Educate me on RXP / RXT comparisons, and 4tech mods.

[Spimothy Leary]

When it came to Doo's, I've always been a 2 stroke guy but finally find myself in the position to start searching for a 4tech, have cash in hand and an empty spot on my double trailer.

I apologize if there is a thread that I should piggyback on or read first, i'll be doing some digging in the next few days to get myself up to snuff, prior to this weekend its always been cursory research and nothing more.

I'm mostly a river rat, I enjoy flat water and river/twisty runs but I live a mile from the Gulf of Mexico so offshore/chop is unavoidable and I would prefer to get a model that handles chop better than my old ski (modded GP1300r) did I was constantly out of the water in anything over 18".

Down to the questions: some might be dumb or assumptions incorrect, which Is why i'm looking for assistance. I've had minimal seat time on RXP, RXPX, RXT, and always on flat & straight water.

I'm familiar with the supercharger and exhaust valve issues, and will address that issue if the PO hasn't done it already. (flywheel bolts as well if applicable)

Whatever SD I purchase will have to at least run a top speed from 68-72ish after mods. I'm not really that interested 75+ speeds and the related costs associated.


RXP: Its probably going to suck in heavy chop right ? Is there any difference in the hull from 2004 to 2010 in terms of handling chop, or is it just really color changes, and more HP. I won't spend the money on an 11+ although I understand that would be ideal.

RXT, is the RXT significantly better in the chop during those years and will I be trading off some handling with the larger model ? I don't want to be drifting into the mangroves on a high speed turn with some of my river runs.

Is the -X worth it ? (they are harder to find, but past the handlebar's/seat I don't' know much about what the X actually includes)

can someone summarize or provide a link as to what mod's I'd be limiting myself to with the different 4tech engines ? 215, 255, 260, ie: are some cheaper to mod? (ECU)

155's should be off the table, correct?

I really doubt I'd purchase a GTX, but is it any better/worse than the RXT when it comes to rough water? Will it let me down as far as handling some of the tight turns ?

 

[red2blue]

yeah...the x model's upgrades are worth it imo. You can get your 215 up there easy enough....but for the right price I'd be all over an '08 or better x boat.

Yes...an rxp will suck in the chop...however...an '08 p-x will perform very well...with a driver who knows what he's doing. Thing with smaller boats is the time outa the water in chop. The p-x addressed this issue with one mod...a bigger tunnel. stays hooked up much better than a p and being light...more nimble...with the right driver will out perform a t.

If you really want an rxt to handle like it's on rails...gotta do a ride plate mod....either a new plate or a set of skegs. I installed skegs on my rxt...4-5 years ago?...still there. Let me tell you...you crank the bars at speed...you better mean it....'cause the boat is gonna turn...whether you're ready or not.

Ask me how I know...heh.

Good luck on your new ride...you're gonna love it.

 

[AircraftDoc]

I can just give you insight on the early models. Rxp is nimble, quick and very maneuverable. My Rxt is fast but not as maneuverable. Two people on the RxP feels squirrely. Two people on the RxT is stable.
The non Supercharged vessels are lighter, but does not have the top speed. When you are in the ocean swells and chop, you can not go very fast. Unless you like beating yourself up. They have plent of power and no maintence on Supercharger.
If you ride a lot, then the RXP-X will pay off for you. You can always just use half throttle. Lol.
I would like to see a picture of the skegs on the RXT, Red2Blue. I think I might want to install that. I run in the ocean in San Diego.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

thanks guys this is helpful.

Hadn't considered skegs for the T, will remember that, i'm used to being able to corner hard at speed and I don't want to give that up. Didn't realize the X models had a bigger tunnel, good to know, and another reason to wait for the right model. I still have another ski so i'm not under any huge pressure to jump on the first ski I see.

