The Watercraft Journal IRL - '21 RXP-X vs. GP1800R Impressions & More!

Join The Watercraft Journal's Kevin Shaw this Sunday evening, September 20th, at 7pm EST for a KZbin Live Session, where he'll be discussing first impressions of the '21 RXP-X 300 and '21 GP1800R SVHO; as well as future videos, reviews and more!
And please subscribe to our KZbin channel!
You can also follow us HERE:
Facebook: / thewatercraftjournal
Instagram: / pwcjournal
Twitter: / pwcjournal
And please visit our sponsors' websites:
Sea-Doo: www.sea-doo.com/
Slippery: slipperywetsuit...
GoPro: shop.gopro.com/

[@SRM9110]

Thank you for being knowledgeable and honest about what you talk about.

[@watercraftjournal]

Thank you for the compliment!

[@jghvac80]

F yeah brother! Thanks for being so honest about who should buy these skis!!!! The small lakes of the world need you as the pwc ambassador.

[@watercraftjournal]

You bet!

[@JuniorJr_23]

Thank you The Watercraft Journal. You go out of your way to make Watercraft enthusiast's lives easier. I narrowed it down and kinda know which one I want now.

[@watercraftjournal]

Glad I could help!

[@possiblyunhealthyobsession9794]

Didn’t realize the full potential of this. This is crazy

[@john.french]

Always appreciate your honest and through reviews and opinion. So much good content on warranty claims, model comparison and historical info including transmission and us coast guard!

[@watercraftjournal]

Kevin can be long winded but he rarely rambles!

[@rickyvaldesarribas4285]

Thank you Kevin! u cleard up my mind about seadoo brand , just be a good driver and take care your ski , thanks again!

[@watercraftjournal]

No problem 👍

[@BC_I_LETU]

After a few years. Kinda like to see what you think about these two head to head now, including all the aftermarket options.

[@larry92663]

I love my 2019 RXPX over 100 hours with bolt on mods and zero issues. Only ride in fresh water and pull a tube with 140-300lbs most the time. So far it’s bulletproof

[@watercraftjournal]

That's awesome! What mods?

[@jasonmekush5280]

I had beach house sponsons on my first race boat 96 xp rossier pipe , buckshot carbs, umi steering.

[@watercraftjournal]

We had a set of Beach House's on an old HX!

[@KevinLambguitar]

I have a recent RXPX so after watching this I think I will add the new GP to the other side of the trailer. I like G-force buoy turns and the price is right. I don’t want that sound junk and such....GP seems lean and mean and is very well priced in a stock/stripy configuration.

[@watercraftjournal]

Good thing all the sounds systems are optional.

[@mave311]

Yamaha also has a check valve on their syphon hose.... 👍👍👍

[@watercraftjournal]

Yes, but that wasn't pertinent to the topic we were discussing.

[@stevekaniowski1343]

Kev - thanks for the knowledge sharing. As an ex-racer I want it all, power, performance but also family fun. I need the engineering theory to help make a decision. Love the frankness, non formal feedback. Cheers to you and TWJ. Stevo.

[@watercraftjournal]

Right on!

[@MarcM143]

What did you choose? I'm in the market, I have a 2018 GTX Limited 300,it is good for family thrills but fun...darn thing runs out of fuel after only 2 or 3 hours

[@brianbuckminster2115]

Great video. Good unbiased information. I like the factual comparison without a favored view from the author. Appreciated.

[@watercraftjournal]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ericsmith6677]

so sea doo is revving higher RPMs idk about the SVHO but my GP H.O only goes to about 7200

[@Bloopythebluetroopy]

Isn’t it due to the shaft not being supported by bearings each side of the carbon seal, when you rev the engine out of the water for flushing you will get shaft float which will over time elongate the hole etc. It even states in the manual to only flush for a minute maximum for this reason. (Also there is no cooling in this area once out of the water)

[@watercraftjournal]

Yes and and yes. The oblonging of the hole isn't so much from the shaft being unsupported, but if the shaft has been bent/damaged, the motor mounts damaged or misaligned, then yes, the carbon ring seal will wear prematurely and eventually break.

