Sea-Doo's GTS offers exceptional value for an entry-level three-seater.

Sea-Doo's GTS offers exceptional value for an entry-level three-seater.

It could be a sign of the times, only the attention Sea-Doo is putting into its low-finish 3-seaters is a boon for those on a budget. In a year when it did fiddling more than tinker with the rest of its lineup, Ocean-Doo redesigned its modestly priced iii-seaters, turning them into real bargains. This is especially true of the low-end GTS. Traditionally, this segment has been domicile to rental units and besides-rans — watercraft that worked but did so in a pedestrian manner.

Yet, with its new makeover and, more importantly, its new hull, the GTS has shed that pedestrian quality and replaced it with more than a little pizzazz.

The cardinal is the new hull. Based on terminal twelvemonth's high-performance RX model, the new fiberglass-reinforced hull features a semi-V design that provides a squeamish balance between performance and comfort. The multi-strake design also allows the GTS to become up on plane in a hurry and stick in turns, but the blueprint is simple and elegant enough avert the bow chase and jarring ride of most multi-angled hulls.

Although the GTS is relatively pocket-size for a three-seater — at 121 inches, information technology'south three.1 inches shorter than final year's version — the steeper entry angle on the hull allows the craft slice through heavy chop better than last year'southward model. Information technology is also rock solid in turns, with none of the sliding you get with the sometime hull pattern.

Closer look


Styling of the GTS for 2001 is clean and elegant.

Styling of the GTS for 2001 is clean and elegant.

When combined with Sea-Doo's proven 85-horsepower, 720 series Rotax marine twin, it makes for a fairly impressive bundle, considering the cost. By now, every Bounding main-Doo fan should be familiar with the 720 engine. As in the past, the 718-cc, oil-injected, inline twin features single Mikuni BN xl-38 carburetor, rotary valve intake and a tuned aluminum pipe. Diameter 10 stroke is 82 mm by 68 mm, and the compression ratio is vi.2:1.

In most respects, the engine is identical to the 1 found on the midrange GTi, and information technology's been tuned to provide a smooth and consistent power band, with emphasis on the depression stop.

Ability is transferred to the water through the standard Bombardier Formula Jet Pump, pretty much the aforementioned pump plant throughout the rest of the Body of water-Doo lineup. However, unlike the midrange GTi, the GTS comes with a standard impeller. That's a shame because you discover the deviation mainly on the depression end, which takes abroad from the GTS's towing power.

The GTS also lacks most of the towing features congenital into the GTi, including things such as mirrors, a speedometer and reverse/neutral.

That'south a shame considering the GTS could be a pretty skillful tow vehicle. The power is there. Information technology struggles a fleck more pulling skiers out of the h2o because of its impeller, merely it does include some nice towing features. The rear boarding platform is wide enough to allow a skier or wakeboarder to sit and sideslip the bindings of their ski or board onto their anxiety, and the ski-eye is a nice touch. There'southward also secure seating for a spotter, thanks to the hand grip at the back of the seat and built-in footrests on the rear deck.

Extra goodies


Because the GTS retails for approximately $6,000, owning two is a reasonable option for buyers on a budget.

Because the GTS retails for approximately $6,000, owning 2 is a reasonable option for buyers on a upkeep.

The GTS besides has other overnice features. Probably the most of import is Sea-Doo'southward D-Body of water-Bel racket reduction arrangement, which uses a series of Hemholtz resonators, acoustically insulated air intakes and foam-wrapped waterbox/muffler to dramatically reduce the amount of the sound generated by the engine.

Information technology also looks proficient. Bounding main-Doo incorporated the sharper angles of the RX into the new height deck. The marine green-and-white colour scheme gives information technology a look of quality.

The rest of the riding area is roomy and comfortable plenty for ii, though it tin accommodate three adults in a pinch. The extra-soft, form-plumbing equipment seat narrows toward the front, providing the commuter with more comfort and better control.

There's as well plenty of storage on board — 33.8 gallons in all, including a large front storage expanse nether the forepart hood, a glove box below the handlebars a pocket-sized saucepan under the windscreen and a storage bucket under the back section of the seat. Fuel capacity is 15 gallons.

Other standard features include the D.Eastward.S.S. (Digitally Encoded Security Arrangement) starting organization, which uses a computer chip in the condom lanyard that is programmed to only showtime your watercraft. The arrangement also can be programmed to include information most the owner, including name, accost, identify purchased and phone number in case of theft. The only instrumentation is the large analog fuel gauge.

Still, it's hard to complain near the omissions, because the low price. That is actually what sets the GTS apart. In terms of performance and quality, it has raised the bar on the depression end.

Gunkhole specifications


b>Hull
Length 121 inches
Width 47.3 inches
Summit 41 inches
Weight (dry) 600 pounds
Rider capacity one-3
Manufacturer'south suggested retail toll $5,999

Engine
Cylinders 2
Displacement 718cc
Bore ten stroke 82 mm 10 68 mm
Compression ratio 6.2:1
Fuel commitment (ane) Mikuni BN 40-38 carburetor
Intake organisation Rotary valve
Lubrication Variable- rate oil injection

Jet pump
Pump blazon Bombardier Performance jet pump
Impeller Stainless-steel, big hub

Features
Instrumentation Fuel gauge
Fuel chapters 15 gallons (3 in reserve)
Oil capacity 1.6 gallons
Storage capacity 33.8 gallons

For more information

Sea-Doo/Bombardier Recreational Products
730 Eastward Strawbridge Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32901
(407) 726-2110
www.sea-doo.com