I might have to be more patient that I want to if i'm looking for the X since they don't pop up nearly as often, and the price gets pushed up a bit as well compared to the standard models where you can get up and running on a budget, but i'm trying to avoid making a lateral move with regards to riding in the chop, my GP was absolutely terrible in anything over 18", I always end up being the last in line coming in because everybody else is pulling higher speeds with less effort, quite frustrating, and it wears you out fast because i'm working so much harder just to keep up with my group. No point in picking up a replacement that is going to give me the same issues that provoked me to sell the GP in the first place.

If i'm understanding correctly then the PX will show improved offshore results vs a P, and a T or TX can get some flat water handling help with some bolt-ons.

Am I assuming correctly that I'll get at least some improvement with the RXT in chop over a RXP?
And even more if I go TX ?

 

[purple_people_eater]

not sure how close you are to atlanta, but they come up there pretty often. also if you feel brave enough, get an "Is" model and it helps in any rough water. not sure how it would handle big open water as the "Is" cavity does like to fill and when coming off plane and will flip you. also they're a pain in the a$$ to work on and if the cavity completely fills can sink the ski. however being aware of the cavity solves most issues, remembering to come off plane slowly or to bump the throttle after a sudden stop fixes those issues, a pump in the cavity solves the others.

also defiantly get the t3/s3 hulls i don't like the earlier hull styles as they feel to whale-ish to me. my rxt-is truly surprised me with how nimble it could turn.

 

[purple_people_eater]

also, no real difference between the 255 and 260. just a tune. intercoolers can be a problem sometimes, as they crack internally. and the riva gps speed unlocker should get you to 73-74 by itself.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

re: Atlanta, not necessary, i'm in Florida, we're tripping over seadoo's down here, a new one comes up for sale almost every day just in my area, if i'm willing to drive 4 hours then even more come up, right now i'm limiting my search from Tampa to Ft Myers only, no need to expand the search further unless I get wind of a monster deal.

i'm reasonably well set as far as mods, I have a buddy that is pushing a lot faster so I have access to his hand me downs. Since i'm not feeling the urge to push past low 70's, the things i'm looking at are pretty reasonable as far as time/expense.

To throw a wrinkle in it, i'm going to look at a GPsho conversion this afternoon, and got a bead on a GPrxp in Ocala that I might go up and see over the weekend.

There is a nice 05 rxp stage 1 for 3500 OBO, very good buy if its clean, but again, It would be pretty much the same ski I just sold, fast & nimble but sucky in the chop, OPAS delete only helps so much and after that there really isn't much I can do to improve the situation.

 

[red2blue]

...I would like to see a picture of the skegs on the RXT, Red2Blue. I think I might want to install that. I run in the ocean in San Diego.

The best thing...for me re the ride. Straight line tracking in the chop. You know your boat "bow hunts" from wave to wave...ect. when your course is running diagonally to the waves. You must correct constantly. At the end of the day...you feel it. Skegs makes running through crap much easier. Keep you running straight...till you want to turn.

One thing....you must keep your head on a swivel. Not just for traffic...but the odd "rogue" wave. You lose your balance and come off/launch off a wave...wrong...like maybe...with your bars turned trying to catch your balance?...better hold on...because when the boat lands...and you've got the bars turned....it will turn...(like I've said before...with or without you).

You will not slide the azz of a ski with skegs installed.

aside...when running through chop(nuthin to do with skegs)...at the very least, block your opas up. You don't want to have one hanging down when landing a jump...trust me.

 

[red2blue]

Didn't realize the X models had a bigger tunnel,

If i'm understanding correctly then the PX will show improved offshore results vs a P, and a T or TX can get some flat water handling help with some bolt-ons.

Am I assuming correctly that I'll get at least some improvement with the RXT in chop over a RXP?
And even more if I go TX ?

The '08-'10 rxp-x's have a bigger tunnel than the '03-'10 rxp's(not sure of the '11's and up.

Not much flat water handling mods needed for the 3seaters...except more hp....wedge....skegs help a lil bit. The t-x has vts...a desirable but expensive after-market mod.

If you really wanna run in the rough...search for a t-x with an S3 hull. Or get a kawi 300..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................and tow a fuel barge.