Sea-Doo GTX 170: Comfort-focused touring jet ski for long days on the water

Responsible: ad hoc news Classics & Long-sellers Desk. Reviewed prior to publication on June 14, 2026 at 3:29 PM ET. Details in the imprint.

The Sea-Doo GTX 170 sits in the heart of BRP's touring lineup, aimed at riders who care more about long-distance comfort and stability than outright top speed. Built on Sea-Doo's wide ST3 platform, the three-seat personal watercraft pairs a naturally aspirated Rotax 1630 ACE engine rated at 170 hp with a high freeboard and deep saddle that support relaxed cruising in choppy conditions. In many U.S. dealerships, the GTX 170 is marketed as a comfort-first alternative to supercharged performance models, while still delivering brisk acceleration for towing and recreational riding.

Touring design with focus on stability and comfort

The GTX 170 uses Sea-Doo's ST3 hull, a deep-V fiberglass design that is noticeably wider than the brand's rec-lite and sport models, which contributes to stability at rest and predictable handling at speed. The stepped deck layout and low center of gravity are intended to make reboarding easier and to keep the craft composed when passengers move around on the large swim platform. BRP positions the GTX family as all-day touring machines built for larger lakes, bays and coastal areas where riders encounter mixed water conditions.

Power is supplied by a 1,630 cc Rotax ACE 170 engine, a naturally aspirated four-stroke unit that balances fuel economy with sufficient torque for towing tubes and wakeboards. While Sea-Doo does not quote an official top speed for the GTX 170, dealer listings in the U.S. typically describe real-world performance as strong enough for most recreational users without the higher fuel use and insurance costs associated with supercharged engines. The engine is paired with Sea-Doo's iBR (intelligent Brake and Reverse) system, allowing the craft to brake on the water and improving control during docking maneuvers.

Comfort features play a central role in the GTX 170 specification. The stepped touring seat supports up to three riders and is contoured to provide lower-back support for the driver on longer runs. Many U.S. packages add a reboarding ladder at the rear, which simplifies getting back on the craft after swimming or towing sports. The extended rear platform provides space for lounging, staging gear or mounting accessories such as coolers and modular storage, reflecting Sea-Doo's push to turn its touring models into multi-purpose water platforms.

Depending on trim and market, the GTX 170 can be equipped with a factory-installed BRP audio system and integrated color display navigation through the BRP GO app. Sea-Doo's 7.8-inch LCD touchscreen is highlighted by the company as a connectivity upgrade for select watercraft, offering Bluetooth phone pairing, music control and map-based marine navigation when used with a smartphone in a watertight compartment. For riders who spend long days exploring unfamiliar waterways, these digital features add an extra layer of convenience compared with analog-gauge models.

Storage capacity is another touring-oriented strength. The GTX 170 offers sizeable front storage accessible directly from the saddle on compatible models, allowing riders to grab gear without leaving the seat. Combined with additional space at the rear, the layout supports carrying life jackets, dock lines, dry bags and picnic supplies for day trips. BRP also promotes its LinQ quick-attach system on the swim platform, enabling riders to clip on coolers, fuel caddies or extra cargo boxes without tools.

In the U.S. market, the GTX 170 typically sits below the higher-output GTX 230 and luxury-loaded GTX Limited models, forming an entry point into Sea-Doo's full-size touring range. It is often priced to appeal to buyers who want the ST3 hull and comfort features but do not need supercharged power. Dealer listings in North America describe the GTX 170 as a strong seller among families and couples seeking one do-it-all watercraft that can handle cruising, casual towing and sandbar outings without the sharper ride of race-focused machines.

Sea-Doo distributes the GTX 170 across a nationwide network of powersports dealers in the United States, with seasonal availability varying by region. Shoppers typically see the craft bundled with trailer and accessory packages during spring and early summer sales events, reflecting its role as a core seasonal product for BRP. While official MSRP can change by model year and option package, the GTX 170 is positioned at the mid-to-upper end of the personal watercraft market rather than as an entry-level unit.

Within BRP's portfolio, the touring-focused Sea-Doo GTX line is one of the brand's most visible products, supporting its presence in the global personal watercraft segment and complementing off-road and snow brands such as Can-Am and Ski-Doo. Shares of BRP Inc. (CA05577W2004, ticker DOOO) last traded at $60.28 on Nasdaq on June 12, 2026.

This article was created with a.i. assistance and editorially reviewed. Product information is provided without warranty; prices and availability may change at any time. Not investment advice, not a buy or sell recommendation. Trading in securities carries risks up to the total loss of capital.