2020 Sea-Doo GTR 230 Review: The Watercraft Journal, EP. 52

Read The Watercraft Journal's full-length review of the all-new 2020 Sea-Doo GTR 230 here:
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#seadoo #gtr230 #watercraftjournal

[@roberttuten813]

Just purchased one today. This is my first Ski so I'm excited to get out there. Originally wanted the 170 but this 230 was the only one available and was still in the crate when I bought it. Thanks for the review!

[@watercraftjournal]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@_Turtle_420]

Yo so its been 6 months hows ur pwc

[@loutech7209]

I purchased the same seadoo gtr230 last year. I only have 1 1/2 hours and from the time I took it out for my first breaking in ride after it warms up the jetski start to shake. It does this even time after warming up.

[@watercraftjournal]

We certainly hope you took it to the dealership.

[@Alexio735]

As always Kevin great review brother.

[@watercraftjournal]

Thank you! Please share this video with your friends to help spread the word!

[@jameswells9864]

I own a GTR 230 2021, and yes it is a great ski , but two things not so good , I find it’s not that economically on fuel , unless you run eco mode all day , and secondly I can say for sure it does not cut through the chop as well as a Yamaha fx crusiser have ridden both. But all round it’s fine for the moment, I will probably look at the GTx 230 next , purely for the hull shape . 🇦🇺👍🏻

[@watercraftjournal]

We never said it cuts through chop BETTER than ANY Yamaha, but it's certainly 10x's better than the full-sized ST3 Sea-Doo platform. And you'll definitely not see "great" fuel economy from a supercharged Sea-Doo. EVER.

[@jameswells9864]

Hi, as I said it’s a great ski. My comments were purely based on my own on water experience, and in comparison to another fx cruiser I ride. I never said in my comments, that you guys said that it cuts the chop better . Once again purely a comparison on my part . Thanks. Great video by the way . So a question 🙋‍♂️ if I want a hull that cuts through chop relatively easy say 1-2 ft other than a Kawasaki, what ski should I be looking at , thanks, always appreciate the input you guys have 👍🏻

[@danshehorn9813]

I have the 2016 gtr 215. The storage in the glovebox is terrible! This is a much needed upgrade.

[@watercraftjournal]

Yeah, it's a big step in the right direction.

[@ChanceBrahh]

not too much longer to wait till i get mine, by the sounds of it ive made a good choice for my first ski. Nice work mate.

[@watercraftjournal]

That's awesome! Let us know when you get it.

[@k0rdi897]

How is it

[@ChanceBrahh]

@@k0rdi897 actually picking it up today by chance lol, not sure if ill get to ride it today due to the fires around Sydney. Ill still be sure to chuck up what i think of it

[@ChanceBrahh]

@@k0rdi897 had my first ride yesterday, loved it.. rode for 2.5hrs and went through almost all the fuel lol. Not too sure of distance something between 100-150km with speeds on average of 60km with the rare 92-100km. Very easy to operate, storage was more then enough and the speaker system is perfect. ill try and get footage next time... first ride i was so involved

[@LifeBeginsOnTheWater]

Great review Kevin, can’t wait to test the new models as well Billy D

[@watercraftjournal]

Thank you, Billy!

[@johannd1013]

Just one question. Is the color very green-leaning in person? For some reason I got something against greenish yellows 🤣

[@watercraftjournal]

johann d what?

[@aaron-fauth]

I don’t understand

[@leegriffin4501]

Rode a 2020 had it up to 72-75 @170 lbs

[@coryjackson3131]

Has anyone else seen really rough patches on the new polytec hull on the 2021 GTR 230 ? Looks like raw fiberglass so the hull is not smooth.

[@watercraftjournal]

The hull is rough all over. That's why it's got a slower top speed.

[@coryjackson3131]

@@watercraftjournal I bought one and there’s a huge patch on one side that’s visible and as rough as 80 grit sand paper. I’m trying to resolve this with BRP, it looks terrible.

[@watercraftjournal]

Yikes. Sounds like a severe scuff.

[@imjustwarmnup]

Awesome review as always! Love the channel! Now, decisions...decisions...2020 GTR 230 or spend a bit more for the 2020 Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO...🤔

[@watercraftjournal]

Oh jeez, yeah go for the FX SVHO 100%. Far superior hull shape and riding characteristics, tremendous mpg for a supercharged ski. Just a superior ski all the way around.

