Need a new Sea-Doo for ocean duty-RXP-X or RXT-X?

[pro1200]

I ride in the Gulf of Mexico from Charlotte harbor to Ten Thousand islands. I lost my '17 RXT-260 in the flooding from Hurricane Ian so I need a new machine. I was leaning towards the RXT-X since my daughter rides with me and I believe the extra length of the ST3 hull will reduce the pitch and roll in the rough (compared to the T3R hull of the RXP). Both '22 and '23 models are available. The Apex version of the RXP-X intrigues me because of the dampened helm assembly and cost is not a consideration. What are the opinions of those who have used both?

[TheDt]

Cant comment on the models since i went NA with a gtx(reliability and the low supercharger hours between replacements would mean i would be replacing it once a year ). But on the ST3 hull in open ocean(all i ride), id say its a great hull that has been through some rough water and always got me home. Some youtubers/reviewers say its not the greatest, so hard to tell if it good or not, or if they just didnt spend time with it or on flat lakes maybe its not great? Open ocean wise though I love it and say it a good choice even though ive never ridden a T3R hull.

[Wild Thing]

Dont look past a FX SVHO. The new smc hull is mega in the ocean. Do ST3 hulls not have bad tracking issues in ocean swells/chop

[pro1200]

Dont look past a FX SVHO. The new smc hull is mega in the ocean. Do ST3 hulls not have bad tracking issues in ocean swells/chop

I have heard about the tracking issue with the ST3 hull but that different sponsons improve the handling. As far as Waverunners go, I tried a new 2009 and 2012 FZR and didn't have good luck with either mainly because of the fragile hulls.

[John's truck]

Dont look past a FX SVHO. The new smc hull is mega in the ocean. Do ST3 hulls not have bad tracking issues in ocean swells/chop

The ST3 is a great offshore hull, but it has super weird steering tendencies with stock sponsons. It wants to track for you if you’re following in a boat wake instead of hopping over them. I’ve only rode our GTX with stock sponsons. Apparently the RXTX sponsons aren’t that much of an improvement, but Riva Racing sponsons fix it really well. So I’ll probably order a set for our ski. And I’ll be looking to reinforce the pump tunnel and the front near the bow

[GreenHulk Jr]

Please stay far far away from the RXT-X for ocean riding (ST3 Hull). The T3R hull of the RXP-X is lightyears better than the ST3 hull but still not perfect. The RXT-X is only a nice ski in flat water. The best hull that you could get for ocean riding with your daughter is the FX SVHO. The new Kawasaki Ultras are an excellent option as well. My personal favorite in rough water is the GP1800R hull but it won't be comfortable for you and your daughter.

The RXT-X will keep you dry and that's about it. The FX and Kawasaki will comfortably cut right through chop and stay straight as an arrow. I've ran my RXP-X in 1-2ft chop at a sustained 80+ mph with a passenger and it performed great. In heavier chop it has nearly ejected me numerous times.

[jetplane]

Please stay far far away from the RXT-X for ocean riding (ST3 Hull). The T3R hull of the RXP-X is lightyears better than the ST3 hull but still not perfect. The RXT-X is only a nice ski in flat water. The best hull that you could get for ocean riding with your daughter is the FX SVHO. The new Kawasaki Ultras are an excellent option as well. My personal favorite in rough water is the GP1800R hull but it won't be comfortable for you and your daughter.

The RXT-X will keep you dry and that's about it. The FX and Kawasaki will comfortably cut right through chop and stay straight as an arrow. I've ran my RXP-X in 1-2ft chop at a sustained 80+ mph with a passenger and it performed great. In heavier chop it has nearly ejected me numerous times.

I have only to agree with you . I don't know how someone say that the st3 hull is fantastic on the chop , my gosh !

[pro1200]

Please stay far far away from the RXT-X for ocean riding (ST3 Hull). The T3R hull of the RXP-X is lightyears better than the ST3 hull but still not perfect. The RXT-X is only a nice ski in flat water. The best hull that you could get for ocean riding with your daughter is the FX SVHO.

I appreciate your candid and informed opinion. What concerns me about the FX is the talk about how wet the ride is and the rideplate design. What is the latest production status of the hull design? Maybe I should just try to find a used S3 hulled RXT since that's what my '17 RXT-260 had.

[jetplane]

I appreciate your candid and informed opinion. What concerns me about the FX is the talk about how wet the ride is and the rideplate design. What is the latest production status of the hull design? Maybe I should just try to find a used S3 hulled RXT since that's what my '17 RXT-260 had.

I think the s3 hull when corrected using rxt as rear trim tabs , front sponsons , 161 mm pump and some power to run it , riva sponsons and riva intake grate is much better than an st3 hull in the chop !

[K447]

... What concerns me about the FX is the talk about how wet the ride is and the rideplate design. What is the latest production status of the hull design? 

The SMC hull material change I think coincided with a change in factory ride plate (I am unsure about intake grate changes).

The Riva ride plate is supposedly a further improvement.

[GreenHulk Jr]

The SMC hull material change I think coincided with a change in factory ride plate (I am unsure about intake grate changes).

The Riva ride plate is supposedly a further improvement.

This is correct. The 2022+ FX has a stronger hull that is made out of real fiberglass and received an updated ride plate. The new ride plate design has enough angle to lift the bow and keep you dry. The 2019-2021 model years had a ride plate that didn't allow the bow to lift which resulted in a wet and slower ride. The RIVA ride plate is the best option for the FX hull but isn't needed on the newer models if all you're looking for is a dry ride.

[TheDt]

I have only to agree with you . I don't know how someone say that the st3 hull is fantastic on the chop , my gosh !

Yeah I had no base comparing to anything else aside from some rental time on other hulled skis, which was all just in bays which is not the same to the open ocean. Though id say no one should really be going full speed in choppy water on the ocean in the first place. Getting ejected could be mean the end since if the current and waves are kicking, then you might not be making it back to your ski. Just something to think about especially since OP mentioned going at it with a rider. Bit off topic but since we are talking ocean riding getting something a small "Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)" and attaching to your vest would be a good idea as well incase you do get separate from the ski, at least you have a chance of help coming. Just something to think about from a gtx owner who recused 2 scuba divers who let go of their boat for just a second.

[Wild Thing]

Golden rule of jetskiing never ride on your own

[pro1200]

And IÔÇÖll be looking to reinforce the pump tunnel and the front near the bow

Can you explain what you mean here? I know there were some ST3 hull failures in the '18-'19 era but are they still weak in these areas?