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1992-1996 Sea-Doo GTS 580 Specs and Review [Video]

1992-1996 Sea-Doo GTS 580 Specs and Review [Video]

The Sea-Doo GTS 580 was actually a relabeled 1991 Sea-Doo GT upgraded with hull strakes and a “White” Rotax 587 engine. This model remained in production until 1997 when the more advanced  Sea-Doo GTS 720 replaced it.

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 1992-1996 Sea-Doo GTS 580 review!

1992-1996 Sea-Doo GTS Review

Sea-Doo introduced its first three-seater runabout, the GT, for the 1990 model year.

This ski was built on a flat-bottom hull powered by a dual-carb “Yellow” Rotax 587 engine. The GT was then carried over for the 1991 season without any significant changes.

By 1992, Sea-Doo had rebranded its three-seater ski from GT to GTS. This model remained the entry-level three-seater runabout in the Sea-Doo fleet until 2000.

The revamped GTS 580 hull already featured strakes on its bottom for better handling and stability. They also did a really good job in tight turns!

Also, the paint job and decals went from blue to purple.

Aside from these changes, the rest of the machine was carried over from the GT.

Standard features of the 1992 Sea-Doo GTS 580 were as follows:

  • Electric start (std.)
  • Tether cord (std.)
  • 8.7-gallon fuel tank (std.)
  • 95 oz. oil reservoir (std.)
  • Fuel tank reserve (std.)
  • Overheating warning device (std.)
  • Reverse (std.)
  • Storage compartment (std.)
  • Rear grab handle (std.)
  • Electric fuel level gauge (opt.)
  • Injection oil low-level warning device (opt.)

Regarding dimensions, the Sea-Doo GTS was 119.3 inches long, 47.6 inches wide, and 37.4 inches high, and weighed 461 pounds.

Like its predecessor, the 1992 Sea-Doo GTS 580 was powered by a single-carb Rotax 587 engine. However, this power source was already the more advanced “White” engine version.

This 580cc, 2-stroke twin produced 56 HP at 5750 RPM and 64 Nm (47 lb.-ft.) torque at 5500 RPM.

Unlike the sporty XP 580 and the higher-level twin-carb GTX, the GTS only featured a single Mikuni carburetor.

For the 1993 season, the dimensions of the GTS platform had been slightly decreased. The new model measured 119 inches in length, 46.9 inches in width, and 37.4 inches in height. However, its dry weight  increased from 461 to 465 pounds.

This GTS platform remained basically unchanged until the 2000 season. For the 1995 model year, the ski got a larger, 12-gallon fuel tank and a 1.2-gallon oil reservoir.

The Sea-Doo GTS saw a major upgrade in 1997 when its Rotax 587 engine was replaced with the more powerful single-carb Rotax 717.

The latter was a 718cc 2-stroke twin featuring a single Mikuni BN-40I carburetor, CDI ignition, open-loop cooling, and an oil injection system. Thanks to these features, the single-carb Rotax 717 cranked out 85 HP.

Referring to the engine option, this model was also known as the “Sea-Doo GTS 720.”

This setup remained in production until 2001 when it was replaced by the all-new 2001 Sea-Doo GTS.

Despite the debute of the new model, the “old” GTS 720 was still marketed in the 2001 model year.

1992 Sea-Doo GTS 580 Specs Chart

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the 1992 Sea-Doo GTS 580 specifications into these charts!

Dimensions

1992 Sea-Doo GTSDimensions and Capacities
Number of passengers1 operator and 2 passengers
Overall length303 cm (119.3 in)
Overall width121 cm (47.6 in)
Overall height95 cm (37.4 in)
Weight209 kg (461 lb)
Load limit225 kg (496 lb)
Hull MaterialComposite (fiberglass)
Fuel tank33 L (8.7 US gal)
Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity65 mL (2.2 US oz)
Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level heightup to plug
Injection oil reservoir2.8 L (95 US fl oz)

Engine Specs

1992 Sea-Doo GTSEngine Specs
Engine typeRotax 2-stroke, type 587
Induction typeRotary valve
Exhaust systemWater cooled/water injected
Exhaust valve
Lubrication - typeOil injection
Lubrication - oil typeSea-Doo Injection Oil
Number of cylinders2
Bore76.0 mm (2.992 in)
Stroke64.0 mm (2.520 in)
Displacement580.7 cm3 (35.43 in3)
Compression Ratio (corrected)5.9 : 1
Maximum Power (approximately)56 HP
Maximum Torque (approximately)64 Nm (47 lbf.ft) at 5500 RPM
RPM Limiter Operation @6550 RPM ± 100
Cooling TypeWater cooled, total loss type - Direct flow from propulsion unit
Overheating Beeper, Switch On @96-99 °C (205-210°F)

