2021 Sea Doo GTX 170 Review

[@donaldwest9103]

Great review. Comprehensive and very informative. Even though I've had my GTX 230/IDF for three weeks I still enjoyed the review greatly and always learn new things. I have just 4 hours on mine so far. After watching your first review and problems with the IDF I've been cautious about venturing too far from home. I have no one to go with but what you said about trusting your machine struck a nerve with me. I've got to start exploring. That's why I got the machine! (I do have a tow service which I hope I never have to use.) So thanks for that boost of confidence. One of the hardest things so far has been learning to back up the trailer, and learning to launch it myself and retrieving it back onto the trailer. Getting better. You are right about the sport mode-WOW! Like you I am a first time owner and rider so everything is a learning experience (70 in November-better late than never). I did get the speakers and they are fantastic. Would love to see how you launch your craft, and put it back on the trailer. Keep posting, and stay well.

[@NigelHay]

Hi Donald, you need to put a little faith in it, I have not heard of many if any iDF failures after several hours, they all seem to be within the first 1-3 hour range. As for the trailer, I use the hand at 6oclock on the wheel, works great. Single trailers are tough though especially with a pick up, as soon as I see it appear in the mirror I adjuat the steering opposite and slowly. Keep in touch,

[@georgehegedty7123]

FWI Yamahas are wave runners and Kawasaki's are jet skis, but we call our sea Doo a jet ski also Good review. Have a GTI 170 SE and love it. Wife wants to get a second one and will probably get the GTX really like the easier access storage and heard the hull design is a little better in rough water than the GTI hull.

[@TheTallRaver]

Yeah, the GTX hull bottom has a deeper ‘V’ - as a result it is more stable and takes turns better (on the other hand, it is less playful, compared to the GTI)👍

[@TravelingKory]

Thanks for the great review, Nigel! Excellent job! My wife and I are planning on getting a GTX 170, like yours so your feedback is really helpful. Looking forward to more of your Sea-Doo videos! 😊🚤👍

[@NigelHay]

Thanks Kory, if you have any questions just give me a shout, be glad to help in anyway I can

[@NigelHay]

An update. I finally used my iDF (July 30th) while at Toronto Island. It worked brilliantly. Cleared the weeds I sucked up. It's a great feature.

[@IRISHTRETTO]

Excellent review! I’m starting a job as a jet ski tour guide, I’ll be on one of these.

[@NigelHay]

That will be a good gig, where abouts?

[@IRISHTRETTO]

@@NigelHayLong Beach to Catalina Island and back.I did my first day on Saturday, It was fun, but also hard work. Speeding over the chop was pretty intense, I'm sure I'll get used to it though. I'm an ex-pat too, but from Ireland.

[@obed.713]

Hey dude. Just got mine today. Literally today. Sale person. You know. Yea they run through the functions n etc. (my wife works in sales) so I know. But just to let you know. Great video!

[@NigelHay]

Cheers Pal, hope you are enjoying life on the water as much as i am

[@NBay_]

Thanks for Sharing; we just purchased a 170 and 230 GTX , Still learning how to operate the settings.

[@NigelHay]

On my 4th summer on my GTX 275 Hrs and no issues. Love every minute I'm on it. Enjoy your seadoos

[@patrickkeller5214]

Very informative video...like you, I have a FishPro Trophy on order due April 2022, never owned one before...at 65 years old, wanted a fishing boat but didn't want to lay out the coin for one. Saw the FishPro and fell in love with it and got lucky that I found one available. Your videos have been a great help in teaching me just what to expect. As I'm out of Hamilton, I'll probably see you out on Ontario or Erie in '22!

[@NigelHay]

I just finished editing a video yesterday that I made a.few months back. How I launch my seadoo. You might find that one ingesting. Should be posted in next day or two. Happy you got a fishpro You will have a lot of fun. Allows.you to get to places where boats can't go

[@Fluterra]

Thanks for the review. How much faster is the 230 and 300 and 325 if you say the 170 is “extremely fast”?

[@NigelHay]

It will be mainly noticed on acceleration. I'm happy at what the 170 produced. But the 300 just has that super nice pull away. Top speed is only about 10-15kmh more. I can't comment on a 325 as I have not riden one yet. If you are an adrenalin junkie, then you won't be happy with a 170 or 230.

