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The most advanced 2-stroke Sea-Doo GTIs were the GTI RFI and GTI LE RFI. These models shared their platform with the carbureted GTI 720, but were powered by a fuel-injected Rotax 787 RFI engine. Sea-Doo marketed the base GTI RFI and its more advanced sibling, the GTI LE RFI, from 2003 through 2005.
If you want to learn all about this legendary machine, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo GTI RFI review!
Sea-Doo GTI RFI and RFI LE Review
Sea-Doo GTI RFI Review
Sea-Doo released its new GTI platform for the 2001 model year. Its hull and top deck were built based on the race-intended 2000 RX.
The fiberglass-reinforced, semi-V hull was extended for better stability and capacities, while the top deck got a roomy swim platform and a comfortable, 2-piece seat rated for three riders.
This innovative GTI platform measured 121 inches in length, 47 inches in width, and 41 inches in height.
The Canadian manufacturer marketed this ski with the carbureted Rotax 717 engine from 2001 through 2005.
By 2003, the GTI family had expanded with two additional models, the GTI RFI and the GTI LE RFI. These skis inherited the aforementioned RX-based platform but utilized a Rotax 787 RFI engine.
This power source was a 782cc, 2-stroke twin featuring an innovative semi-direct fuel injection system. The RFI (Rotax Fuel Injected) system utilized a set of injectors, a fuel rail, and fuel pump.
The Rotax 787 RFI provided an amazing 110 HP and required zero “carb work” thanks to this advanced feature.
Engine power was transferred to a standard Bombardier Formula jet pump that propelled the GTI RFI up to 50 mph.
The large-hub, stainless-steel impeller provided plenty of low-end power, making the GTI the perfect PWC for tow sports. What’s more, its large rear platform was equipped with a pair of footrests that were specifically designed for the spotter.
The GTI RFI was also designed with three separate storage spaces with a total capacity of 33.8 gallons.
The tiny glovebox was placed right behind the handlebars, a removable storage tray was mounded beneath the rear seat, while the bow accommodated a roomy front storage compartment.
Standard features of the Sea-Doo GTI RFI included:
- Handlebar-mounted start-stop button
- Reverse system
- Thumb throttle lever
- 15-gallon fuel tank
- 1.6-gallon oil reservoir
- Fuel gauge
- Low-oil warning light
- Rear grab handle
- Built-in spotter footrests
- O.P.A.S. (Off-Power Assisted Steering)
- 3-position fuel valve (ON, OFF, RES)
- D.E.S.S. (Digitally Encoded Security System)
- Overheating warning device
- Docking eyelets
- Bilge drain plugs
- Three storage compartments (bow storage, glovebox, under-seat storage)
- Large sponsons
Drawbacks?
Due to the larger engine, the GTI RFI was significantly heavier than its carbureted brothers. The dry weight of GTI 720 models was only 600 pounds, while the GTI RFI weighed 695 pounds.
Another problem was that the fuel-injection system added a lot of complexity to the engine. Because of this, the Rotax 787 RFI engine was much harder to work on than regular carbureted Rotax engines.
The O.P.A.S. system was also prone to activating itself on choppy waters, providing undesired steering power and bumpy rides.
Sea-Doo GTI LE RFI Review
As the name suggests (LE here stands for Luxury Edition), the Sea-Doo GTI LE RFI had more features than other models in this breed.
Compared to the base GTI, the GTI LE RFI came with many sport-intended features as standard, including:
- Fold-down reboarding step
- Custom color scheme
- Footwell carpets
- Large dual mirrors
- Analog speedometer
Unfortunately, the LE edition had a hefty price tag, so the base GTI offered a better price/value ratio.
Sea-Doo marketed the GTI RFI and the GTI LE in the 2003-2005 model years.
By 2006, the manufacturer stopped making its entire 2-stroke GTI family for the sake of more advanced 4-stroke GTI models.
Sea-Doo GTI RFI Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the Sea-Doo GTI RFI specifications into these charts!