Carburation

1992 Sea-Doo GTSCarburation
Fuel - typeRegular unleaded gasoline
Carburetor - type and numberDiaphragm type - Quantity : 1
Carburetor adjustments - Low-speed mixture screw1 Turn ± 1/4 turn
Carburetor adjustments - Idle speed1400 RPM

Propulsion

1992 Sea-Doo GTSPropulsion
Propulsion systemBombardier Formula pump
Jet pump typeAxial flow, single stage
Impeller Rotation (seen from rear)Counter-clockwise
TransmissionDirect drive
Coupling TypeCrown Splines
Impeller shaft reservoir oil typeSea-Doo synthetic oil polyolester 75W90 Gear Lube - P/N 293 600 011
Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle)~ 26°
Pivoting angle of variable trim systemNA
Minimum required water level for jet pump90 cm (3 ft)
Impeller Diameter139.5 mm (5.49 in)

Electrical Features

1992 Sea-Doo GTSElectrical Features
Magneto generator output160 W @ 6000 RPM
Ignition system typeCapacitor Discharge Ignition (Breakerless)
Spark plug - Make and typeNGK BR7ES
Spark plug - Gap0.5 - 0.6 mm (0.020-0.024 in)
Starting systemElectric starter
Ignition timing - BTDC2.65 mm (0.104 in) (21 ° ± 1°)
Ignition timing - NoteChecked with engine cold. Marks must align @ 6000 RPM)
Battery12 V, 19 A
Starting system Fuse 5 A
Charging system Fuse15 A
Gauges FuseNA

Performance

1992 Sea-Doo GTSPerformacne
Horsepower56 HP
Cruising time at full throttle - Fuel tank without reserve~ 1.45 hours
Cruising time at full throttle - Fuel tank reserve~ 20 minutes
Maximum Speed *NA
* Top speed may vary depending on operator and passenger weight, water conditions, wind, current, altitude etc.

These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.

Vintage Sea-Doo GTS 580 For Sale

If you are considering purchasing one, you probably want to know where to find a Sea-Doo GTS 580 for sale. As this model vanished from the market in 1996, 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 580s 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 580!

What is a Sea-Doo GTS 580?

The Sea-Doo GTS 580 was a vintage 3-seater sit-down jet ski manufactured by BRP.

What Year did Sea-Doo Make the GTS 580?

Sea-Doo marketed the GTS 580 from 1992 through 1996.

Was the Sea-Doo GTS 580 a 2-Stroke Ski?

Yes, the Sea-Doo GTS 580 utilized a 2-stroke twin engine.

How Many People Could Ride a Sea-Doo GTS 580?

The tiny Sea-Doo GTS 580 was rated for three riders, but riding with two adult passengers was virtually impossible!

What Size was the Sea-Doo GTS 580?

The 1992 Doo GTS 580 was 119.3 inches long, 47.6 inches wide, and 37.4 inches high, while the 1993-1996 models measured 119 inches in length, 46.9 inches in width, and 37.4 inches in height.

How Much Did a Sea-Doo GTS 580 Weigh?

The dry weight of the 1992 Sea-Doo GTS 580 was only 465 pounds.

What Kind of Engine Did the Sea-Doo GTS 580 Have?

The 1992-1996 Sea-Doo GTS 580 was powered by the single-carb “White” Rotax 587 engine.

How Much Horsepower Did a 1992-2000 Sea-Doo GTS Have?

The 1992-1996 Sea-Doo GTS 580 provided 56 HP.

Did the Sea-Doo GTS 580 Have Reverse?

Yes, the Sea-Doo GTS was equipped with manual reverse.

What Size Storage Compartment Did a Sea-Doo GTS 580 Have?

The Sea-Doo GTS 580 featured a 13.2-gallon front storage.

How Much Weight Could a Sea-Doo GTS 580 Hold?

The total weight capacity of the Sea-Doo GTS 580 was 496 pounds.

How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo GTS 580 Hold?

The 1992-1994 Sea-Doo GTS utilized an 8.7-gallon fuel tank, while the 1995-1996 models got a larger, 12-gallon fuel cell.

How Much Fuel Did a 1992-1996 Sea-Doo GTS 580 Use?

The fuel consumption of the 1992-1996 Sea-Doo GTS 580 was about 5.3 GPH.

Could the Sea-Doo GTS 580 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Yes, the Sea-Doo GTS 580 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 1992-1996 Sea-Doo GTS 580 Go?

The top speed of a single-carb 1992-1996 Sea-Doo GTS 580 was about 36 mph under ideal conditions.

How Much is a 1992-1996 Sea-Doo GTS 580 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.