[@Fluterra]

@@NigelHay I have heard that top speed is rarely reachable, at least here in Muskoka. There are too many things to look out for. What about fuel economy? Say at 60 mph across all 3 engines? Probably the same, since it seems like it’s the same displacement engine in all cases?

[@gregpicone654]

Really enjoyed your video and have subscribed …also from southern ON - just starting out on PWC and investigating which machine is best for my family…. I am looking for stability over speed and the GTX 170 seems to be the model that will work best for me as it is larger than the GTI 170. However, I want to use it for waterskiing and tubing….with this model perform both tasks adequately or is the GTX 230 a better machine for skiing and tubing? Thanks! BTW- I don’t have the nerve to go down the Niagara River as you did-you have my esteem and respect brother!

[@NigelHay]

GTX is the most stable hull in the industry. That was it's selling point for me. A 170 and 230 would be ample enough power for tubing and skiing. I've used my Seadoo for tubing several times. 2 on the tube and a spotter on the seadoo. Just don't use Eco mode, I will be sluggish and hard on the engine. Regular mode I had no issues.

[@gregpicone654]

@@NigelHay thank you for your reply !! Safe travels….

[@andrewgaffka3525]

Could you please share details about the mount and depth/fish finder install? I would love to learn about how it’s installed and if it’s solid or if it bounces around.

[@NigelHay]

You unitl was installed by the dealer. It is Solid! Doesn't bounce, vibrate or shake. It's great. And the unit is detachable, just pulls out and click back in. I don't know anyone that's lost one

[@chrise.400]

Good honest review, well done. I bought a GTR 230 last year. My overall impressions are the same as yours…and so do I feel like BRP fell short on the plastic panels around the console…it feels cheap. I think this is one of the main differences between BRP, Yamaha and Kawa - the fit and finish. There is a reason the BRP skis are less $, and it it shows with the finishing touches across competing models. Being a fellow Canadian, my price out the door was likewise to what you paid, which is no small sum of money. If I had the extra $5K I likely would have gone with the Yamaha or Kawa…but I digress, the GTR is a good machine and I am happy with it for my first watercraft.

[@georgegalea6963]

Great Revue Thank's Mate Im waiting on my new GTX 170 to arrive in two weeks George From Sydney Australia

[@wiggles2439]

good advice on the neoprene clothing. I hopped over a wave sideways and literally ripped myself a new one.

[@NigelHay]

that is my biggest fear,

[@MsDenver2]

Hi , enjoyed your video. I’m a motorcyclist and am also retired, it’s so dangerous for motorcyclists now that instead of buying a bigger bike I’m looking for something different either micro light flying or a jet ski. Trouble is I live in the Midlands so although there is chase water the sea is quite far . Have you joined a club to get more out of it ?

[@NigelHay]

No, I just go out basically. Sometime I ride with another from a different area. The community as a whole is great

[@warrenbennett6950]

great review. how does this handle if you want to throw it in to sharp turns like really messing around and the occasional jump?

[@NigelHay]

I rarely use Sport Mode, regular mode is ample enough power to do very sharp turns, quick acceleration and put it into reverse. I can't wait to get back out on the water in April

[@pantelisthoma6883]

Great review of the seadoo. Have watched all your seadoo videos since day one and slow making my way through some of your older Niagara ones. Keep up the great work. I will be getting my seadoo in the coming weeks (mine was delayed), maybe we can set up a ride one day in the very near future. I’m in Kitchener.

[@NigelHay]

I would definitely be up for a ride for sure. I use to like in Cambridge before moving here in 2012

[@cowlumbus]

Love to watch LEVL content...we boat and ski out of Marblehead Ohio. I have a Sea Doo 2021 GTI SE 170 and a 2020 VX. I can write a book in the difference on these two skis and the pros can cons...they are both great but very different in soooo many ways for skis that are designed to be very similar in price, riding style and functionality. I ride the GTI SE and the wife gets the Vx. I won't go into detail here but the short answer is the controls and features on the Sea Doo are a bit more complex/complicated and hard to figure out w/o the manual. Not good fr the wife or friends visiting who are not new to skis...but new to these modern models.

[@NigelHay]

I was originally going to get the GTI but the GTX suited my needs more. And it was a great choice.

[@thailandlover]

Hi Erie, thanks for the great review, can you tell me something about the consumption? After how many hours Your tank is empty? I can not find any Informations online

[@krankysledzz]

Great little review !

