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Sea-Doo RXX: Back to the Future

Sea-Doo's RXX brings back vivid memories of better days

By Joel Johnson

July 21, 2001

Dressed in racing yellow, the 160-horsepower Sea-Doo RXX is a hopped-up version of the company's one- to two-rider RX. (Photos by Ken Grimes)

Of course, we've seen something like this before. Back in 1995, Sea-Doo introduced a "Limited Edition" version of the XP — the XPX — marketing it mainly as a race-ready watercraft for serious riders.

At the time, the XPX was revolutionary. Its 135-horsepower engine was superior anything on the market in terms of acceleration and race potential, and the watercraft's bold yellow color scheme harkened back to company's glory years in snowmobile racing.

In fact, the XPX was so hot, it created a black market of its own, with waiting lists at dealerships and "out-the-door" prices often in the low five figures.

Sea-Doo appears to be trying to recreate that magic with the RXX, a limited-edition model being marketed to racers and performance nuts. The watercraft is based on Sea-Doo's popular RX platform and 1000 series Rotax powerplant, but it comes thoroughly outfitted with aftermarket racing parts.

The biggest difference between the RXX and the standard RX is in the engine compartment. Although the RXX uses the same base engine as a starting point, Sea-Doo has fitted with a wish list of aftermarket parts to boost the horsepower rating from 130 horsepower to 160 horsepower.

You read that right, 160 horsepower.

Major Goodies

Most of the added horses are supplied by the twin pipe system from Factory Pipe, but the twin- cylinder two-stroke engine also comes with high performance carburetors, an R&D head with interchangeable domes and R&D flame arrestors and reed stuffers. Naturally, the motors also boasts new ignition timing and mapping.

But the aftermarket performance parts don't begin and end in the engine compartment. The watercraft boasts a custom Skat Trak stainless steel pump with 12- or 14 vane stainless-steel impeller and R&D venturi and steering nozzle with interchangeable rings.

Sources at Sea-Doo said the engine and pump setup are designed for unmatched acceleration. Top speed is expected to come in around 65 mph — just less than the industry-wide mandate for top speed — but the guess here is that the craft will be capable of quite a bit more with a few minor tweaks to the engine.

The RXX employs the same hull and deck combination that debuted to such rave reviews on the RX a year ago. The semi-V hull uses something Sea-Doo calls "active handling geometry", which roughly translated means it uses various angles on the hull to get a balance between handling, planing ability and rough-water control. It boasts a deep 23.5-degree entry, which accounts for its excellent tracking and rough water performance, though the angle softens somewhat toward the rear of the hull. The design also uses twin strakes on either side of the keel and spray deflectors on either side of the bow.

The RX hull has earned a reputation as a versatile performer in just a year. Rough-water performance is excellent and the handling is aggressive, yet predictable.

However, as with the engine, Sea-Doo has added a number of aftermarket goodies to allow the RXX to go from showroom to race track. First and foremost is a lever-activated dump trim system, which allows riders to plant the nose in tight turns. The trim also acts as a brake, giving the RXX added control. The hull is also fitted with Beach House sponsons for even more aggressive handling in turns.

Construction and Features

Hand-layering hulls for the RXX will ensure equal thickness and reduce the weight. Other than the watercraft's weight, however, its basic specs don't change from those of the RX. The hull remains 112 inches long and 47.3 inches wide. Technically, the RXX is capable of carrying a passenger like the RX, but the custom Jettrim seat is designed more for solo performance.

There are other changes on the deck, as well. The steering system is an upright racing design by UMI and the bow is fitted with a Jettrim Spray deflector. The mirrors have also been removed and the only instrumentation is an analog tach on the console. The footwells will be fitted with aftermarket pads.

Stowage and fuel capacities are the same as on the RX and RX DI — 10.6 gallons of storage and 15 gallons of fuel. The craft will also feature the D.E.S.S. security system. As with the old XPX, the RXX will come only in screaming yellow with race-inspired graphics.

Sources at Sea-Doo said it will produce 500 RXXs for 2001, a number that won't even allow every Sea-Doo dealer to get one. The retail price has also yet to be determined, though it's unlikely that the watercraft will create a feeding frenzy like the XPX did.

For one thing, this time around, it isn't alone. Polaris continues to make the race-bred Polaris Pro 785 and Riva Yamaha has offered turn-key race versions of the GP1200 and 800R for the last couple of years. The watercraft market has also changed. Big-bore musclecraft are no longer the marquee offerings. Sea-Doo has also seen its market share shrink significantly over the past several.

Still, looking at the RXX does bring back memories of better times for personal watercraft racing and Sea-Doo. We'll just have to wait and see if the RXX can bring them back.

Boat specifications

Hull

Length	112.3 inches
Width	47.3 inches
Height	41.0 inches
Weight (dry)	Not available
Rider Capacity	1-2
Hull Material	Fiberglass reinforced

Engine

Cylinders	2
Displacement	951 cc/160 hp
Bore x Stroke	82mm x 68mm
Compression ratio	Not available
Fuel Delivery	(2) high-performance carburetors
Intake system	Reed valve
Lubrication	Variable rate oil injection