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1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 Specs and Review [Video]

1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 Specs and Review [Video]

The 2nd generation Sea-Doo SP 580 made its debut for the 1994 model year. Like its predecessor, it was powered by the Rotax 580 twin engine, having already been built on the new hull featuring a more rounded top deck.

If you want to learn all about this legendary machine, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP review!

1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 Review

The first modern Sea-Doo was the 1988 Sea-Doo XP 580, which continued in production through 1993.

Over the years, the Sea-Doo SP line underwent three generations, which were as follows:

The first (‘88-‘93) SP 580 was built on the 1st generation Sea-Doo hull and utilized the “Yellow” 587 Rotax engine from 1988 through 1991. For the 1992 model year, the power source of the SP was upgraded to the more advanced “White” Rotax 578.

The 2nd generation Sea-Doo SP 580 (a.k.a. Sea-Doo SP II or SP 587) made its debut for the 1994 model year. This machine was built on an all-new composite fiberglass hull featuring a modern rounded top deck.

Regarding dimensions, the ’94-’96 Sea-Doo SP 580 measured 100 inches in length, 41.5 inches in width, and 36.2 inches in height. The dry weight of the ski was 387 pounds, which meant an increase of 22 pounds compared to its predecessor.

This new SP was rated for two riders, and the overall load limit of the ski was 352 pounds. Despite this, riding it with an adult passenger was virtually impossible. Let’s face it; this tiny SP was more of a solo ski than a family model. It could only carry a small child as a passenger, as it became extremely tippy with two adults onboard.

The power source of the SP was the aforementioned White Rotax 587 engine rated at 56 HP. This 580cc, 2-stroke twin utilized a single Mikuni BN-38 carburetor, CDI ignition, an open-loop cooling system, and an advanced oil injection system.

The propulsion system of the ski was an advanced Bombardier Formula jet pump housing a tiny, 140 mm aluminum impeller.

Thanks to this power source, the top speed of the ‘94-’96 Sea-Doo SP 580 was slightly above 41-42 mph under ideal conditions. The fuel consumption was about 6.8 gallons/hour, so its 9-gallon fuel tank offered a cruising range of 1.3 hours.

The entry-level 2nd generation SP 580 gained a reputation for great performance, simplicity, and reliability. Its single-carb engine was easier to maintain and adjust than its dual-carb brothers, the XP and the SPX.

A version of the SP with more features was also marketed under the brand name SPI. This model was manufactured with a more advanced, 17.7-degree stainless-steel impeller, gauges, grab handle, and a tuned exhaust pipe.

The “rounded” 2nd generation Sea-Doo SP 580 was manufactured from 1994 through 1996 without any significant changes. The last SP 580 rolled off the production line in 1996 since Sea-Doo replaced it with the more powerful SP 720 in 1997.

1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 Specs Chart

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 specifications into these charts!

Dimensions

1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580Dimensions and Capacities
Number of passengers1 operator and 1 passenger
Overall length254 cm (100 in)
Overall width105 cm (41.5 in)
Overall height92 cm (36.2 in)
Weight178 kg (392 lb)
Load limit160 kg (352 lb)
Hull MaterialComposite (fiberglass)
Fuel tank34 L (9 US gal)
Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity65 mL (2.2 US oz)
Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level heightup to plug
Injection oil reservoir4.5 L (153 US fl oz)

Engine Specs

1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580Engine Specs
Engine typeRotax 587, 2-stroke
Induction typeRotary valve
Exhaust systemWater cooled/water injected
Lubrication - typeOil injection
Lubrication - oil typeSea-Doo Injection Oil
Number of cylinders2
Displacement580.7 cm3 (35.43 in3)
Maximum Power (approximately)56 HP @ 6550 RPM
RPM Limiter Operation @6550 RPM ± 100
Cooling TypeWater cooled, total loss type - Direct flow from propulsion unit
Overheating Beeper, Switch On @na
Fuel - typeRegular unleaded gasoline
Carburetor - type and numberDiaphragm type - Quantity : 1

Propulsion

1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580Propulsion
Propulsion systemBombardier Formula pump
Jet pump typeAxial flow, single stage
TransmissionDirect drive
Coupling Typena
Impeller shaft reservoir oil typeSea-Doo synthetic polyolester oil 75W90 GL5
Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle)~ 26°
Pivoting angle of variable trim systemna
Minimum required water level for jet pump60 cm (2 ft)
Impeller Diameterna

Electrical Features

1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580Electrical 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
Battery12 V, 19 A
Starting system Fuse 5 A
Charging system Fuse15 A

Performance

1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580Performance
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 *41-42 mph
* 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 SP 580 For Sale

If you are considering purchasing one, you probably want to know where to find a 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 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 SP 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 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP!

What is a 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580?

The Sea-Doo SP 580 was a popular vintage 2-stroke runabout Sea-Doo. 

What Year did Sea-Doo Make the 2nd generation SP 580?

Sea-Doo marketed the “rounded” Sea-Doo SP 580 from 1994 through 1996.

How Many People Could Ride a 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580?

The Sea-Doo SP 580 was rated for two riders, but riding it with an adult passenger was virtually impossible!

What Size was the 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580?

The 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP was 100 inches long, 41.5 inches wide, and 36.2 inches high.

How Much Did a 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 Weigh?

The dry weight of the 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP was only 387 pounds.

What Kind of Engine Did the 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 Have?

The engine of the 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 was the single-carb “White” Rotax 587 twin engine.

How Much Horsepower Did a Sea-Doo SP 580 Have?

The 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 provided 56 HP at 6,000 RPM.

Did the Sea-Doo SP 580 Have Reverse?

No, the 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP wasn’t equipped with manual reverse.

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

The 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP featured only a small front storage bin.

How Much Weight Could a 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 Hold?

The total weight capacity of the 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 was 352 pounds.

How Much Fuel Did a 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 Hold?

The 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP featured a 9-gallon fuel tank.

How Much Fuel Did a 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 Use?

The fuel consumption of the Sea-Doo SP 580 was about 5.5 GPH at WOT.

Was a Sea-Doo SP 580 a 2-Stroke Ski?

Yes, the 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 utilized a 2-stroke twin engine.

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

No, the 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP wasn’t recommended for tow sports.

How Fast Did a 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP 580 Go?

The top speed of a single-carb 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP was about 41-42 mph.

How Much is a 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP Worth?

It’s hard to tell the exact price of a 1994-1996 Sea-Doo SP, as it strongly depends on its year, condition, and location, but the prices typically range from $500 up to $2,000.