[@davidr250]

I'm looking to get a new seadoo this year and came across your video. I'm also looking at one from energy powersports

[@craigaustin4779]

Join C-Tow, it's like CAA for the great lakes. Piece of mind for big water. Get a phone charger and floatiing VHF radio, the 2 most likely tools to save your bacon. Practice on rough weather in controlled conditions prepares you for when the conditions change drastically whole you are riding. What about IDF, do you trust it, would you buy it again?

[@NigelHay]

I always take my VHF Radio with me. I sometimes have a Battery bank in my camera bag. I still have not had to use iDF yet but if the weather is calm and clear I met record using it for the first time. I noticed a lot of lake seaweed around the bay growing taller and taller

[@craigaustin4779]

@@NigelHay The great lakes are beautiful and scary, you have to be prepared for big changes and have absolute confidence in your machine, both take time, keep it up.

[@szeldov]

@@craigaustin4779 Hi Craig, did you ever need C-Tow assistance, wonder about your experience with them?

[@craigaustin4779]

@@szeldov Never called them, hope I never do, but I have seen them towing others.

[@jayb3337]

Love the videos. I’m trying to decide between a seadoo or a Yamaha. Love seeing your videos. And just to save you from the Yamaha fanboys giving you crap it is Kawasaki that is Jetski. Yamaha is waverunner.

[@NigelHay]

I noticed the gaff while editing. everything is unscripted lol

[@NigelHay]

I've just finished riding GTX Limited. Review video for that is coming soon.

[@iananderson7569]

Nice review. Currently riding my Seadoo GSX 110hp but now looking at a new machine. What was the deciding factor(s) to go with the Seadoo brand? Why I ask is that I’m looking at the Yamahas this time around.

[@NigelHay]

It was a personal preference, I actually preffered the look of the SeaDoo, I found the other to be to square looking at the front. Plus I came across more reviews of the SeaDoo brand, that may of been a factor too. Highly recommend the GTX line, big selling point was the easy access large front storage that you can access while seated, no leaning over, then again it's so deep you could fall into it

[@smoothfox007]

Thanks great video, as an older chap I would be interested to hear your views on comfort and safety and what items you think are essential to cruise with.

[@srracuner1673]

Thanks to this explain brief from Turkey🙏👍

[@Ata_S]

Hi, nice video. Can you tell about the top speed, thanks a lot

[@billg5608]

Great video Nigel. Thanks. Trying to decide on a GTX 170 or 230 for next year. What would you recommend?

[@NigelHay]

Tough one, I would take either over a 300 and Limited. I have no need High octane fuel. Happy with what the 170 pumps out. The 230 colour really grew on me too.

[@szeldov]

Go for 230 if you want to experience breath taking acceleration and the speed. 105-110 km/h top speed of 230 is really cool.

[@matthewbell629]

Ya, I have a 300 limited and love it but do agree it burns fuel. 230 should have plenty of power. 170 is great for cruisers too . Good power too.

[@paulgrimshaw1212]

Thanks for the video. Have you tried fishing on it? I don't want to purchase the Fish pro and not an avid fisherman and would prefer the better seating. Was mentioned some people just take a hand line. Also - have you purchased an Eski (cool box) or fuel tank for it yet? Can you take both?

[@johnspooner4128]

What is top speed on the 170? I know there all limited to about 68mph, will this hit the 68? Loved the review!

[@justinrutter1914]

Very good review. Can't wait till I get mine.

[@NigelHay]

When are you expecting them? Which dealer?

[@justinrutter1914]

Energy like you. Next week on Thursday

[@justinrutter1914]

Energy like you. Next week on Thursday

[@NigelHay]

@@justinrutter1914 we got ride together at some point

[@justinrutter1914]

For sure. That be great

[@collinfletcher6668]

Great Stuff Nigel!! I've just today purchase a 2022 GTX 170 (WOOHOO!!) I pick it up tomorrow. This vlog has been a great and very informative introduction. I'm looking forward to getting it out on the lakes and sea down this end of the world (New Zealand). Thanks for the review mate.

[@samham9426]

Great review. What Bluetooth speaker do you use. Did you mount it on the ski.

