As a rule of thumb, the latest Sea-Doos are powered by 4-stroke, 3-cylinder in-line, 899cc or 1630cc Rotax engines rated at 60-325hp. They enjoy many advanced technologies including plasma-coated cylinder liners and a closed-loop cooling system.
To be more specific, production Sea-Doo engines are as follows:
- Rotax 900 ACE 60/90 (NA.)
- Rotax 1630 ACE 130/170 (NA.)
- Rotax 1630 ACE 230/300 (SC.)
- Rotax 1630 ACE 325 (SC.)
If you want to find out more about these power mills and their specifications, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
Sea-Doo Engines Compared
Rotax 900 ACE 60/90
The Rotax 900 ACE is the smallest and most fuel-efficient Sea-Doo engine in the fleet. This 4-stroke, 899cc, triple-cylinder Rotax power source debuted in the 2014 Sea-Doo Spark and has remained part of the fleet to this day.
Interestingly, this engine is derived from Ski-Doo snowmobiles, since its predecessor was the 4-stroke, Rotax ACE 600 twin-cylinder snowmobile engine.
This unit was upgraded with an advanced throttle-by-wire system and a third cylinder for 2014 and the Rotax 900 ACE Ski-Doo enigne was born.
However, the Canadian manufacturer did not develop this engine exclusively for its snowmobile line.
With some modifications for marine use, the Rotax 900 ACE found its way into the Sea-Doo PWC lineup.
In a nutshell, the key specifications of this entry-level Sea-Doo engine are as follows:
- Type: 4-stroke, Longitudinal In-Line
- Displacement: 899cc
- Performance: 60/90hp
- 3-cylinder
- Valves: 12
- Valve configuration: DOHC
- Bore x stroke: 74 x 69.7 mm
- Fuel-injected
- Throttle System: iTC Intelligent Throttle Control
- Supercharged: No
- Cooling system: Closed-Loop
- Exhaust: D-Sea-Bel system
What’s the difference between a Rotax 900 ACE 60 and the ACE 90?
Simply put, 60 and 90hp Rotax 900 ACE engines are almost completely identical, except that the performance of the 60hp configuration is electronically restricted.
This limiter can be easily eliminated with a simple aftermarket modification, known as an “ECU reflash.”
Are you wondering which Sea-Doos come with this engine?
As a rule of thumb, you can find the Rotax 900 ACE exclusively in the Sea-Doo Spark and Spark TRIXX models.
Even though Bombardier offered the GTI 90 with this engine, its larger hull proved to be underpowered with the modest performance of the 900 ACE.
Because of this, GTIs have only been available with the 130/170hp engine options since 2023.
Rotax 1630 ACE 130/170
The naturally-aspirated Rotax 1630 ACE is the smallest 1630cc Sea-Doo engine available. This purpose-built Rotax marine engine is also the base of the supercharged 230/300 and high-end 325hp engine configurations.
The 1630 ACE 130/170 is the predecessor of the proven 1494cc Rotax 4-TEC, which was also marketed as 1503 NA from 2016 to 2019.
Originally, the 1630 ACE was introduced in a supercharged configuration in the 2016 performance Sea-Doos like the RXP-X 300 and RXT-X 300.
In 2020, this unit was introduced in two naturally-aspirated versions, which replaced the proven 1503 NA in 155hp Sea-Doo models.
The new engines were marketed under brand names Rotax 1630 ACE 130 and ACE 170. Compared to the predecessor, these new engines enjoyed a better cooling system, plasma-coated friction reduction, and longer cylinders.
As their name suggests, they crank out 130 and 170hp, respectively.
These engines are mechanically the same, but the performance of the ACE 130 is electronically limited by its main computer (ECU).
Because of this, they share the same specifications, which are as follows:
- Type: 4-stroke, Longitudinal In-Line
- Displacement: 1630cc
- Performance: 130/170hp
- 3-cylinder
- Valves: 12
- Valve configuration: DOHC
- Bore x stroke: 100 x 69.2mm
- Fuel-injected
- Throttle System: iTC Intelligent Throttle Control
- Supercharged: No
- Cooling system: Closed-Loop
- Exhaust: D-Sea-Bel system
BRP uses the Rotax 1630 ACE 130 and 170 in many popular Sea-Doo lines including the GTI, GTX, Fish Pro, and the Explorer Pro series.
Rotax 1630 ACE 230/300
The Rotax 1630 ACE 230/300 is the supercharged version of its naturally-aspirated 130/170hp sibling. Thanks to its fast-spinning supercharger and external intercooler, its performance is not less than 300hp, which is rescricted to 230hp in 230 models.
As we’ve discussed, this engine debuted in the 2016 performance Sea-Doo line, replacing the outdated Rotax 1503 SC 260.
The key features of the Rotax 1630 ACE 230/300 include:
- Type: 4-stroke, Longitudinal In-Line
- Displacement: 1630cc
- Performance: 230/300hp
- 3-cylinder
- Valves: 12
- Valve configuration: DOHC
- Bore x stroke: 100 x 69.2mm
- Fuel-injected
- Throttle System: iTC Intelligent Throttle Control
- Supercharged: No
- Cooling system: Closed-Loop
- Exhaust: D-Sea-Bel system
This engine has been used in many popular Sea-Doo models like the GTXs, GTRs, RXP-X, RXT-X, and the Wake Pro.
