Packed with new features and two choices of engine, Spicer takes the Sea-Doo GTI SE for a spin on a lake in Surrey.

Hooning across the lake at full whack on the back of the GTI, throttle wide open, I screamed my lungs out as Matt Crowhurst swung it fast into a corner. “Aaahhhhhh!” I yelled as the G-force wrenched my body towards the clouds. Clutching the passenger strap for dear life with one hand, my camera in the other, we went speeding round the buoy at 45-degrees. Nearly toppling, I gripped harder, forcing the veins in my forehead to pop out like the London Underground map.

The GTI is extremely agile, nipping from left to right like an excitable Morris dancer, and with just as many bells and whistles. The GT was Sea-Doo’s primary entry-level craft, originally released in 1990, followed by the launch of a GTI kit in 1991 that could be added to the GT model. It has seen several variations and upgrades over the years, including the transformation to four-stroke in 2006. This year it has been reworked and re-released as the GTI SE (Special Equipment) with swanky add-ons like chrome fairing, a reboarding ladder, a speedo, and two different engine options. This allows buyers the choice to pay a little more to get that extra ounce of oomph.

Back on the bank, knackered and looking like Art Garfunkel having being dragged through a hedge backwards, I give the GTI SE a thorough aesthetic assessment. On first impressions, it looks pretty sophisticated for an entry-level, with smooth curves and lines, smart decals and a deep blue colour with a two-tone silver / blue seat. At 1.17 metres it is roughly the same height as other watercraft in its class but the raised display section with chrome spoiler, gives it the impression that it is taller. It also makes it look like a cross between an eagle’s beak and a clothes iron. But maybe that’s just me.

Boarding it, there’s a little wobble if you put your weight to one side but generally it is a stable PW. The riding position is neutral with a good view of the digital display, whilst the seat is comfy, and there is plenty of legroom. Adjustable wing mirrors are one of the other add-ons and these make a lot of sense in any riding situation. Plugging the lanyard in, the SE gives the usual Sea-Doo ‘squeak squeak’ noise, sounding like one of those chipmunks had squirreled under the hood. Then with a push of the start button and a squeeze of the thumb throttle, which I find a little awkward, I am on my way. Gratefully under my own control this time!

HANDLING

The pick up is good and the progressive-V shape of the hull means that it jumps onto the plane quickly. The hull is flatter than the Yamaha VX (tested in the July issue and on jetskier.co.uk), which makes it that bit more playful - especially on a lake. It carves nicely on the glassy flat surface, cornering quickly and with conviction, and also allows a good amount of lean before the sponsons bite in. Because of the flattish hull, you can also slide it out if you want - just by letting off the power, turning the bars to full lock and then powering on again. It adds to the fun on a lake, and even when sliding at speed the seat provides good lateral support and plenty of cushioning for your gravy-maker.

Taking the GTI out in rough seas may be more challenging to a newcomer than something like the VX, which has a deeper V section. Therefore I would recommend the SE to riders who are looking for excitement on lakes and for gentle cruising and blasting at sea. Those looking to ride in bigger surf might want to look at the GTX Ltd iS, which has a hull designed specifically for sea-faring along with suspension. Overall, the GTI SE maintains a balance of good straight-line stability with smooth carve through corners. And it is bags of fun.

ENGINE

Muscling it off the straight - right then quickly left - into a kidney-shaped corner of the lake, the Rotax copes well with my wildly fluctuating revs. Coming out of the corner, the power gets to the pump quickly, hitting over 30mph at 6,000rpm. The GTI SE is available in two engine options, a 130hp (£8,609) and 155hp (£9,369). I’m riding the 155hp and it has definitely got some bite, with more bottom end than the VX and a gutsier feeling throughout, especially in the mid-range where there is a slight jump in power. It isn’t scarily fast, I managed a top speed of 56mph, but perhaps with a longer lake this could have been increased. The GTI’s speed feels accomplished and not like you are overworking the engine, or wringing the lifeblood out of it. And having the choice of two engines is a good call, meaning that Dad can have an all-round craft for the family, but if he needs to be able to hold his own with the lads as well, then he has the option of the 155. Plus if little Johnny decides he wants a ride, then Dad can bung him the Learner Key that limits the top speed to 35mph, and Johnny would be none the wiser. The GTI has the best fuel economy in the Sea-Doo line-up, with the 130hp obviously being the more favourable of the two engine choices. It has also been awarded a three-star rating by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which means that it has ultra low emissions. Plus the Rotax four-stroke is very quiet - purring and humming its way around the lake, rather than growling anti-socially like some of the bigger engines. One other noteworthy aspect of its motor is the cooling system. Where as most PWs suck water in to cool the engine, Sea-Doo uses a closed-loop system, which basically uses the ride plate and anti-freeze as a radiator. And BRP claim this will prolong the engine’s life in saltwater, which can’t be a bad thing.

FOR MORE READ THE FULL TEST IN THE AUGUST ISSUE OF JET SKIER&PW