[@imjustwarmnup]

@@watercraftjournal thanks so much! This is why I love the channel! Best info always found here!!

[@alexbrand7181]

like he said seadoo vs yamaha is just a no brainer yamaha has beem superior, lighter better hull designs, more storage, I want to say more better fuel economy, but I run different fuel systems in my GPs

[@brianpatterson9499]

Kevin, for 2021 do you think Sea-Doo brings back GTR 230 X or other similar X Models?

[@randymdupree5942]

The Watercraft Journal fx svho

[@matthewkenna1053]

Have you noticed any Throttle lag for super charger lag? My 2019 gtr has a terrible bottom end. Buddies 2006 gtx 170 kills me off the start. We have checked everything. Wasn't sure if it's a common problem

[@watercraftjournal]

On the 1630 ACE 230? No.

[@tinapatterson7456]

Kevin, In your opinion, and compared to the '17/'18 GTR-X ...which has the better acceleration out of the hole 0-50? Top Speed usually is limited anyways on average 65-66 mph on all. Also, In comparison again which Hull has the better Fun Factor overall ...Handling, Playful, Tracking? I would think the 45 lbs less weight would help on both. Thanks as always! BP

[@watercraftjournal]

Brian, the new hull is NOT as loose as the old hull; it takes more effort (when at WOT) to break the tail free. That's great for racers and perf. types.

[@tinapatterson7456]

@@watercraftjournal Thanks, The Acceleration Comparison of the Two?

[@watercraftjournal]

The '20 comes on pretty hard yes. Again, it's ALL anecdotal given we couldn't do a side-by-side comparison.

[@brianpatterson9499]

Do you hear anything for '21 models with X packages . GTR X?

[@jjs8046]

Simple question: is the acceleration that different between 2020 GTR 230 and GTI 170? I can't decide which one to buy. I don't care about Vmax.

[@watercraftjournal]

OF COURSE! It's radically different. And a "Vmax" is a Yamaha motorcycle.

[@jjs8046]

The Watercraft Journal thanks for the answer. And don't try to outsmart yourself with that "vmax".

[@jjs8046]

The Watercraft Journal and one more thing - in case you didn't know - there is a world parallel to Yamaha - go figure.

[@watercraftjournal]

Um... none of your replies make any sense.

[@sparke1999]

So with a good pair of aftermarket sponsons do u think this would be even more amazing on the water?

[@watercraftjournal]

Yes, and interestingly enough, the intake grate is identical to the ST3 platform, so RIVA's Pro Series top loader will work on this too!

[@sparke1999]

The Watercraft Journal wow that’s awesome. Will this top loader add a couple mph to the top speed? Thanks for the info

[@watercraftjournal]

Unlikely, what you're picking up is gobs of hookup and traction. Relate it to really good sticky performance tires.

[@chusotegui7419]

Good review!. I really like the 2021 GTR, but i’m in dude about how it goes in the ocean (never will use in lake) versus the T3 hull or ST3. i’ll go for 22’ one, but not sure about GTX 230, vs GTR 230, or if the RXP300 worth the extra money. What do you mean?

[@watercraftjournal]

Watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIDGhYCih82Lrbc

[@chusotegui7419]

@@watercraftjournal Thanks so much 😀

[@watercraftjournal]

We hope that helped!

[@chusotegui7419]

@@watercraftjournal yes, really helped! i’ve discarted ST3 hull 🙈

[@ropahydraulics]

Hi, how about the overall stability at stand still? Is a previous (-2018) RXT-X better? I’m referring to standing on one side of the PWC, does it tip over more, less or as much?

[@watercraftjournal]

It's not as stable as the ST3 for sure, but it is significantly more stable than the previous GTI hull and yes, won't roll over if you stand on one side or the other.

[@sparke1999]

So a 2021 version of this or 2021 gtx 230 with some good aftermarket sponsons? Both for lake riding?

[@watercraftjournal]

Certainly the GTI/GTR hull over the ST3/GTX.

[@sparke1999]

@@watercraftjournal hmmm 2022 GTR-X perhaps?

