Sea Doo Model Reference (1989-2007)
As of 2/16/2007 I am starting the compilation of data for use on this page. This page will basically try to describe in detail from beginning to now all Sea Doo models, their benefits, features, and any positive and negative about each model. I also plan to have a chart that shows all specs including hull design and more for all years. Since I’m putting this together from memory there may be some errors so if you see one (or more), please point them out! If you have anything to contribute to the page, please feel free to e-mail me!
Although the first Sea Doo watercraft really appeared in 1968, for our purposes, we’ll be starting with 1989. Also, if you hold your mouse over an image without clicking, it should display the year and model to help with identifying the pictures.
In 1989, the first Sea Doo to hit the market was the SP. It was equipped with the 587 “Yellow” motor which was in all Sea Doos from 1989 to 1991. The SP is technically a 2 passenger machine although that hull was pretty tippy with anything more than a couple kids onboard. The SP hull design pretty much stayed the same through 1993. 
In 1990 Sea Doo kept the SP in the lineup and also introduced the first 3 passenger GT model which featured a basically smooth hull which was fun for spins, but also could get pretty unstable with three. Since it had the 587 (twin carb), it also wasn’t the most powerful or fast but the old 587 was pretty indestructible. The GT also was the first time Sea Doo introduced the reverse feature on a ski.  
In 1991, the SP and GT (basically the same machines as 1990) were in the lineup, plus the XP makes it’s first appearance. The XP was basically the SP hull with the Twin Carb 587 installed. The XP hull did feature a hood with mirrors for the first time. Sea Doo also finally added a grab handle to the SP which really helped with reboarding!   
In 1992, the “white” 587 makes its’ first appearance and the “yellow” one is history. All models in 1992 are equipped with the 587. The SP and XP basically were the same as 1991, but the XP now shows the first appearance of trim, although manual for this year. The GT now changed its’ name to the GTS but also remains pretty much the same as the 1991 with the exception of a white lower hull with strakes instead of the grey smooth GT style.     
In 1993, we see the first larger cc engine with the 657 in the XP. The XP also features a new design hull and rounded more modern body pieces as well. A pump with more durable bronze vanes also was used on the XP. The 1993 XP is the first to have electric trim available as well. In 1993 the SPX (587 dual carb), which was basically the 1992 XP, is in the lineup. Sea Doo continued to do that with the SPX for most of the ‘90s as well. The SP (587 single carb) was offered as well as the SPI (587 single carb) which had a stainless impeller and a different pipe. The GTS 3 seat was in the lineup and the first GTX 3 seater made it’s appearance. The GTX wasn’t much different than the GTS although it did have a fuel gauge and a couple other options not found on the GTS. The GTX also had a little more power due to dual Mikuni carbs.      
In 1994 we really start seeing Sea Doo update the design on the new models. The SP (587 single carb) and SPI (587 single carb) are again offered and were popular in the rental field. They also offered the SPX (657 dual carb), which was basically the 1993 XP. The XP for 1994 featured the 657X engine that had more hp than the standard dual carb 657. As far as features go though, the 1994 XP was pretty much the same as the 1993. They also offered an XPI (657 dual carb) but I can’t remember what differentiated it from the XP. The GTS was pretty much the same ski as the 1993 GTS, but the GTX now features the 657 engine and bronze vane pump, as well as a full compliment of gauges and even mirrors so you can pull a skier.      
In 1995 we get our first glimpse of two new larger engines when the 717 and 787 make their first appearance. The SP (587 single carb) and SPI (587 single carb) are in the lineup once again. The SPX (657X engine) is once again basically the 1994 XP with different colors. The GTS is basically the same ski as the 1994, but the GTX gets the 657X engine as well as sleeker looking mirrors. An optional Touring Seat (hard to come by these days) offered on the GTX (it’s shown on the GTX picture below) made the GTS and GTX really ride well, although it was molded to seat two instead of the flat seat that could accommodate three. That seat will fit all the 1990-2001 GT style hulls and could be found in purple/green, purple, and yellow. The XP now gets the new 717 engine, which was the largest rotary valve motor released in a Sea Doo. It also features a different design trim system and a pump extension to increase the water volume in front of the pump. The XP800 also is released in limited numbers and it features the 787X RAVE valve engine. Now we’re talking some power! The final new release for 1995 is the HX, which really is basically a motorcycle for the water. I believe Sea Doo released it to compete in the same racing class as the Yamaha WaveBlaster and it had similar riding characteristics as well as a 717 engine for power. It’s a long narrow ski that takes some getting used to but is lots of fun once you get the hang of it. What it featured that made it really unique though was the first appearance of a seat with a suspension.       
