SEA-DOO GTI SE 170
Sea-Doo’s makeover of the GTI platform for 2020 had two primary goals. One, give riders an all-new onboard experience; and, two, improve the performance, control and robustness of the craft.
The GTI borrows heavily from the brand’s flagship GTX, adopting a similar low-slung profile and expanded rear deck. Like the GTX, the GTI saddle features a removable aft section. Remove it to lounge at rest or as a casting platform when fishing. That deck area also now comes standard with LinQ accessory mounts, recessed, composite cleats that raise to anchor a variety of accessories—including gas caddy, cooler and storage caddy. A LinQ tow pylon is also available and mounts in a dedicated port.
Bow stowage capacity increased to a sizable 40.2 gallons, about 12 more than previous GTI models. An optional netted storage organizer keeps key items readily at hand; it also can be packed at home and carried to the water. The glove box increases in size as well as adding a watertight phone box. The 4.5-inch information display is also bigger; an orange backlight improves visibility.
Sea-Doo considers music the final piece of the user experience. Introduced first on the GTX, the 100-watt, Bluetooth sound system was developed in conjunction with GTX and pairs to the user’s smartphone tucked safely away in the glove box. Speakers blend in relatively well above the GTI’s footwells and direct sound toward rider and passengers.
A simple, touchpad remote sits adjacent on the port side.
As for performance, a new 170 hp variation of the 1630 ACE engine trims nearly a second-and-a-half off the craft’s 0-to50-mph acceleration time. Our test boat covered the distance in 5.2 seconds before topping out just over 55 mph.
Improved rider control comes via SeaDoo’s ErgoLock saddle, which narrows like an hourglass to let riders use those stronger leg muscles, whether clamping against the saddle in rough water or providing leverage when powering through turns. A hard chine also pushes width to more than 4 feet, enhancing stability.
The second generation of Sea-Doo’s composite PolyTec hull material is lighter and stronger compared to older GTIs. It’s now up to 50 percent thicker in key areas, with fiberglass reinforcement in the hullsides, and molded-in stringers.