[@jonathantate6048]

Do you like the 2020+ hull better than the 2019 and below GTR hull even though it's not quite as fast top speed? What are the benefits/any disadvantages other than the top speed? Thanks

[@watercraftjournal]

Hmm, very good question. Personally, no. I'd go with a GTR 215 (2012-2019) far more than the Polytec 2 hull. It's more playful and soaks up the bumps better. The 2020+ hull tracks smoother and straighter than the previous, so it's a little bit of a 50/50 decision. -K

[@ParrotHead1980]

The 2020 Yamaha GP1800R HO you guys tested beats the crap out of the Seadoo with 230hp. I would love to see you guys do a race with that same Yamaha GP1800R HO against the Seadoo GTR 230. both with half a tank of gas for a Top speed test.

[@watercraftjournal]

We don't really do "races" but getting examples of each is a bigger task than you can imagine.

[@THDRNGHT]

How long does a full tank last out on the water in sport mode?

[@watercraftjournal]

LOL. For as long as you can keep it pinned WOT.

[@johneel7766]

No adjustable bars like the 2018 ? You looked super uncomfortable when you were standing up ....i bought the 2018 gtrx over Yamaha and any other seadoo because of the adjustable height bars ..im 6-3 and when its rough im riding 20 miles in distance and i am standing most of the time to absorb the shock with my legs

[@watercraftjournal]

Super uncomfortable? Not at all. But they are fixed, yes. While standing up, you will be bent over slightly though.

[@johneel7766]

The Watercraft Journal thats my point , stand bent over like that for 30 minutes and let me know how you feel ...im glad i grabbed a leftover 2018 in july ....FYI the 2018 230 gtrx with my 230 lbs driving it does 68 mph gps verified...these manufacturers need to step up their handlebar game ...lol

[@jt86tn]

I'm trying to decide between this model and the 2019 GTR X 230...ahhh I can't decide lol

[@watercraftjournal]

It all depends on how you plan to ride it and where!

[@jt86tn]

@@watercraftjournal I live right between two lakes so it will be lake riding. It will be my first PWC but I'm not new to the water sports/power sports world. I spent a lot of time time on the lake growing up, jet skis, wakeboarding, etc. and I've ridden dirt bikes all my life (still do, KX250f) and have had a couple of sport bikes. From what I can tell the main difference in the two skis is the hull? I like the looks and the handlebar adjustability of the GTR X better.

[@watercraftjournal]

We loved the GTR-X 230 from its inception until its last year in 2019. But the aggressive seating (albeit comfortable) let us only bring a single passenger. Not ideal for families. The 2020 GTR 230 is an all-new machine, and we don't know how well it holds up over a year (or longer). There are pluses and minuses to both. The craft are 100% different from each other. Even the engines are different (just the same HP number).

[@jt86tn]

@@watercraftjournal I will mainly be just me riding it so not being able to haul several passengers is not a problem. How would you describe the differences in the motors?

[@watercraftjournal]

Not in our comments section, that's for sure. Please read the detailed articles on each unit at www.watercraftjournal.com

[@sirfitz8125]

just bought one. love it

[@watercraftjournal]

Good choice!

[@JustinandHaidi]

Is it fun I’m waiting for mine coming in a week I just put the deposit down

[@sirfitz8125]

@@JustinandHaidi Yessir! Been on it everyweek. Just got my 10 hour break in complete. Sport mode is awesome. Get ready for a fuel bill. lol

[@kambone3337]

@@sirfitz8125 how fast can yours go?

[@sirfitz8125]

@@kambone3337 67

[@wessink4584]

Looking to buy a 2019 gtr 230 since the dealers have them left over and try to get rid of them to make room for the 2020s, it’s priced about $2500 less than the 2020. Kevin do you think it is worth the extra money for the 2020 or is the 2019 still a really good watercraft in comparison?

[@watercraftjournal]

The pre-2020 GTR and GTR-X 230 are great machines. Lots of fun, super loose and a riot to ride. I racked up a ton of hours on ours a couple years back.

[@wessink4584]

The Watercraft Journal thanks for the reply! The 2019 was sold so we are looking at both the 2020 230 and the 170 se, Kevin do you have a recommendation on which one you liked better? Do you think paying around $1000 more for the 230 to get the extra power is worth it?

[@watercraftjournal]

Well, it's always a safe play to wait and see how a first year run of a new product goes. Both the new engine and hull are untested "in the real world" so it'll be interesting to see how the people "de-fool proof" Sea-Doo's newest skis.

[@Mohadonna]

Did I hear you right kevin? The sound system will work on previous gti and gtrs 2017, 2018, 2019?

