The ’97-’00 Sea-Doo GTS 720 inherited its platform from the 1992-1996 GTS 580, but was powered by a single-carb Rotax 717 engine.
If you want to learn all about this popular vintage machine, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTS 720 review!
1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Review
The Sea-Doo GTS series made its debut for the 1992 model year. But let’s face it, the GTS wasn’t a new model designed from scratch.
Instead, the first Sea-Doo GTS was actually a rebranded GT, built on the original flat-bottom GT hull. This platform measured 119.3 inches in length, 47.6 inches in width, and 37.4 inches in height.
Compared to the GT, the ’92 GTS received some upgrades to the hull, which ensured better stability and handling. Sea-Doo offered this model from ’92 through ‘96 with the “Yellow” Rotax 587 engine.
This platform was carried over to the 1997 GTS 720 without any significant changes. However, the new model was already powered by a single-carb Rotax 717 engine.
This 718cc, 2-stroke twin utilized an innovative oil injection system, a single Mikuni BN-40I carburetor, a CDI ignition, and an open-loop water cooling system. Thanks to these advanced features, the single-carb Rotax 717 cranked out 85 HP at 7000 RPM.
The ’97 GTS 720 came with a white/purple paint job, purple seat, and pink Sea-Doo decals.
Standard features of the 1997 Sea-Doo GTS 720 were as follows:
- Electric start
- Tether cord
- 12-gallon fuel tank
- 1.2-gallon oil reservoir
- Fuel tank reserve
- Overheating warning device
- Reverse
- Storage compartment
- Rear grab handle
- Docking eyelets
- Water tank trap drains
The Sea-Doo GTS 720 was available in the following model years, with basically the same form. It remained in production until 2001 when it was replaced by the all-new more modern 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720.
Despite the new model’s debut, the “old-fashioned” GTS 720 was still marketed during the 2001 season. This means that surprisingly Sea-Doo was offering two different skis under the name of GTS 720 in that year!
1997 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the 1997 Sea-Doo GTS 720 specifications into these charts!
1997 Sea-Doo GTS Dimensions
| 1997 Sea-Doo GTS 720 | Dimensions and Capacities |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers | 1 operator and 2 passengers |
| Overall length | 302 cm (119 in) |
| Overall width | 119 cm (46.9 in) |
| Overall height | 95 cm (37.4 in) |
| Weight | na |
| Load limit (passengers + luggage) | 225 kg (496 lb) |
| Hull Material | Composite (fiberglass) |
| Fuel tank | 46 L (12 US gal) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity | 90 mL (3 US oz) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level height | up to plug |
| Injection oil reservoir | 4.5 L (1.2 US gal.) |
1997 Sea-Doo GTS Engine Specs
| 1997 Sea-Doo GTS 720 | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Rotax 717, 2-stroke |
| Induction type | Rotary valve |
| Exhaust system | Water cooled/water injected |
| Lubrication - type | Oil injection |
| Lubrication - oil type | Bombardier-Rotax Injection Oil |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 718 cm3 (43.81 in3) |
| Maximum Power (approximately) | 85 HP |
| RPM Limiter Operation @ | 7000 RPM ± 50 |
| Cooling Type | Water cooled, total loss type - Direct flow from propulsion unit |
| Overheating Beeper, Switch On @ | na |
| Fuel - type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Carburetor - type and number | Mikuni BN 40i, Diaphragm type - Quantity : 1 |
1997 Sea-Doo GTS Propulsion
| 1997 Sea-Doo GTS 720 | Propulsion |
|---|---|
| Propulsion system | Bombardier Formula pump |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Transmission | Direct drive |
| Coupling Type | na |
| Impeller shaft reservoir oil type | Sea-Doo synthetic polyolester oil 75W90 GL5 |
| Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle) | ~ 26° |
| Pivoting angle of variable trim system | na |
| Minimum required water level for jet pump | 90 cm (3 ft) |
| Impeller Diameter | na |
1997 Sea-Doo GTS Electrical Features
| 1997 Sea-Doo GTS 720 | Electrical Features |
|---|---|
| Magneto generator output | 160 W @ 6000 RPM |
| Ignition system type | CDI |
| Spark plug - Make and type | NGK BR8ES |
| Spark plug - Gap | 0.5 - 0.6 mm (.020-.024 in) |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Battery | 12 V, 19 A |
| Fuse - Starting System | 5 A |
| Fuse - Charging System | 15 A |
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.
Vintage Sea-Doo GTS 720 For Sale
If you are considering purchasing one, you probably want to know where to find a Sea-Doo GTS 720 for sale. As this model vanished from the market in 2000, it’s already a collectible item, 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 GTS 720s for sale on Craigslist, PWC Trader, and other dedicated jet ski swap sites.
Takeaway
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about the Sea-Doo GTS 720
What is a Sea-Doo GTS 720?
The Sea-Doo GTS 720 was a 2-stroke 3-seater Sea-Doo manufactured by BRP.
What Year did Sea-Doo Make the 1st generation GTS 720?
Sea-Doo marketed the 1st generation GTS 720 from 1997 through 2000 (and was also available in 2001).
How Many People Could Ride a Sea-Doo GTS 720?
The Sea-Doo GTS 720 was rated for three riders, but riding with two adult passengers was virtually impossible!
What Size was the ’97-‘00 Sea-Doo GTS 720?
The 1997-2000 Doo GTS 720 measured 119 inches in length, 46.9 inches in width, and 37.4 inches in height.
How Much Did a Sea-Doo GTS 720 Weigh?
The dry weight of the 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTS 720 was only 488 pounds.
What Kind of Engine Did the Sea-Doo GTS 720 Have?
The 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTS 720 was powered by the single-carb Rotax 717 engine.
How Much Horsepower Did a 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Have?
The 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTS 720 provided 85 HP.
Did the Sea-Doo GTS 720 Have Reverse?
Yes, the Sea-Doo GTS 720 was equipped with manual reverse.
How Much Weight Could a ’97-’00 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Hold?
The total weight capacity of the Sea-Doo GTS 720 was 495 pounds.
How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo GTS 720 Hold?
The 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTS 720 utilized a 12-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Use?
The fuel consumption of the 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTS 720 was about 8.8 GPH.
Was the Sea-Doo GTS 720 a 2-Stroke Ski?
Yes, the Sea-Doo GTS 720 utilized a 2-stroke twin engine.
Could the Sea-Doo GTS 720 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Yes, the Sea-Doo GTS 720 was rated for three riders, so it could legally tow a skier. However, its tippy hull was not the best option for tow sports.
How Fast Did a 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Go?
The top speed of a single-carb 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTS 720 was about 46-47 mph under ideal conditions.
How Much is a 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Worth?
It’s hard to tell the exact price of a Sea-Doo GT, as it strongly depends on its year, condition, and location. But as a rule of thumb, the prices typically range from $500 up to $2,000.
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