort with contoured seating.
The 2002 has double the storage space of previous GTX DI models, with the new three-seater model offering 199lt of storage and a 56.6lt fuel capacity.
If it's sharing your watersports experience that you crave, then the three seater is a strong contender for enthusiasts with a taste for spending a weekend wakeboarding and waterskiing with friends.
Bombardier pioneered the three-passenger watercraft in 1990 before producing a high-performance version in 1992 with the GTX model.
Sea.Doo saw the potential that this versatile model had to offer and introduced an all new version in 1996. The second generation set the standard but Sea.Doo has in 2002 attempted to raise the bar.
Now, with the release in 2002 of a third generation GTX DI, Sea.Doo is setting out to prove it has what it takes to redesign one of the most popular three-seater PWCs around and make it better.
Sea.Doo designers set to work to create a drier more comfortable ride and, from our short time in the saddle, they seem to have succeeded.
They have engineered distinct ridged 'gills' at the bow to redirect spray away from the rider. But that doesn't mean that the 2002 modified V-hull lacks a modern streamlined look. The new GTX DI's contoured body has sleek lines that flow from bow to stern.
As for GTX DI performance, it is powered by a 130hp 1000 series Rotax direct-injected orbital marine engine that provides a top speed of around 93kmh.
Chokeless starting makes for easier operating. The Rotax 1000 series is designed to ensure water resistance in harsh saltwater conditions. Its variable rate oil injection system minimises exhaust fumes and the open water cooled exhaust system is designed to improve performance and torque curve.
Another feature of the GTX DI is the Learning Key - designed to give novice riders the chance to master the PWC at a more sedate pace. When the Learning Key is activated, rpm is limited so top speed is around 56kmh. This gives inexperienced operators more sense of control. The Learning Key, first introduced into the DI models in 2000, substitutes a specialised lanyard for the standard lanyard. With the Learning Key lanyard, an electric control system activates to limit the engine to under 5000rpm.
As for aesthetics, the 2002 GTX DI comes in two colour schemes - Victorian green or Mazatlan blue. Sea.Doo designers claim these distinctive colouring patterns bring to the forefront the GTX DI's unique arrowhead design.
Bombardier Recreational Products build, develop, design and market Sea.Doo watercraft and sportsboats.
SEA.DOO GTX-DI Engine: Rotax twin-cylinder orbital direct-injected two-stroke Displacement: 951cc Horsepower: 130hp Bore and Stroke: 88mm x 78.2mm Compression Ratio: 6.1:1 Intake System: Reed valve Fuel Delivery: Orbital direct-injection Cooling: Water open system Fuel Type: Regular unleaded Jet Pump: Axial flow, single stage, large hub Impeller: Stainless steel Dry weight: 320kg Fuel Capacity: 56.5lt Oil Capacity: 6lt Rider Capacity: Three Storage capacity: 199lt Length: (overall) 3.31m Beam: 1.21m Height: 1.12m
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