[@NigelHay]

I currently just use a JBL Flip 4, waterproof and floats. i only listen to it when lounging around

[@Dr_Flankensteinn]

Finally a thorough review! Thank you for taking the time and educating us on the benefits of this particular Sea Doo! :)

[@NigelHay]

Thanks Jeff, it is perspective from a newbie too, it's all new to me so my review is not biased in anyway. it's my personal thoughts on both of the machines. I hope to do more in the near future

[@Dr_Flankensteinn]

@@NigelHay thanks to your great video I am finalizing a deal on a 2020 GTX230! Super Excited - I wanted a 170 but after reading 2020 they updated Supercharger service from 100 to 200 hours - along with the improved 18.5 gallon gas tank - and pricing it was a no brainer!! Thank you so much for helping me make an educated decision for my first ski!

[@NigelHay]

@@Dr_Flankensteinn you chose a great machine. If I could pick between the 4 GTX options right now I would take the 230 for sure

[@joshuablaikie1867]

Can you throw a gtx around? I'm looking at the gti 170 se for my family but I love the look of the gtx 170 and the stability looks amazing. More keen on tow sports and a bit of fun

[@szeldov]

Nice video Nigel. BTW, you can set a speed limit in any mode. Your set speed will not be exceeded even if the throttle is fully depressed.

[@NigelHay]

I've set my speed in the settings 1-9 level, you telling me you can set it at a higher speed?

[@szeldov]

@@NigelHay Yes, it is the same button, but press it while moving at the speed. It will set your current speed as a max. You can use up/down buttons on the right handle to increase/decrease it. ("Speed Limiter Mode" in your manual)

[@NigelHay]

@@szeldov omg, I learned something new, thanks, I'll be trying that this weekend.

[@szeldov]

One advise for a newbie, learn how to right your See Doo if you capsize it. It seems like these GTX are so stable but believe me, it can happen, without doing any crazy stuff.

[@NigelHay]

I've actually thought about trying that in the shallow water here to see how I would handle it. Hmm possible future video

[@szeldov]

@@NigelHay I don't think you really need to try it, and I doubt you will be able to roll it over just like that. Just knowing the steps how to get it up will make a big difference if it happens.

[@NigelHay]

@@szeldov totally makes sense. I've never once come close to capsizeing but close to being thrown off by rogue waves

[@VladOnEarth]

Thabks for this review, considering this model on a used market, cane to check it out. :) wondering whats the top speed is on it, probably gonna just google that.

[@billashleycapobianco8628]

I know this video is alittle old but I was wondering about the depth finder setup you have.. any info would be great.. part # ??

[@eugenebrown1810]

I am a new rider of the sea-doo 170 Coming this summer what is the best way to get used to my PWC my sea doo on lake Havasu in Arizona

[@thechosenone5924]

hey it looks like you're at Point Abino fellow river rat and lake Eire explorer was planning on getting one of these

[@harryl.hermann1251]

Excellent review, thank you.

[@Fluterra]

The price difference between the 170 and the 325 Ltd is only about $5k (USD). Isn’t it worth it to just get the 325 and then you’ll never wonder how fast it could have gone? Or is the 325 just dumb overkill for a middle-aged man who is just going out for leisure runs?

[@NigelHay]

The 170 is excellent I don't need bells and whistles and 325hp.

[@simonmcgrath6933]

Hi mate, do you still rate the ski 2 years later? I’m hoping to buy the 2022/23 GTX in about 6 months

[@Junkpusher77]

We considered this but ordered a gti 170se in the end. The seat is such a step up from my spark.

[@marcusbarnes5929]

Why did you go gti 170 over the gtx 170?

[@Junkpusher77]

@@marcusbarnes5929 cost and intended use. We have a spark and I didn’t want to lose the playfulness of the machine but I also Didn’t want to bob along like a cork anymore. We went with the 170 since it’s only 700$ more or something and should help resale when we get the next one.

[@marcusbarnes5929]

@@Junkpusher77 sorry I meant what's the difference between the GTI170 and the GTX170..

[@Junkpusher77]

@@marcusbarnes5929 the gtx hull is designed for long touring rides and is not as “playful” as the hull on the gti. They are pretty much the same other than the hull. Also I can get a fully optioned gti for less then the starting price of the gtx.

[@marcusbarnes5929]

@@Junkpusher77 👍 thanks yeh i would want something that is a good all rounder and not just a cruiser.