Sea-Doo GTI RFI Dimensions
| Sea-Doo GTI RFI | Dimensions and Capacities |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers | 3 (refer to load limit) |
| Overall length | 307 cm (121 in) |
| Overall width | 120 cm (47 in) |
| Overall height | 104 cm (41 in) |
| Weight | 315 kg (695 lb) |
| Load limit | 243 kg (536 lb) |
| Fuel tank | 56.5 L (15 U.S. gal) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity | 100 mL (3.4 U.S. oz) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level height | up to plug |
| Injection oil reservoir | 6 L (1.6 U.S. gal) |
Sea-Doo GTI RFI Engine Specs
| Sea-Doo GTI RFI | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Rotax 717, 2-stroke |
| Induction type | Rotary valve |
| Exhaust system | Water cooled / water injected |
| Exhaust valve | Rotax Adjustable Variable Exhaust (RAVE) |
| Lubrication - type | Oil injection |
| Lubrication - oil type | XP-S synthetic 2-stroke oil |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 718.2 cm3 (43.81 in3) |
| Rev limiter setting | 7200 ± 50 RPM |
| Cooling Type | Water cooled, total loss type - Direct flow from propulsion unit |
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel system | Rotax Fuel Injection (RFI) |
Sea-Doo GTI RFI Propulsion
| Sea-Doo GTI RFI | Propulsion |
|---|---|
| Propulsion system | Bombardier Formula pump |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Transmission | Direct drive |
| Reverse system | Yes |
| Jet pump oil type | Sea-Doo synthetic polyolester oil SAE 75W90 GL5 |
| Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle) | ~ 20° |
| Minimum required water level for jet pump | 90 cm (3 ft) underneath the lowest rear portion of hull |
Sea-Doo GTI RFI Electrical Features
| Sea-Doo GTI RFI | Electrical Features |
|---|---|
| Magneto generator output | 160 W @ 6000 RPM |
| Ignition system type | Digital Inductive type |
| Spark plug - Make and type | NGK BR8ES |
| Spark plug - Gap | 0.45 mm (0.018 in) |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Battery | 12 V, 19 A |
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.
Vintage Sea-Doo GTI RFI For Sale
If you are considering purchasing one, you probably want to know where to find a Sea-Doo GTI RFI for sale. As this model vanished from the market in 2005, it’s, so finding one is not an easy task!
We recommend that you start your research on dedicated Sea-Doo forums and Facebook fan groups. Aside from some good deals, you may find some valuable info there about this ski.
Besides these sources, you may also find some used Sea-Doo GTI RFIs for sale on Craigslist, PWC Trader, and other dedicated jet ski swap sites.
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Sea-Doo GTI RFI!
What is a Sea-Doo GTI RFI?
The Sea-Doo GTI RFI was a popular mid-range, fuel-injected, 2-stroke Sea-Doo.
What Year did Sea-Doo Make the GTI RFI and GTI LE RFI?
Sea-Doo marketed the GTI RFI and LE RFI from 2003 through 2005.
How Many People Could Ride a Sea-Doo GTI RFI?
The Sea-Doo GTI RFI was rated for three riders.
What Size was the Sea-Doo GTI RFI?
The 2003-2005 Sea-Doo GTI RFI was 121 inches long, 47 inches wide, and 41 inches high.
How Much Did a Sea-Doo GTI RFI Weigh?
The dry weight of the 2001-2005 Sea-Doo GTI RFI was 695 pounds.
What Kind of Engine Did the Sea-Doo GTI RFI Have?
The engine of the Sea-Doo GTI RFI was a fuel-injected Rotax 787 RFI.
How Much Horsepower Did a Sea-Doo GTI RFI Have?
The Sea-Doo GTI RFI provided 110 HP at 7200 RPM.
Did the Sea-Doo GTI RFI Have Reverse?
Yes, the Sea-Doo GTI RFI was equipped with manual reverse.
What Size Storage Compartment Did a Sea-Doo GTI RFI Have?
The Sea-Doo GTI RFI featured a small glove box, a storage tray, and a large front bin, which translated to a total storage capacity of 33.8 gallons.
How Much Weight Could a Sea-Doo GTI RFI Hold?
The total weight capacity of the Sea-Doo GTI RFI was 536 pounds.
How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo GTI RFI Hold?
The Sea-Doo GTI RFI utilized a 15-gallon fuel tank and a 1.6-gallon oil reservoir.
How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo GTI RFI Use?
The 2001-2005 Sea-Doo GTI RFI fuel consumption was about 11 GPH at WOT.
Could the Sea-Doo GTI RFI Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Yes, the Sea-Doo GTI RFI was specifically designed for tow sports.
How Fast Did a Sea-Doo GTI RFI Go?
The top speed of a Sea-Doo GTI RFI was 50 mph in stock condition.
Was a Sea-Doo GTI RFI a 2-Stroke Ski?
Yes, the Sea-Doo GTI RFI utilized a 2-stroke twin engine.
How Much is a Sea-Doo GTI RFI Worth?
It’s hard to tell the exact price of a 2003-2005 Sea-Doo GTI RFI, as it strongly depends on its year, condition, and location. But as a rule of thumb, the prices typically range from $1,500 up to $4,000.
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