[@04tsxpower]

Wave runner looking for speed but also comfort. Not sure which model would suit those needs....thx

[@watercraftjournal]

You'll need to rewrite this question. We're not sure what you're asking for.

[@04tsxpower]

@@watercraftjournal Yamaha wave runner which model best covers performance and comfort

[@watercraftjournal]

Start with the FX Cruiser HO.

[@AlexanderTheGrateful]

I heard a rumour that jet skis will have restrictions for new license holders like they do with motorcycles here in Australia, From what I’ve heard it will be no supercharged units until passing a ride test after 2 years of restricted license

[@YuccaSpeedShop]

Australian gov has been a mess since COVID. They just don't know when to leave their people alone.

[@Steven-xj2rf]

I loved the discussion on tracking. My FZR felt like it wondered. My 300x stayed true. My GP1800R stayed true but was it not as easy to stay hooked up.

[@watercraftjournal]

The hooking up issue between the GP and Ultra really comes down to weight. The Ultra stays hooked primarily because it weighs so much. The GP skirts the water's surface and therefore isn't drawing in as much water.

[@Steven-xj2rf]

@@watercraftjournal Agreed., but they also did a really great job with the pump and hook up stock. It was the only performance ski I didn't put an impeller and intake grate on. My GP1800R needed the Riva Gen 2 grate and pitched impeller to help the cavitation issues. How much better is the FX than GP/VX hull in rougher waters?

[@watercraftjournal]

The FX is a personal favorite, particularly in chop. Look at the offshore racers - almost all moved from GP to FX.

[@Steven-xj2rf]

@@watercraftjournal I am getting old and might need to get one. THE GP1800R is a fun ski, but not I am finding myself doing more touring and less horseplay. My kids favorite is still the 2015 FX Cruiser SVHO we had.

[@livingdlife4076]

Is there any way that the “transmission” they put in will ever be used as a “second gear”. Not necessarily to achieve higher speeds, but would it be possible to maintain high speeds at lower rpms?

[@livingdlife4076]

Kept watching and I guess you answered my question. Seems like a bright future for everyone, but not surprised BRP is the one that had the bells to actually do it.

[@watercraftjournal]

Glad we could help!

[@SYork2014]

Crazy to think the rxpx with all the options you said would cost around the same as yamahas most expensive ski the fx limited svho

[@watercraftjournal]

Yeah, the price hike for 2021 Sea-Doos is surprising.

[@rickyvaldesarribas4285]

Thank you Kevin! u clear up my mind about seadoo brand with all the bullshit stuff on youtube , just be a good driver and take care your ski! simple as that , thanks again!

[@watercraftjournal]

Yes, thank you! As long as you operate it correctly and keep it maintained, the chance of failure is minuscule - and equal to other brands.

[@rickyvaldesarribas4285]

@@watercraftjournal Awesome!

[@robertcroslin2883]

Thank you for your review and opinion. You talked about the benefits of going with Pro Sponsons on certain Sea Doo models. Does the GP1800R also benefit dramatically by adding Pro Sponsons? Benifits?? Anyone with experience please share. Thank you

[@watercraftjournal]

RIVA dedicates more time into computer modeling and real world on-the-water sponson design and testing than any other brand. Yes, the Pro Series sponsons on the ST3-based Sea-Doos are easily the best first modification you could make. The Yamaha GP1800R benefits from these as well (albeit a totally different design from the Sea-Doo), but the change isn't nearly as dramatic since the GP hull is so predictable already.

[@robertcroslin2883]

Thank you!

[@workhardplayhard4239]

If the 230 and 300 Sea-Doo uses the same engine then what makes the horsepower difference? Is it a tuning or a bigger supercharger?

[@watercraftjournal]

Same displacement, but they're not the same engine.

