In 2023, Sea-Doo already made waves with its powerful personal watercraft (PWC). The RXP-X Apex 300, powered by a supercharged 1.6-liter engine, packed an impressive 300 horsepower, slicing through water like a hot knife through butter. Now, Sea-Doo has upped the ante with a revamped version, replacing the engine to deliver a thrilling 325 horsepower, offering incredible torque at the slightest touch of the throttle.
According to Sea-Doo, the RXP-X 325 boasts the fastest-accelerating PWC engine they've ever produced. Timothy McKercher, a media spokesperson, likens it to a “superbike on the water.” This machine’s remarkable power-to-weight ratio further enhances its speed and agility. The sleek hood, crafted from carbon fiber, is both lightweight and exceptionally strong, while the hull is made from ultra-light glass fiber reinforced polypropylene. This combination gives the RXP-X 325 a power-to-weight ratio that rivals that of a Bugatti Chiron Super Sport.
But it’s not just about raw speed. This watercraft is built for buoy racing—a sport that demands precision and speed as riders weave through 15-20 buoys in record time. On calm waters, the RXP-X offers an experience akin to lapping a Formula 1 track, while in rougher conditions, it feels more like a supercross bike, cutting a sharp path with its deep V-hull and tight turning radius, keeping the rider steady and in control.
“It’s a surgical tool,” McKercher explains. “It’s that precise. The only thing that might turn quicker is a barrel-racing horse.”
However, this high-performance machine isn’t for the faint of heart. Sea-Doo designed it with extensive ergonomic studies, cutting-edge hydrodynamics, and rigorous testing to ensure it’s as user-friendly as possible, even for those who aren’t seasoned riders.
Powering Down the River
Sea-Doo began with the Austria-made 1630-cc Rotax ACE 1630 engine platform, completely redesigning and engineering all the components. This includes a revamped intake system, a new planetary-driven turbo booster, an updated engine control module, and a unique fuel pump system equipped with sensors that precisely manage fluctuating fuel pressure.
“It would be easy to add more horsepower by slapping on another cylinder or increasing the engine size,” McKercher says. “But when it comes to recreational products, especially watercraft, the power-to-weight ratio is crucial. We designed this machine with the rider in mind, which meant keeping the engine compact. This allows for a narrow seat pedestal, enabling riders to grip the machine with their thigh muscles while offering a flared knee area for added control. This way, the body’s strongest muscles are fully engaged.”
Officially, the RXP-X is rated to hit 69 miles per hour on the water. It took me a while to warm up to the idea, especially considering the alligator-infested waterways. McKercher first put me on the (slightly) tamer GTR-X 300, which also packs 300 horsepower but features a flatter hull. The GTR-X 300 has a 16-degree deadrise (the angle between the hull and a flat surface), whereas the RXP-X has a more aggressive 23-degree deadrise, indicating a sharper, more cutting keel.
I took the GTR-X 300 for a 27-mile spin and returned on the RXP-X, quickly deciding that the nimbler RXP-X was my favorite. It’s incredibly responsive, with an intuitive turning mechanism and a manually adjustable steering damper that can be tweaked on the go for rougher waters. On smooth water, a heavy damper isn’t necessary, but in choppy conditions, it can be tightened for better handlebar control, allowing for steadier, longer rides—essential for racing.
As I pushed the Sea-Doo to my limits on Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River in Sanford, Florida, I found myself singing “Born to Run” and “Runnin’ Down a Dream” at the top of my lungs. My face was shielded from the intense July sun with a gaiter pulled up to my sunglasses. For those who crave speed, the RXP-X is a dream machine, capable of blistering speeds.
Engineered for the Rider
Over a decade ago, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), the Canadian company behind Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, and Can-Am vehicles, embraced a rider-centric design philosophy. Instead of building machines and fitting riders onto them, Sea-Doo starts by sketching the rider’s position first, then designing the watercraft around that. This approach ensures a seamless connection between human and machine.
“We can’t just throw a rider on this machine and expect them to hang on for dear life,” McKercher says. “The forces at play require a design that complements the hull’s performance with ergonomic support, keeping the rider secure and allowing them to harness the full power of the machine.”
The RXP-X’s ergonomic design enhances rider comfort and control. The low-rise handlebars are designed for maximum maneuverability, while angled footrests align with the body’s natural posture. A contoured saddle ensures a snug fit, crucial for maintaining control and reducing fatigue.
During rides, the body can experience what McKercher calls the “typewriter effect,” where the rider constantly slips backward in the seat due to choppy waters, expending energy to pull back toward the handlebars repeatedly. This can lead to fatigue, but the RXP-X’s locked-in seat design prevents this by keeping the rider securely in place, enhancing control and reducing fatigue.