[@moerocco7954]

I would like to know if this is true as well

[@watercraftjournal]

No you didn't hear that right at all. The BRP Sound System is NOT retroactive. I'm not sure where you got that.

[@Mohadonna]

The Watercraft Journal well that’s a bummer. And i got the idea when you said that it was “REPACKAGED to fit all gti and gtr models.” Since it kinda kept the gti hull, i figured it made sense.

[@watercraftjournal]

We were clearly on the topic of the NEW GTI platform.

[@michaelbrooker1763]

What’s better in the ocean? GTR or GTX

[@watercraftjournal]

I'd personally prefer a GTR 230. -K

[@ParrotHead1980]

Kevin you should do this race to prove to seadoo that you don't need 230hp to go 65mph. This can be done with a Yamaha with no supercharger. LOL!! Do it! Do it! 2020 GP1800R HO vs 2020 Seadoo GTR 230

[@watercraftjournal]

See previous answer.

[@hunterkimball8338]

Should I go for one of these or a vx cruiser ho

[@watercraftjournal]

Impossible to say. It depends on your riding style, location, and what you value more in regards to features, accessories, etc.

[@hunterkimball8338]

The Watercraft Journal it would be our first ski and we want something we can grow into and have fun but still be able to tow people on a tube

[@watercraftjournal]

If this is your first purchase, go naturally-aspirated. Supercharged skis require more maintenance and upkeep.

[@hunterkimball8338]

The Watercraft Journal ok thx

[@kambone3337]

@@watercraftjournal can you explain more on supercharged maintenance and upkeep

[@NoPrxssure]

So like I way 135 pounds what’s the likely hood of me getting this bad boy up to 70+?

[@watercraftjournal]

In stock form? Super unlikely. You're gonna max out at 64-65mph even in ideal circumstances.

[@JetSkiBrothers]

Quiquiriquí 0%

[@NoPrxssure]

The Watercraft Journal I love speed but conflicted on what to get RXP-300 or RXT-300?

[@tonydedivanaj8954]

My 2019 gtrx 230 stock does 71

[@beardog420]

Have you done any reviews on the 2019 GTX155 and the 2020 gtx170 as im trying to see which one to get as my dealer has a left over 2019 gtx155

[@watercraftjournal]

We'll have our review of the '20 GTI SE 170 in 3.5 weeks. We have one coming before that ('20 Yamaha FX SVHO). Sorry, nothing on the GTX 155 as it is unchanged since 2018 (besides the dash and larger fuel tank).

[@b4ds33d]

A shame KZbin doesn’t have a search.

[@jackalusp45ify]

I usually hit 67, 68 on my 2018 gtrx 230 have even hit 70 on flat water no problem. Is this new one going to be able to hit those speeds?

[@watercraftjournal]

No. And if you're judging these speeds off of the factory speedometer, you're not hitting those speeds either.

[@jackalusp45ify]

@@watercraftjournal I'd still say it's higher than 64 or 65. I'm just suprised with the higher displacement and less weight of the 2020 that higher 60s aren't acheived. Did you confirm speed with something other than the speedometer??

[@jackalusp45ify]

@@watercraftjournal I have to say also this 2020 is hideous compared to the past years gtr and gtrx. Now the 2020 rxp is exactly the same as the ski I have in Cali Green

[@jermainesseadoolife1738]

@@jackalusp45ify I agree I have 2017 GTR 230 and I like the look of it way better then the new one

[@anthonyromano6921]

Jermaines SeaDoolife this was a big deciding factor for me.....Plus the plastic hull.....

[@jasonbourne3448]

How does the hull compare to the Yamaha VXR/GP1800 hull?

[@watercraftjournal]

The thin NanoXcel2 GP hull is superior in tracking and cornering, but the thicker Polytec is surprisingly more forgiving (as in relation to vibration and rattling), but dang, the Ergoloc seat is the best.

[@kevinmiles5193]

Comparison of this new 230 to the GTR-X 230 you had for awhile?

[@kevinmiles5193]

I know you had the 17 or 18 version. The 19 would have the same display and display features as the new 20's.

[@watercraftjournal]

@@kevinmiles5193 hmm, interesting idea. The '17 we had was a ton of fun, and comfortable. But it only sat 2 comfortably. This can sit 3 far better and has the larger rear platform. (Plus sounds!) The '17 was faster, yes but it wasn't often that I rode WOT, so I'd have to lean towards the '20 on this one.