From 2016 through 2023, the 1630 ACE 300 was the high-end Sea-Doo engine. But everything changed in late 2023 when the Canadian manufacturer revealed its new 325hp power option.
Let’s move on to talk about this all-new engine in detail!
Rotax 1630 ACE 325
The Rotax 1630 ACE 325 was introduced for 2024 as the most powerful Sea-Doo engine off the shelf. Delivering an industry-leading 325hp, this engine is an upgraded version of the proven 1630 ACE 300.
Although these engines share the same architecture, the 325 comes with a wide range of improvements, including:
- Redesigned supercharger featuring a larger intake and a smaller impeller, which ensure significantly higher RPMs
- Lower crankcase
- Less friction thanks to the ceramic thermal-coated pistons
- Thicker, more durable valve rockers
- o2 sensor in the exhaust manifold
- Upgraded intake valve train, less restrictive air intake system for more air
- Fully upgraded fuel and engine management system
- New spark plugs
- Higer REV limit (8000 to 8250 RPM)
In 2024, this powerhouse is reserved for the RXP-X 325 and the RXT-X 325, but we assume that it will appear in the GTX Limited 300 very soon!
Sea-Doo Engine Comparison Chart
For a better comparison, we’ve listed the specifications of the different units in this Sea-Doo engine comparison chart:
| Specs | 900 ACE | 1630 ACE 130 / 170 | 1630 ACE 230 / 300 | 1630 ACE 325 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 899cc | 1630cc | 1630cc | 1630cc |
| Cylinders | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Bore x Stroke | 74 x 69.7 mm | 100 x 69.2mm | 100 x 69.2mm | mm |
| Supercharged | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Intercooled | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Engine Power | 60 / 90hp | 130 / 170hp | 230 / 300hp | 325hp |
| Cooling System | CLCS | CLCS | CLCS | CLCS |
This chart is for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.
Takeaways
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about Sea-Doo engines.
Which engines are in Sea-Doos?
Sea-Doos are powered by 4-stroke, 3-cylinder Rotax engines rated at 60-325hp depending on the model.
How many cc is a Sea-Doo engine?
Sea-Doo engines come in two sizes, the smaller 900 ACE displaces at 899cc and the 1630 ACE displaces at 1630cc.
Are Sea-Doos supercharged?
Only high-end performance and touring Sea-Doos come standard with 230-325hp supercharged engines.
Their smaller brothers have to settle for 130-170hp naturally-aspirated power sources.
What is the difference between the Rotax 1503 and 1630?
The Rotax 1503 was the predecessor of the 1630 ACE. The former was a 4-stroke, 1494cc triple while the displacement of the 1630 ACE was increased to 1630cc.
Is the Rotax 1630 ACE supercharged?
The Rotax 1630 ACE engine is available in both naturally-aspirated and supercharged configurations.
How much horsepower does a Rotax 1630 ACE have?
Non-supercharged (naturally-aspirated) Rotax 1630 ACE engines produce 130 or 170hp, while its supercharged brothers are rated at 230, 300, or 325hp depending on the model.
What is the difference between the Rotax 1630 ACE 170 and 230?
The Rotax 1630 ACE 230 (230hp) is the supercharged version of the ACE 170 (170 hp). Aside from the presence of the supercharger, the architecture of these engines is identical.
What is the max RPMs for the Rotax 1630 ACE?
According to the operator’s manuals, the max engine RPMs of the different Rotax 1630 ACE engines are as follows:
- 1630 ACE 170: 7300 RPM
- 1630 ACE 170: 8000 RPM
- 1630 ACE 230: 8000 RPM
- 1630 ACE 300: 8000 RPM
- 1630 ACE 325: 8250 RPM
What does Sea-Doo ACE stand for?
When it comes to Sea-Doo engines, the abbreviation “ACE” stands for Advanced Combustion Efficiency.
As the name suggests, this technology is intended to improve the combustion in the cylinders. To do this, Rotax ACE engines come standard with a plasma coating on their cylinder liners. which is applied with a special thermal spaying procedure.
This special material turns into a durable metallic layer on the walls which, is more tolerant of friction caused by the pistons. This translates to a lighter engine architecture, better heat transfer, and more durability.
Unlike Yamaha marine engines, Rotax power sources are exclusively manufactured with a closed-loop cooling system.
Which Sea-Doo Engine is The Most Powerful?
The most powerful Sea-Doo engine right now is the Rotax 1630 ACE 325, which delivers an industry-leading 325hp at 8250 RPM.
How much does it cost to rebuild a Sea-Doo engine?
As a rule of thumb, it costs $1000-$4000 to rebuild a Sea-Doo engine.
The price varies widely depending on the model and the required repair. Some examples: if you do it by yourself, rebuilding a 2-stroke Sea-Doo engine will cost you around $1000-$2000.
If you have a newer 4-stroke Sea-Doo and want to get the rebuild done by a mechanic, be prepared to pay around $3000-$4000!
As many Sea-Doo engines can’t be repaired, you can consider buying a remanufactured Sea-Doo engine. There are some reputable services like SBT that offer remanufactured engines with a warranty.
If you are looking for something off the shelf, you can purchase a brand new Sea-Doo engine or even a new complete PWC!
References:
![Sea-Doo Engines Reviewed and Compared [Chart] (2024)](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mP8/h8AAvMB+NzmkbcAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)