[@johnnyw157]

Great video, I watched the entire thing and learned a lot. Question in regards to map tuning and warranty though... if I were to have my GP tuned, no parts changed out, but only a stage 1 map tune done by my dealer, which would put me at 8000 rpm’s I believe, would that void my warranty by Yamaha standards? My dealer told me yes, anything above 7400 rpm’s will show and therefore void it. However a green hulk video I just watched and commented on asking the same question, they commented saying that they wouldn’t be able to detect a major change such as a maptune alone and therefore I’d be fine. Just looking for your input on this.. thanks

[@watercraftjournal]

Thank you! Your dealer WILL NOT reflash your ECU - unless it's RIVA Powersports. Do not ask the teller at the bank to help you rob their vault. Be a smarter criminal than that. Jeez. :P

[@matthewsartin7522]

I love the gp but I’m needing something more family friendly so I’m leaning towards the FX limited. Is there some after market parts that I can get for FX that will help it corner and perform closer to the gp when I’m riding by myself so I can get the best of both worlds so to speak

[@watercraftjournal]

Yes, see our video on our Top 4 mods for the FX SVHO - but you won't want to do most of these if you're thinking you're going to be "more family friendly."

[@costasgeorgiou5015]

@@watercraftjournal can you put a link to that I can't seam to find it.

[@chrisstone1933]

Just want to say thanks for the video and after watching I wouldn’t fall into the “muscle ski”. Just a causal rider that like to go out and have fun. Any chance you’d compare the fx svho and ultra 310lx. Don’t really have an interest in seadoo.

[@watercraftjournal]

Although I don't plan on doing a direct comparison, it might be good to discuss (in deep detail) hull design and what makes a good race hull vs. a good rough water hull vs. a good cruising hull.

[@chrisstone1933]

The Watercraft Journal please do. I’m in the Pacific Northwest and mainly ride on the Columbia River. It can get some chop on it on a good windy day. I’d like to see the comparison and ride ability on the Kawasaki ultra hull vs the Yamaha fx hull.

[@markthompson5934]

Great comparison what sold me is when you said the pump wouldn't stay hooked up on the rxp when you stood. I dont trust first year tech either for IDF. Thanks

[@watercraftjournal]

Thanks for sharing

[@akihaetu7252]

Wow I did not know the manufacturer says we can’t jump the waves. That’s ridiculous. Does Yamaha say the same thing or is that only seadoo?

[@akihaetu7252]

I guess the hull could crack from jumping waves like you could be my fault but not the carbon seal failing from jumping waves that’s ridiculous lol

[@watercraftjournal]

Yes, all OE's do not want riders to jump them - but understand the danger of having someone launch a supercharged at full speed, not only to the ski, but to themselves or others. It's a liability issue more than anything.

[@workhardplayhard4239]

What makes the rxt faster than the gtx if it’s the same engine and hull?

[@watercraftjournal]

Top speeds are the same; the RXT-X gets there quicker due to Launch Control and the X-series sponsons produce less drag.

[@lmmduramax7907]

Sorry I was late but did they fix the carbon seal and supercharger issue?

[@watercraftjournal]

Fixed? It's too soon to tell. Changed the carbon ring and seal? Yes.

[@darrelld8266]

Hi Kevin how did you like the new seat on the GP as I see you don’t sit a lot in your videos!!

[@watercraftjournal]

Not on the Yamaha, I don't!

[@darrelld8266]

The Watercraft Journal for what reason you don’t?

[@watercraftjournal]

Because aggressively riding requires "body English" - sitting stationary is unnatural particularly as the watercraft wants to lean into a corner.

[@darrelld8266]

The Watercraft Journal I see thank you for your input

[@makielpacheco2059]

Good advices stay humble stay true you the best 💪🏽🙏🏽

[@watercraftjournal]

Thank you, I will

[@workhardplayhard4239]

Is there an upgraded carbon seal and top hat for not only the 2021 skis but also for the 2018 and 19?

[@watercraftjournal]

Nope. Just the new ones mentioned.

[@tilson23]

I love to jump wakes. Which of the two is the better jumper?

[@watercraftjournal]

Neither. These are meant for closed course racing.

[@_jamesrose]

Great review. The Seadoo engines are produced in Austria BUT Seadoo DO source engine components from Mexico

[@watercraftjournal]

Yes, most engine manufacturers do.

[@joesmith7123]

@@watercraftjournal it’s sad tbh. All so americans and Canadians can feel smug like they are making a difference in the world, low skill Mexicans who don’t give a shit or high skill proud Americans and Canadians building ….? I’m tired of these bullshit trade agreements that hurt Americans and Canadians . AMERCIA FIRST!!! And yes I will gladly pay a few grands extra for my American made, manufactured assembles and supported pwc. Ppl want everything for nothing and it’s sad.