[@kevinmiles5193]

@@watercraftjournal Thanks. Curiosity is due to I'm adding two this winter/ spring. Originally was planning 19 GTR 230 and 19 GTRX. Wife and I always ride each solo so the 2up of the GTRX is perfectly fine with me. Now that the new 230 is out with the new platform and storage and speakers etc the 19 is out for the wife, but debating two of the 20's or one and the 19 GTRX only because from all I've reviewed seems a slightly more lively and playful, but that's only off reviews and not firsthand.

[@jeanrichard3933]

Kevin Miles ive got the 2019 gtrx 230 and love it the power with the gti hull, handle bar risers and ergolock is unreal how fun it is and not to mention faster, only thing its lacking off the 2020 is the sound system which ive heard how amazing sound quality it is

[@NoPrxssure]

For performance would the gtx 230 be better in the turms of speed

[@NoPrxssure]

Like this would be my first muscle watercraft I’m already used to doing 60 on a 2014 wake pro or should I scrap the idea and go to the Yamaha gp1800r HO

[@watercraftjournal]

@@NoPrxssure the ST3 hull (GTX, RXT, Wake Pro) is not a good "performance" hull at all, particularly in regards to handling. (Notice that no racers use it in either AquaX or IJSBA.) The VXR/GP1800R HO is a far better corner-carving craft, if that's what you're looking for.

[@NoPrxssure]

The Watercraft Journal in regards to the GTR though witch stock ski is faster the 230 or the GP1800r

[@watercraftjournal]

Faster, as in top speed or acceleration or better handling? The VXR (GP1800R HO - terrible new name) beats the GTR 230 on all fronts. The new GTR hull soaks up the chop a little better, so you won't feel as beaten up. But heavier means slower.

[@jasonbourne3448]

@@watercraftjournal I have a 2016 Yamaha VX cruiser ho. I love it with almost 150hrs. Was wondering about switching this year. Like the features of the Seadoo. Larger storage and ski pole attached. ( I do a lot of long touring). The VX Ho with cruise assist and great fuel mileage is hard to beat. I have the riva ride plate and intake grate and I think this hull handles awesome. Would it be wrong to look at the GTR 230? I am afraid I would be disappointed with the hull performance in comparison. Was wondering about an FX Ho instead??? Or just keep what I have?

[@keving1774]

How far can you go on one tank?

[@watercraftjournal]

Depends on how heavy you're in the throttle.

[@dariusholt678]

whats the 0-60 though?

[@watercraftjournal]

Darius Holt 5.3-seconds

[@dariusholt678]

@@watercraftjournal thanks man, any chance do you know what was the fastest sea doo in the 2019 lineup?

[@watercraftjournal]

All of the 300HP models top off at the same speed - GPS-controlled speedometers, remember? :)

[@jamesyu0205]

the new top speed is only 66m/h? that's slower than the previous model! errrrrrr

[@watercraftjournal]

Yes, it is slower. Polytec provides some drag.

[@jamesyu0205]

@@watercraftjournal seadoo is cutting corners with this new hull. I bet most riders would prefer the 2019 mode.l .3 to 4 miles might not sound a lot, but the 70m/h is the benchmark number for a muscle pwc. you have the influence , you should tell sea doo to tune up the machine, it has a bigger motor, it can be easily done. or maybe sea doo just holding back to release a GTR 270 or whatever in 2 years time.

[@watercraftjournal]

I appreciate the confidence, but the math isn't there. In fact, buyers are leaning far more towards non-supercharged machines and better fuel economy. Like a VAST amount. A small vocal minority isn't going to push an OE to upend a multi-million dollar development program. Sea-Doo is very happy with its new 1630 Rotax, and its 300HP delivery. Yamaha sees no need to change either when they're winning all of the races. No, sorry. It's not going to happen for (at least) a decade.

[@CP-kb1du]

Modern Day Skis are so so so Bulky Heavy Looking ,,,,,

[@watercraftjournal]

As compared to what?

[@jeanrichard3933]

Lol didn’t see a lack in performance with the polytech😂 buddy its 30lbs lighter with the same horsepower and you lost like 10mph😂😂

[@watercraftjournal]

Buddy, it's called hull design - and it lost about 4mph.