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The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was the successor of the short-lived ‘09 GTX Limited iS 255. This new model enjoyed slightly more engine power, but its other features were carried over from 2009 without any significant changes. Like any other iS Sea-Doo model, this ski also enjoyed the innovative Intelligent Suspension system.
If you want to find out more about this high-end touring Sea-Doo, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 review!
2009 Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Review
By 2009, Sea-Doo had expanded its popular GTX line with the all-new GTX Limited iS 255. Its siblings were the base GTX 155 and the mid-range GTX 215.
These skis shared the same S3 hull, but the Limited iS 255 stood out with its unique suspension system, a special 2-piece top deck, and a high-performance engine.
After only one year of production, its engine power was increased to 260 HP and the GTX Limited iS 260 was born.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about this model in detail!
Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Hull and Deck
Just like any modern Sea-Doo GTX, the Limited iS 260 was also built on the innovative S3 hull.It featured a deep-V design with a narrow chine that could easily cut through small waves, offering comfortably smooth rides in all water conditions.
Made of composite fiberglass, the Sea-Doo S3 hull was 19% lighter than its competitors.
Regarding dimensions, the GTX Limited iS 260 measured 139 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 44/50 inches in height.
The dry weight of the machine was a whopping 980 pounds, 155 pounds heavier than the base GTX 155.
For maximum comfort, it came standard with a wide range of innovative features including splash deflectors, retractable mooring lines (a.k.a. “Speed Ties”), and a bolstered touring seat.
It also enjoyed an 18.5-gallon gas tank, a watertight removable front storage bin, a swim platform storage, and a glovebox with an organizer.
Its overall storage capacity was 16.4 gallons while its load limit was 500 pounds, 100 pounds less than other full-size Sea-Doos.
Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Suspension
There’s no question that the most exciting feature of the Limited iS 260 was its Sea-Doo-exclusive Intelligent Suspension system.The main idea behind this innovation was to isolate riders from the negative impact of rough waters.
As far as operation is concerned, the Sea-Doo Intelligent Suspension was a mechanical system featuring one heavy-duty spring and one Fox PS6 Racing shock absorber mounted between the fixed lower deck and the moving upper deck. Its total suspension travel was 6 inches.
It could be adjusted to fit the number of passengers and different riding conditions.
Riders could select from nine settings or even the comfort level of the auto-calibration by pressing a handlebar-mounted control button.
Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Engine and Propulsion
As the name suggests, the power source of the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was the 260 HP variant of the 4-stroke, 1494cc, SOHC, 3-cylinder inline Rotax 4-TEC engine.
The key features of this powerhouse were as follows:
- 4-stroke, 3-cylinder architecture
- Engine power: 260 HP @ 8000 RPM
- Supercharged and intercooled
- Single throttle body (60 mm) with an actuator
- 12 valves (4 per cylinder) with hydraulic lifters
- Single over head camshaft (SOHC)
- Compression ratio: 8.4:1
- Water-cooled exhaust system
- Dry sump lubrication system
- Multi-port fuel injection
- Chokeless starting
- Water/air separator
- Watertight digital ignition
- RPM limiter
- Warning device
- Tips Over Protection System (T.O.P.S.)
- iTC (Intelligent Throttle Control)
- Cruise control
- Water/air separator
- D-Sea-Bel sound reduction system
- Closed-loop cooling system
- Electric starter
- Fuel type: Premium unleaded recommended
This engine was paired with a Sea-Doo Direct Drive Propulsion system, the characteristics of which were as follows:
- Replaceable urethane wear ring
- Aluminum stator vanes
- Stainless-steel impeller
- Large diameter drive shaft with a crowned spline design
Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Features
The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 came with a lot of advanced features, including:
- Interactive Multifunction Digital Information Center
- Sea-Doo learning keys
- Digitally Encoded Security System (D.E.S.S.™)
- Off-Throttle Assisted Steering (O.T.A.S.)
- iS Intelligent Suspension
- Floating safety lanyard
- Handlebar-mounted start/stop buttons
- High-performance electric Variable Trim System (VTS™)
- Removable, watertight front storage bin
- Glovebox
- Swim platform storage
- Adjustable handlebar
- Tilt steering
- Comfort hand grips (“palm grips”)
- iBR brake and reverse system
- 3-rider touring seat
- Set strap
- Splash deflector
- Dual drain plugs
- Finger throttle lever
- Tow hook
- Mooring cleats
- Automatic retractable mooring lines
- Bumpers
- Rear grab handle
- Quick latch fuel filler design
- Foam flotation
- Sponsons
- Deck mats
- Adjustable mirrors
- Fold-down reboarding step
- Ski tow eye
It also came standard with the exclusive “Limited Package,” which included the following useful accessories:
- Depth finder
- Speed tie
- Removable dry bag
- Recessed cargo cleats
- Sandbag anchor
- Glove box organizer
- Safety kit
- Custom cover
Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Performance
The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was known for a smooth operation and outstanding comfort.
Its revolutionary suspension system offered very comfortable rides even in choppy water conditions.
Riding position could be tailored with the adjustable handlebar, which also moved the dashboard up and down. Therefore, the gauges and control LEDs were never blocked from your sight.
Thanks to its incredible 260 HP engine option, GTX Limited iS 260 topped out at 65-67 mph under ideal conditions.
Engine power could be tamed using the riding modes of the Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) system.
Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Problems
It’s safe to say that the biggest flaws of the GTX Limited iS 260 were as follows:
- It was hard and expensive to work on and repair
- Various electrical issues
- iBR malfunctions
- Rubber-coated driveshaft
- Low storage capacity
Interestingly, one of the biggest flaws of the GTX Limited iS 260 was caused by its complex suspension system. For example, the bolts on its base were prone to breaking, and replacing them wasn’t an easy job.
Due to its unique “two-deck architecture,” the engine was planted in an enclosed compartment.
This plastic box not only made the engine hard to work on, but it also didn’t allow the engine to dry out after rides.
Therefore, the engine was wrapped in an enclosed space that kept moisture in all the time. This humidity caused a lot of corrosion on the fuses, wiring harnesses, and other electrical parts.
Plus, some of the wiring harnesses were mounted on the bottom of the hull, which was a clear design flaw. Let’s face it, it’s never wise to soak electrical parts in bilge water!
Because of these, the ski was notorious for various electrical issues, causing a lot of headaches for owners.
On top of that, the upper part of the deck had to be removed before any major engine repairs could be done.
The iBR brake and reverse also had many issues on the 2009-2011 iBR Sea-Doos, and the GTX Limited iS 260 was no exception.
This model was also known for its defective rubber-coated driveshaft. This coating would come off over time, which would cause damage to the impeller.
Consequently, if you are in the marketplace for a used Sea-Doo, you should steer clear of the GTX Limited iS 260 and any other suspension Sea-Doo.
Instead, you should take a close look at the naturally-aspirated models manufactured after 2011.
Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 into these charts:
Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Engine Specs
| Engine Specs | Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 |
|---|---|
| Type | Rotax® 4-TEC®, Single Over Head Camshaft (SOHC), 179 kW |
| Intake system Type | Supercharged with intercooler |
| Electronic Throttle body | 60mm (2.4 in) |
| Number of cylinder | 3 |
| Number of valve | 12 valves (4 per cylinder) with hydraulic lifters (no adjustment) |
| Displacement | 1494 cc (91.2 cu. in) |
| Bore | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Stroke | 63.4 mm (2.5 in) |
| Compression ratio | 8.4:1 |
| Ignition system type | IDI (inductive discharge ignition) |
| Starter | Electric |
| Spark plug - Make and type | NGK, DCPR8E |
| Spark plug - Gap | 0.75mm (.03 in) |
| Battery | 12 V, 30 Ah, Electrolyte type |
| Cooling system | Closed-loop system |
| Cooling system Capacity | 5.5 L (5.8 qt (U.S. liq.)) |
Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Fluids
| Fluids | Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Unleaded |
| Minimum octane | Inside North America ((RON + MON)/2): 91, Outside North America (RON): 95 |
| Recommended octane rating for optimum performance | Inside North America ((RON + MON)/2): 87, Outside North America (RON): 92 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 L (18.5 U.S. gal.) |
| Engine oil Type | XPS synthetic blend oil (summer grade). |
| Engine oil Capacity | 3 L (3.2 qt (U.S. liq.)) Oil change w/filter |
Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Propulsion System
| Propulsion system | Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 |
|---|---|
| Propulsion system | Sea-Doo direct drive |
| Jet Pump | Aluminum, Axial flow, single stage. Large hub with 10-vane stator |
| Impeller | Stainless steel |
| Transmission | Electronic: iBR, Direct drive, (forward/neutral/reverse) |
| VTS system | Yes |
Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Dimensions and Capacities
| Dimensions and Capacities | Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 |
|---|---|
| Number of passenger (Driver incl.) | 3 |
| Load limit (passengers + luggage) | 226 kg (500 lb) |
| Storage capacity | 62 L (16.4 U.S. gal.) |
| Weight (dry) | 446 kg (980 lb) |
| Length | 354 cm (139 in) |
| Width | 122 cm (48 in) |
| Height | 111.4 cm (43.9 in) |
These charts are 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 the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260:
What is a Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260?
The 2009 Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was the flagship luxury Sea-Doo featuring an advanced suspension system.
When did the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Come Out?
The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was manufactured from 2010 through 2016.
What Size was a Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260?
The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 measured 139 inches in length, 48 inches in width, and 44/50 inches in height (suspension collapsed: 44”, suspension extended: 50”).
How Much Did a Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Weigh?
The dry weight of the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was 980 pounds.
How Many People Could Ride on a Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260?
The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was rated for three riders.
What Kind of Engine was in the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260?
The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was powered by a 4-stroke, 1494cc, SOHC, Rotax 4-TEC engine.
Was the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Supercharged?
The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 utilized a supercharged engine.
Was the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 a 4-Stroke?
The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was powered by a 4-stroke engine.
How Much Horsepower Did a Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Have?
As the name suggests, the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 produced 260 HP in stock condition.
How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Hold?
The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was equipped with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Oil Did a Sea-Doo GTI SE 133 Hold?
The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 required 3.2 US quarts of oil with filter (4.8 US quarts total).
How Much Weight Could a Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Hold?
The total weight capacity of the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was 500 pounds.
How Much Gear Could a Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Carry?
The total storage capacity of the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was 16.4 gallons.
How Fast Did a Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Go?
The top speed of a Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was about 65-67 mph under ideal conditions.
Could the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Due to its three-seater configuration, the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 could legally tow a wakeboarder or skier.
Did the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Have a Reverse?
The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 came standard with an electric reverse system.
Did the Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Have a Brake?
The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 was manufactured with the innovative iBR brake and reverse system.
How Much Does a Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 Cost?
The asking price of a used Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 varies between $5,000 and $8,000 depending on the year and its condition.
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