In 1996, the 657 engine is totally phased out and won’t be seen again in a PWC. This year, we also see Sea Doo switching to the DESS ignition system which lots of people have varying opinions on. It allowed for better monitoring of the Sea Doo engine functions as well as security, but also makes the MPEM dramatically rise in replacement price. Now you need to take it to the dealer if you lose your lanyard as well. The SP (587 single carb) and SPI (587 single carb) are in the lineup yet again. The SPX (717 dual carb) is once again basically the 1995 XP with different colors. The XP now features the 787 RAVE engine and is probably the most desirable of the X4 hull design models built. The HX (717) stays in the lineup as well and stays basically unchanged besides graphics. We still have the GTS (587 single carb) in the lineup, but we get the new GTI which is the same hull design as the 1995 GTX but with a 717. The GTX is the first really new 3 passenger hull design since 1990 and features larger front storage, a two piece removable seat, and the 787 for adequate power for about anything you want to do. This year we also get a new model 2 seater in the GSX. It’s powered by the 787 and is slightly slower than the XP but more stable with two. The GSX and the GTX are the first now to also incorporate a digital infocenter that gives you lots of information instead of just a couple functions of the old 2” ones.         
In 1997 the original 587 engine that started it all is totally phased out and won’t be seen again in a PWC. New this year though is the release of the 130hp Rotax 2 cylinder 947 RAVE engine, the largest of all the two stroke Sea Doo engines and the most horsepower per cc of any PWC engine out there! The SP (717 single carb) is still in the lineup but its’ days are numbered. The SPX (787 dual carb) is once again basically the 1996 787 XP with different colors. The XP is a new hull design with the 787 RAVE motor located in the front and a suspension seat like the HX. Quite a different ride than the X4 hulls! The HX (717) stays in the lineup as well for 1997. This year, the GSX (dual carb 787) also gets a couple more models in that hull platform with the GS (717 single carb) and the GSI (717 single carb). The GS is the base model with pretty much no features with only a fuel gauge and no trim while the GSI and GSX have the digital infocenter and electric trim. The late production GSX Limited features the new 947 “white” engine with 130hp. Since this is the first time we see those, they also have quite a few bugs that get worked out in the later “silver” engines. The 717 GTS is the base model 3 seater still featuring the old style hull and is basically the same ski as 1996 GTI with no infocenter. The GTI for this year gets the new style hull like the 1996 GTX but has the smaller 717 engine and no infocenter, just gauges. The GTX for 1997 is almost exactly the same ski as the 1996 even down to the colors. It’s worth mentioning this year marks the beginning of the use of the new style ignition module. Instead of components being in a waterproof grey box, most everything plugs into and goes through the MPEM mounted on a plate usually in the front of the ski. Although the design works well, from now on it’s going to cost quite a bit more for a new MPEM. The only exception is the SPX and GTS, which will continue to use the old style. On a final note, late in 1997 the GSX Limited with the 130hp 947 RAVE engine also is released but most consider it a 1998 model.          
In 1998 we lose some models, but in exchange get the new 787 RFI Fuel Injected RAVE engine. Due to new stricter environmental rules, the push from now on will be towards more fuel efficient, less polluting PWCs. The SP (single carb 717) is in the lineup for the last year. This year the SPX is basically the 1997 SPX but loses a little weight somewhere, making it the lightest one of all the X4 hulled 787 SPX models so probably the most desirable one. The XP keeps the same hull design as the 1997 but also now adds “Limited” to the name and comes with the 947 (dual carb). The GS (717), GTS (717) and GTI (717) basically don’t change anything besides colors from 1997. The GTX comes for the first time with a 787 RFI engine which offers the same power as the 787 carb model, but improved fuel economy and better emissions. The GTX as well as the GSX now have “Limited” added to their names and come with the new 130hp 947 carbureted engine and that really gives them some life. The “white” 947 engine is gone and replaced with a better design “silver” one as well. Since late 1997 is the first year for the 947 engine, on the first models they do have some problems with water ingestion as well as some pump issues, but most should have been repaired and updated under warranty.            
In 1999, not much new comes out probably due to Sea Doo putting all its’ efforts into the upcoming 2000 models. The SPX (787) is basically the same X4 hull as the 1997-1998 SPX, but for some reason slightly heavier than the 1998. This will be the last year you’ll see that hull design offered. The GS (717), GTS (717) and GTI (717) basically don’t change anything besides colors from 1998. The GTX RFI (787) is in the lineup again as well as a new GSX RFI (787) model. The 947 powered GSX Limited, GTX Limited, and XP Limited are basically the same skis as 1998 although they had most of the bugs worked out now.         
In 2000 we get a whole bunch of new models, a new DI engine and some bold graphics to let you know they’re a 2000 model. As said previously, my guess the lack of new models in 1999 was so they could hit us with all these cool skis for the new millennium! The 717 GS, 717 GTS and 717 GTI basically don’t change anything besides colors from 1999. The GTX RFI (787) as well as the GSX RFI (787) model are in the lineup and pretty much unchanged from 1999. Sea Doo drops the “Limited” designation on the 947 skis this year too. This year, we also have the GTX and XP that are basically the same as 1999. Now for the new. This year Sea Doo comes out with the 947 DI engine which offers the same power as the 947 carb model, but improved fuel economy and better emissions. That engine goes in a GTX DI and a new model, the RX DI. There is also a base RX with a 947 carb engine and the new but short lived LRV (dual carb 947). The LRV has to be the largest PWC ever made seating 4 and taking up lots of space in the garage!          