[@TM-qn3qj]

Ridiculous amount of commercials!

[@watercraftjournal]

We can't do anything about it. Sorry!

[@CryptoXaos]

Yamaha for me

[@watercraftjournal]

And for most racers.

[@peyton23322332]

Love the live streams Kevin but I have one question. In your experience what stock speaker system would you say sounds the best between the RXT/FX/310LX?

[@watercraftjournal]

In regards to loudness? Clarity? Ease of use?

[@peyton23322332]

The Watercraft Journal I guess when it comes to loudness and clarity but clarity being the biggest factor.

[@watercraftjournal]

The BRP and Yamaha systems are pretty great for clarity. The Kawi system drowns out over 55mph. BRP remains the loudest at full throttle, although it's not terribly clear at those speeds either.

[@peyton23322332]

The Watercraft Journal thank you Kevin! I’m just a little weary when it comes to the ecoxgear speakers on the fx. Really wished they added the pod speakers and not really wanting to drop a few thousand on the JL audio kit 😂

[@watercraftjournal]

The JL kit is a MONSTER but yes, is very pricey. If you're patient, wait until 2022...

[@garymarch4711]

We hear that SeaDoo's sink. Do Yamaha's leak and sink when you jump em? When I say jump... Im only talking launching off of average waves on the Gulf of Mexico. Kinda cant avoid it. I rented a Yamaha VX in Florida and jumped waves for a couple hours.. It was fine.. Maybe the next renter Sank. Lol. Now I'm considering a PWC for bigger water. This "You cant jump" stuff completely eliminates SeaDoo's from my shopping list... If that's truly a rule for their PWC's. Is there a PWC thats more suitable for bigger waters where jumping is inevitable?

[@watercraftjournal]

ALL manufacturers advise against jumping surf. EVERY. ONE. OF. THEM. And lots of "haters" want you to believe that Sea-Doos sink. Most of those who do are poorly maintained or misused. Certain Yamahas have had hulls crack. Kawasakis have hoses that pop free. It's all in taking good care of your vehicle.

[@garymarch4711]

@@watercraftjournal Right on. I did watch some videos of people replacing the carbone seal and other stuff. Looks like a job that could be done incorrectly or with poor quality non eom parts and lead to problems. As for jumping... I'll just be sure I always have a quality PFD on in case it sinks. Lol

[@johnbarker2966]

Can you supercharger a 2020 ho

[@watercraftjournal]

Yes, but not without MAJOR modification FAR MORE COSTLY than selling your HO and buying a SVHO.

[@rickyvaldesarribas4285]

What about the sinking problem in the RXPX , is it showing in 2021 models as well?

[@watercraftjournal]

There's no "sinking" problem with Sea-Doos. There's a problem with people misusing their PWC, not maintaining their PWC and a small portion of possible carbon ring seal failure - which Kevin addresses in this video.

[@rickyvaldesarribas4285]

@@watercraftjournal I see , thats good to know , thank you sir.

[@Bronson9822]

@@rickyvaldesarribas4285 I bought a new rxpx300 and my carbon seal failed in the first two hours, it had absolutely nothing to do with maintenance or the riding, it was to with the engine out of alignment from factory.

[@LegitVenom]

Yamaha wins for reliability

[@watercraftjournal]

Everyone's got problems.

[@LegitVenom]

@@watercraftjournal supercharger on the Yamaha is #1

[@TOUCTI]

@@LegitVenom Everyone's got problems

[@markthompson5934]

On the gp1800r is the auto trim always enabled or do you have to enable it each time. Fun as it sounds, its excess wear on the motor i hope it has to be enabled? Thanks for straight forward unbiased reviews.

[@watercraftjournal]

Very good question: No, it is not always enabled. It is engaged through the operational control page. Frankly, it's a bit of a learning curve, and we weren't able to beat toggling the trim manually.

[@SRM9110]

Do the new sea doo fish pros come with a bilge pump ?

[@watercraftjournal]

No. Just the pump siphon.

[@JuniorJr_23]

@@watercraftjournal How about the new GTX Limited?

[@watercraftjournal]

Nobody builds a PWC with an electric pump. NOBODY.

