Preparing to buy GTX suspension model.....155 vs 260

[Captain Jack]

I'm comparing the GTX s 155 vs. the 260 iS Limited. 58 y o, wanting family boat but very tempted by the excitement of the Limited model. Anybody out there with thoughts? Money not a huge issue but reasonable fuel use, safety, and dependability of the boat are issues.

 

[KK40384]

Before you decide on a suspension model you MUST ride one. Very top heavy and they've had some issues with the suspension system. Some have even sank. If I were you I'd look at the non suspension models. Much lighter nimble and better on fuel.

 

[Captain Jack]

Good advice.....will do. Thanks.

 

[smc0922]

I have an RXT-X suspension and it rides very smooth. It is taller and about 80lbs heavier IIRC. I'm not buying the sinking thing, one guy had issues and it turned out to be a bad carbon seal. Others describe footwell design flaws but mine is nothing like they describe, i think the hull has been updated since it was first introduced. If you don't have a decent workshop and want to do your own repairs, don't get the suspension model. Anything aside from normal maintenance is a PITA as the whole seat assembly has to come off to gain access to the entire engine bay.

Fuel economy depends on how hard you press the throttle, but yes the 260 will probably use more than the 155 even with light riding. However the wow factor when you pin it is amazing on the 260.

Any other ?'s feel free to ask me.

 

[bell99man]

As another member said to the question of more power: you can always go lighter on the throttle but it is nearly impossible to add that much hp to the 155 later. They all come with programmed keys for any novices you might have on yours. Good luck and enjoy whatever you go with.

 

[jjj]

Will the suspension stand up to ruff ocean riding & salt water?

 

[Coastiejoe]

I'd go with the 260 for sure. It is almost impossible to modify the 155 without serious money. That said, the 260 is already for speed, power and performance out of th ebox and is cheaper that adding the cost to the 155 to get the same results.

The "sinking issue" does exist. However, I have heard others say that the newer hulls have had a design change. If this is the case, then you will likely have no issues.

I would do TONS OF RESEARCH on the sinking concern to ensure your hull is not within the affected hulls.

Good luck with your purchase....

 

[Captain Jack]

Super helpful feedback.....thanks for taking the time to reply. Too bad there isn't a forum for men (and women) thinking about getting married?? I have lots of questions for that category.......

 

[smc0922]

I'd go with the 260 for sure. It is almost impossible to modify the 155 without serious money. That said, the 260 is already for speed, power and performance out of th ebox and is cheaper that adding the cost to the 155 to get the same results.

The "sinking issue" does exist. However, I have heard others say that the newer hulls have had a design change. If this is the case, then you will likely have no issues.

I would do TONS OF RESEARCH on the sinking concern to ensure your hull is not within the affected hulls.

Good luck with your purchase....

I agree it exists, I think only in the earlier models with it, as I said my 2011 is different than the pictures and descriptions I have seen.

I assumed Captain Jack was looking at new 2013's.

 

[smc0922]

Will the suspension stand up to ruff ocean riding & salt water?

I don't see why it wouldn't- set the spring preload to your weight (one time thing, dealer should do it prior to delivery, or you can do it- takes 2 minutes.), and adjust the dampening to your liking! All the components I've seen are stainless, everything else is sealed up pretty well.

 

[ocod]

I don't see why it wouldn't- set the spring preload to your weight (one time thing, dealer should do it prior to delivery, or you can do it- takes 2 minutes.), and adjust the dampening to your liking! All the components I've seen are stainless, everything else is sealed up pretty well.

Lets hope its not like the XP's VTS housing


I'm in for less things that can go wrong after warranty expires or things that require more maintenance.

 

[smc0922]

Lets hope its not like the XP's VTS housing


I'm in for less things that can go wrong after warranty expires or things that require more maintenance.

Ughhhh VTS is a hole you throw money into. My GSi needed EVERYTHING- and the VTS was one of them... But not just a boot or module- it needed a worm, module, boot, actuator rod, and harness pins on the boat side.