In 2001, this is the last year we see the 717 GTS that used the old style hull (1990-2001) (possibly actually phased out in 2000). We get a new GTS though and it’s basically the same as the GTI, but with less bells and whistles. It may use a different hull than the GTI as well but not sure on that one. We also see the 717 GTI in the lineup again. The GSX RFI, GTX RFI, GTX DI, RX DI, GTX, RX, XP and LRV all basically are the same machines as the 2000. There is one big change for 2001 though in the form of two color options for almost every model. We do also see a limited production race machine designated RX X which I’ve read is the fastest stock production 2 stroke ever made.                   
In 2002, we see the first of what will become the base of all Sea Doo power to come. I’m referring to the 1503 4-TEC 3 Cylinder 4 Stroke engine. We also see the OPAS (Off Power Assisted Steering) first this year as well on the GTI LE (717) and the GTX 4-TEC. This year, we still have many of the same 2 strokes including the GTI, GTX, GTX RFI, GTX DI, RX DI, RX, and XP. The GTI LE is basically the GTI but with a different hull featuring OPAS. The 2002 GTI LE, GTX DI and GTX 4-TEC also now use a different design upper hull utilizing a new style hood and different seat design than 2002. New this year also is the LRV DI.          
In 2003, we see the first Supercharged 4-TEC in the GTX model. We still have the GTI (717) and the more optioned GTI LE (717) as well as the new GTI LE RFI (787 RFI). We also still have the standard 155hp GTX 4-TEC, GTX DI, RX DI and XP DI and LRV DI. This is the last year though for the LRV due to poor sales I would imagine. This is also the last year for the RX model.          
In 2004, we start to see the direction Sea Doo and most of the PWC industry is headed with more 4 strokes and less 2 strokes in the lineup. This is the first year for the new Supercharged RXP, which I would guess was meant to be the replacement for the 130hp RX model. What a replacement! This year we still have the GTI (717), GTI LE (717), and GTI LE RFI (787 RFI) models as well as a new GTI RFI (787 RFI) model. The GTX 4-TEC and Supercharged models are still in the lineup as well. It’s worth mentioning that the majority of the 2004 models haven’t changed and even have the same color scheme as 1993 which I would guess was probably since Sea Doo put most of their resources into developing the RXP. Although the XP DI is in the lineup again, this will be the last year for the XP model line. Also, as mentioned this is the first year for the RXP and it turns out to be arguably the most popular Sea Doo in years.         
In 2005, we still have the GTI (717), GTI LE (787 RFI), and GTI LE RFI (787 RFI) models as well as the GTX 4-TEC and Supercharged models. A new model to appear is the GTX (4-TEC) Wake model which is set up for wakeboarding and similar activities. The new 4 stroke model for this year is the RXT Supercharged model. It’s basically the two passenger model of the RXP and is a little longer and slower than the RXP. As for the RXP, it’s basically unchanged from 1994 besides different trim. Both the RXP and RXT come in either Red or Green color schemes this year. Finally, I would guess since they pulled the XP in 1994, Sea Doo also released a new single seat 2 stroke model called the 3D, equipped with the 787 RFI engine. The ski is kinda like the transformers toys you might have had as a kid. It changes from stand up to sit down and all together there ends up being 5 different riding combinations you can use on the ski. Although it isn’t a very popular ski, I have heard it’s a whole lot of fun to ride!          
In 2006, you really start to see the way Sea Doo is headed with the emphasis on 4 stroke models. All 2 strokes have been eliminated with the exception of the 3D, which now has the more powerful 947 DI installed. The GTI models are all 4 stroke powered now and the GTX models from last year are also are in the lineup. The RXT and RXP also of course are back as well. By now, the only real mechanical fault worth mentioning is well known among those who own the Supercharged models. The infamous clutch problems! Sea Doo addresses it with a heavier duty clutch package and aftermarket sources also have good solutions available.         
In 2007, all models from 1996 are offered but in different colors than last year. The only real new addition is a 155hp RXP which has been a big debating point on the many Sea Doo forums. It’s a bit like putting a V6 in a Corvette, but those who are less experienced riders would most likely benefit from the less powerful model. The RXP (maybe RXT too) does have a change to the steering column making it more vertical and people say that’s an improvement. I’m sure there are other changes I missed so will update if I get more info. As I said at the beginning, since I’m putting this together from memory there may be some errors so if you see one (or more), please let me know! If you have anything to contribute to the page, please feel free to e-mail me!
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