[@trollins73]

Kawasaki is called jet ski because they where the first and best known for there stand up skis like a true skier but yes alot of people still call them all jet skis as a general turm and i have a sea doo 2022 gti se 130

[@MayooN]

Great Review !

[@NigelHay]

Thanks, hope you are getting loads of adventures out of yours

[@yoxiee24]

All machines are female because they absolute ******* when they go wrong.😂 Just want te say I really enjoyed your take on the seadoo. Was an interesting watch and listen. Thank you

[@MrAdrianOldfield]

Great video, very informative and well delivered

[@NigelHay]

Thanks Adrian, hope to do more in the future

[@ronn6788]

How well does the cruise control work?

[@PatriotSteve]

Nice job on the video

[@mogulpro]

I ride in the same areas as you. I had a wake pro 230, now have a 2021 rxtx. Honestly, next time get a supercharged machine. I can run beside a 170 with very minimal difference in fuel consumption but when I hammer the gas and blast ahead then yes, but its nice to have the option. The extra power you get for a 230, and then a 300 is well worth it.

[@salvadorponticelli]

Hey… nice review. I got the exact same ski except for the iDF (I ordered with but arrived without because the sales rep entered the wrong SKU in the order)… I absolutely love it…. Ahhh and my ski has a name: we named her Dory, like Nemo’s blue girlfriend because 😃

[@NigelHay]

I'm still trying to come up with a name but I am glad to read I'm not the only one naming thier Ski. Glad you watched and liked the video. Enjoy your ride

[@danielduclos997]

When did you order and when did you get it? Retiring soon. No interest in fishing and all boats too heavy for my CRV - So Sea-doo it will be - Haven't seen too many people in their mid-50s on seadoos. Too hard on your body?

[@matthewbell629]

I'm 55 and love my new limited. Just take everything slow and easy until you build confidence. Besides 50"s are the new 30's ha ha.

[@NigelHay]

Hi Daniel. I'm approaching 50 and I find it very comfy and easy to handle. Many of the Sea Doo tour groups seem to be in the 50-70 age group and many use the GTX. As for your CRV, my wife has a CRV and I towed it for the first time the other day on it. No problem at all.

[@NigelHay]

Ordered mid Novemeber 2020. Picked up mid May. Approx 4 week delay

[@danielduclos997]

@@NigelHay Well thanks for the info. I found out this week that at work that there was a group of people who organise boating trip in the area (Thousand islands, Montréal and Ottawa area). Seadoo and small boat.. Their next trip is there: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jabTc3d-n6aGd8U

[@danielduclos997]

@@matthewbell629 I'm a glider pilot and flight instructor - Lots of check list and safety is always #1 :-) Some of our tow pilot are approaching 80 (still pass their medical)

[@austinroop5330]

How many hours can you ride it hard on a full tank lmk please?

[@NigelHay]

Flat out? About 2 hours

[@shimaitist]

What's the top speed?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Oh my God!!! It is not a flippin Jet Ski 😩 Not a Kawasaki. It is a good old Canadian BRP.

[@robertengstrom1183]

Top speed?

[@JerryD386]

You aren’t using the fenders properly. Once you’ve inserted the fenders through the mount on the ski, you need to clip the black plastic rod into the receptacle on the bottom of the fender. Once done, they shouldn’t pop off regardless of wave activity. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/epnVeZ6co6iDaM0

[@NigelHay]

Hmm, I've been doing it wrong all this time, I thought it was pop in pull out? Thanks for the link

[@JerryD386]

@@NigelHay happy to help

[@santiagofabian5496]

👌👌👌

[@georgeboros263]

Have to be honest...had to skip the intro as the music was so annoying I just wanted it off. Otherwise it was fantastic. Jet Ski is Kawasaki, BTW.

[@NigelHay]

Hi George, looking back that music at the beginning was a little long winded.

[@thierry5406]

superbe machine j'ai la même que toi

[@jamesyers1975]

The sh/tty thing is these /manufacturer and dealerships know about the idf problem and continue to sell them without warning

[@martincalderon3438]

Wat is idf?

[@Dan-qk4ns]

*It's a female*....as he's groping it in the water...lol

[@modrof2310]

Is a piece of shit , don’t buy it

[@ericsmith6677]

yeah gotta ask permission from government before using the water as if they own the lakes.