Picking a GTX 230 Over a 170: WCJ Quick Topic

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[donaldwest]

Got the GTX 230/2021. Usually cruise between 35-40 mph like Kevin states. I'll get about 5 mpg, and have a range of easily 90 miles. He's right again when he says its a fun machine when you want to open it up and go, or put the nose down to carve it up. My GTX has a top speed of 65. That group cruising at 70 does deserve some cookies!

[DevajnK]

*Sad Gtx 170 rider noises* If you have ridden like a 230 or 300 prior to 170, i'm sure you think it's sluggish, but if you'r coming from a boat life...Gtx 170 ripps, just sayin ;)

[Dr_Flankensteinn]

Wow, I was in this situation myself - I was looking for a GTX 170 - but found an incredible deal on a 2020 GTX 230 - 18 hours with trailer/bluetooth speakers along with FACTORY Warranty until June 2023 for $14k! GTX doesn't come with Ergo Locks - unless you get the UNLIMITED - I just installed them on mine it was simple enough and worth every penny!

[henryhenry]

So my question is since most cruise around 35mph if I get a gti 90 it will have topend around 40-44mph and on a small lake and for tubing shouldn’t it be enough ?
I know I would like a 155 or newer 170 or even the 130 but nothing around where I live but a gti 90 would I be still happy with jt
For tubing the kids and have a little fun

[mikeireland]

I have heard some complaints from people with the GTX 170 about slight pulling to one side or slight leaning/listing.at lower speeds....
Is there anything to this ?

Some people had mentioned it could possibly be because there is no super charger intercooler. On the one side... ?

[SAM.EIGHTYFOUR]

Just got into skis last summer. I have experience racing other stuff. But not on watercraft. So went with the GTR230. Not really knowing the hull difference between the GTX and GTR. Oh well, I'll ride the GTR and have fun with it anyway. Now wishing I had gotten the GTX170 or a yamaha FXHO maybe

[ColeR]

Would you also consider an ultra lx or fx ho “anemic” or feeling slightly underpowered? (NA full size segment)

[kraemer]

What sponsons should I get for 2019 gtx limited 230

[blairmacdonald]

Just learning about "catch cans", if they are so good/needed/desired why wouldn't the manufacturer put one on as standard equipment ? They want to sell more parts ?

[dpswan]

I had such a hard debate between the 170 and the 230 in the GTI/GTR series. I ultimately chose the GTI 170. My thinking was most of my cruising would be done in the range you mention and the 170, at least I hope, will give decent torque for playing around. I had a 155 which I loved but I wanted some of the other upgrades with the newer machines. I hope I won’t have wished I got a 230!

[cG-esmb]

What’s the difference between the gti 170 and Gtx 170?

[billg]

I have a 2022 GTX 230 on order. Any idea why Seadoo doesn't have factory installed catch cans on supercharged models?

[keving]

Every 200 hours don't you have to do maintenance on the super charger?

[jasonohare]

Great advice, as always Kevin! I have a 2019 GTX 155, and want a upgrade but also considering the 300 models... Our second ski is a Spark Trixx, so max speed isn't a high priority.  To get a more agile performance ski, should I really look at an RXP or would Riva Sponsons on an GTX 230/300 be a good compromise (while being more seaworthy)?

Also, would the 300 model be equally as efficient as the 230 sticking at the same touring speeds (is it a bigger supercharger that kicks in at the speed as the 230 models)?

[JimmieJohn]

the price difference between the 230 and 300 GTX is 1300. Do you think it's worth the extra money? I orded the 230, but I've got a day to decide if I want to switch to the bigger engine.

[danielgs]

Dear Kevin,
I've been following you in youtube for some time. I am 55 years old, from New York, and totally new in PWC, but I am about to buy my first jet ski. I have seen this video about the GTX 170 vs GTX 230, but I am not clear about your recommendation. You say "good choice" to the subscribers that said they got a 170, but on the video you say you recommend the 230.

Can you please help me decide? I'm planning trips in the NY area, to explore locations and water courses, and I may adventure in the Atlantic a little bit. I may do some of that with my 10yo son.

My initial though was the 170 since it has a simpler machine and I dont think I will be riding at full speed normally, but at the same time, I dont want the ski to be boring or anemic.

Can you please help me out?

[SAM.EIGHTYFOUR]

I dont ride at 70 with a group, but ide still like that cookie Kevin! Lol

[mpowerd]

I’m surprised manufacturers don’t have a cruse specific lean burn mode. Limits throttle and power for max range to get you home.

[TheLeblancGroup]

Do you really need a Catch can on a 2021 GTR230?? Mines stock and had no issues.. grant it only 22hours. Ski is fun as hell, playful and donuts

Its fast hit 105km/h (65mph) and drinks gas twice as fast as our spark.. haven’t tried the 170 but I suspect I would miss the power this thing rips out of the hole

[pascallagoutte]

First most of our rides are on lake powell. We go for a 4 to 5 days camping trip. During those trips we do 400+ miles. Cruising speed is 25-35 MPH with full throttle only 10% of the time.I started with a Spark 3 (90HP) great gas mileage but not good for camping and way too uncomfortable on choppy water. Then I had. a GTR230 as they were no GTX170 available. Gas mileage is not good and comfort is just a little better than the Spark. Then I ordered a RXP 300 gas mileage is better than the GTR and comfort is also way better than the GTR. then I order a GTX 170 that I should get next may and I will even add the rear deck extension.
Bottom line it depend of what you are doing, having to run a supercharger for cruising at 35MPH is useless and it burn more fuel.