[@sstensru]

The Watercraft Journal doesnt the trixx have electric bilge pump?

[@watercraftjournal]

It is NOT standard equipment, no. But electric bilges are offered as accessories to be added on by the dealer: www.sea-doo.com/us/en/shop/shop-by-vehicle/spark_trixx_accessories/bilge-pump-kit.html

[@costasgeorgiou5015]

Well seadoo is late to the game tigershark was doin it back in 1998 lol. But it is what I would expect from seapoo.

[@watercraftjournal]

Regarding what?

[@costasgeorgiou5015]

@@watercraftjournal oh sorry the stepped hull It used to be on the side of ski advertised "stepped hull technology" I think it was a 1998 tigershark ts1100R. I used to have one.

[@shanepeay5372]

So would you stay away from the IDF for the first year?

[@watercraftjournal]

Not necessarily, no. You'll have warranty. And if used properly, shouldn't have a problem.

[@shanepeay5372]

Awesome owner of many seadoos over the years and I’m putting a deposit down for a new gtx limited, sucks it isn’t an option for this year like the non limited gtx’s.... I’m just worried about it being internal designed sending metal gear chunks into the engine :/ nice fail safe though to go back to normal driveshaft direction if something fails so you can make it home

[@watercraftjournal]

iDF is standard on the GTX Limited 300 and Fish Pro. It is an option on the GTX 170 and GTX 230 only.

[@chickenhawk212]

I don’t agree with what you said about jumping them. The manufacturers need to make their product capable of doing what people want. If the motor mounts aren’t strong enough. Reinforce them, if the carbon seal can’t handle some sand, protect it. That being said, I love this format, you’re a cool guy and your intelligence and thoughtfulness get lost in your marketing videos. I know that it’s your bussiness model and you need to do some of the corporate videos but do more of these honest and interesting videos and you’ll have way more subscribers that will watch your corporate marketing videos. It’s so hard to find people who actually have educated opinions on this stuff. Most of can’t buy 3 or 4 machines but you’ve ridden them all and are actually in a position to tell us what they’re like. Not what the brochure says their specs are or what the marketing teams tell you they’ll ride like but how the engineers actually did and how all the subtle things about a boat come together to make it a whole. Thanks man, it’s great to have you in our sport and I appreciate what you’re doing!

[@watercraftjournal]

When we share "corporate marketing videos" as you say, they're literally segregated into a "Promotional" category. When we review a PWC, it's categorized accordingly. We publish both because we're a magazine first, and getting out as much information is goal #1. Thank you for the compliment!

[@nurollajidmuksan6784]

What is the best Sea doo rxp x 300 or yamaha gp1800r

[@watercraftjournal]

What did you see in the video?

[@maklegend9771]

So what is better rxp x 300 or the gp 1800 svho

[@watercraftjournal]

Clearly you didn't listen.

[@ericsmith6677]

HA!!! shit the H.O is now 15k inflation is kiling us

[@adzythepwcblokeinaustralia5467]

Its a poor design that the buyers become aware of and avoid . Jumping a PWC is what the majority of owners do at some time , here in Australia we have huge beaches and much less inland water ways like the USA . Check my KZbin channel to see some gentle surf conditions ! My old 98 GP1200 has survived all this time jumping the surf and my 2 GP1200R's have hugely strong hulls . Its remains to be seen how a 20 yr old Nanocell hull will hold up .

[@watercraftjournal]

All manufacturers caution against jumping. People get hurt. Skis get damaged. Do I jump surf? Occasionally, yes. Is it fun? Hell yeah. I'm not arguing that. But when representing the product and the industry, it's important to know what the OE's recommend.

[@jonathontsoukalas]

Thank you for your knowledge. Do you think a gp1800r is capable of doing things that ik the rxpx can do kzbin.infokEPUEJP-IBw for example this video

[@gudelauneee]

Clickbait thumbnail

[@watercraftjournal]

How so? This is over an hour of detail between the two.

[@gudelauneee]

@@watercraftjournal but i though we will see them driving

[@watercraftjournal]

Fair enough. Sorry, this was a KZbin live session discussion. Individual review videos have been published months earlier. Make sure not to miss those.