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2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Specs and Review [Video]
The last 2-stroke Sea-Doo GTS was released for the 2001 model year. This model replaced the outdated ‘97-‘00 GTS, which was still available during that season. These skis were powered by the Rotax 717 engine but featured a completely different platform.
If you want to learn all about these legendary machines, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this 2001 Sea-Doo GTS review!
2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Review
The GTS family was always considered to be the entry-level three-seater jet skis in Sea-Doo’s fleet. It’s a fun fact that Sea-Doo offered two different machines under the brand name GTS in the 2001 season.
This model line’s story began in 1990 when the Canadian manufacturer revealed its first three-seater runabout, the Sea-Doo GT. This model utilized the “Yellow” Rotax 587 engine and had a flat-bottom hull.
By 1992, the ski was rebranded as GTS, and its hull was upgraded with some strakes for better handling.
This model got an engine upgrade (Rotax 717) in 1997 and remained part of Sea-Doo’s lineup until 2001.
In the same model year, Sea-Doo introduced the all-new GTS, featuring a completely new hull and a top deck dressed in a white-and-green color scheme.
Like the hull, its top deck was inherited from the high-performance 2000 RX.
Regarding dimensions, the GTS was 121 inches long, 47 inches wide, and 41 inches high. The dry weight of the ski jumped from 488 pounds up to a whopping 600 pounds.
https://youtu.be/wuxHUS2IK4Q
The new model was more stable than its predecessor thanks to an advanced hull design and a 535-pound load limit.
The new GTS was very close to the midrange GTI, but it came with fewer features, as it lacked a speedometer, mirrors, or the high-performance impeller.
On the other hand, the GTS came with many other useful features, including the D.E.S.S. (Digitally Encoded Security System) key, a rear grab handle, ski eye, and a large analog fuel gauge.
You could also find four separate storage spaces on board, including a large front storage, a storage bin under the rear seat, a smaller unit under the windscreen, and a regular glovebox.
The total storage capacity of the GTS was 33.8 gallons, and it housed a 15-gallon fuel tank.
Power source?
The engine of the GTS remained the proven single-carb Rotax 717 rated at 85 mph. This 718cc, 2-stroke twin utilized CDI ignition, a single Mikuni BN-40i carburetor, open-loop water cooling, and an oil injection system.
This engine was completed with a Sea-Doo-exclusive D-Sea-Bel noise reduction system featuring Hemholtz resonators and a special foam-coated waterbox. This unique system was intended to dampen engine noise, and it did a very good job!
Engine power was transferred to a Bombardier Formula Jet Pump, which was standard on each Sea-Doo model at that time.
This axial-flow-single stage pump housed a standard impeller, offering low-end power. This was a huge drawback on the GTS as it dramatically reduced its towing abilities.
In contrast, the midrange GTI was designed with a more advanced impeller which provided more thrust, especially in the low-RPM range.
https://youtu.be/jqiAZpwKUO8
Because of this and its advanced features, the GTI was considered a much better choice for tow sports.
Riding experience?
The new fiberglass-reinforced GTS hull was based on the high-performance 2000 Sea-Doo RX. It featured a semi-V bottom and a multi-strake design, which offered both comfort and performance at the same time.
What’s more, the new hull design ensured better handling and allowed the machine to more quickly get up on plane.
Compared to its predecessor, the new hull had a deeper keel, which cut through the waves much more efficiently. This resulted in a smoother riding experience on choppy waters.
On top of that, the new hull turned like it was on rails and wasn’t prone to sliding out like the old GTS hull.
Its extra-soft seat narrowed towards the front resulting in better control and a more comfortable sitting position.
The top speed of the 2001 Sea-Doo GTS was about 50 mph under ideal conditions. The fuel consumption of its Rotax 717 engine was about 9 GPH, so the 15-gallon fuel cell offered a cruising time of 1.7 hours at WOT.
Unfortunately, even if Sea-Doo marketed the GTS as a three-seater ski, it only offered comfortable rides for two adults.
Although it was 2 inches longer and slightly wider than the previous year’s version, this machine was still quite small for a three-seater runabout. Therefore, with two adult passengers, the GTS offered very tippy rides.
2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the dual-carb 2001 Sea-Doo GTS specifications into these charts!
Dimensions
| 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 | Dimensions and Capacities |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers | 3 (refer to load limit) |
| Overall length | 307 cm (121 in) |
| Overall width | 120 cm (47 in) |
| Overall height | 104 cm (41 in) |
| Weight | 272 kg (600 lb) |
| Load limit | 243 kg (535 lb) |
| Fuel tank | 56.5 L (15 U.S. gal) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity | 115 mL (3.9 U.S. oz) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level height | up to plug |
| Injection oil reservoir | 6 L (1.6 U.S. gal) |
Engine Specs
| 2001 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 Formula XP-S synthetic injection oil (or equivalent) OR BOMBARDIER injection oil (or equivalent) |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 718.2 cm3 (43.81 in3) |
| RPM Limiter Operation @ | 7000 RPM ± 50 |
| Cooling Type | Open circuit. Direct flow from propulsion unit |
| Overheating Beeper, Switch On @ | na |
| Fuel - type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Carburetor - type and number | BN 40i (diaphragm). Fuel accelerator pump - Quantity :1 |
Propulsion
| 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 | Propulsion |
|---|---|
| Propulsion system | Bombardier Formula pump |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Impeller Rotation (seen from rear) | na |
| Transmission | Direct drive |
| Coupling Type | na |
| Impeller shaft reservoir oil type | SEA-DOO synthetic polyolester oil SAE 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 |
Electrical Features
| 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 | Electrical Features |
|---|---|
| Magneto generator output | 160 W @ 6000 RPM |
| Ignition system type | Digital CDI |
| Spark plug - Make and type | NGK BR8ES |
| Spark plug - Gap | 0.45 mm (0.018 in) |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Ignition timing - BTDC | na |
| Ignition timing - Note | na |
| Battery | 12 V, 19 A |
| Starting system Fuse | 5 A |
| Charging system Fuse | 15 A |
| Gauges Fuse | 15 A |
| Fuse - VTS system | na |
| Fuse - Holder relay | na |
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.
2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 For Sale
If you are considering purchasing one, you probably want to know where to find a 2001 Sea-Doo GTS for sale. As this model vanished from the market in 2001, 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 GTSs 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 2001 Sea-Doo GTS!
What is a 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720?
The 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 was an entry-level three-seater jet ski manufactured by Sea-Doo.
How Many People Could Ride a 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720?
The tiny 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 was rated for three riders, but it was convenient only for two adults.
What Size was the 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720?
The 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 was 121 inches long, 47 inches wide, and 41 inches high.
How Much Did a 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Weigh?
The dry weight of the 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 was 600 pounds.
What Kind of Engine Did the 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Have?
The power source of the 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 was a single-carb Rotax 717 engine (718cc, 2-stroke twin).
How Much Horsepower Did a 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Have?
The 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 provided 85 HP at 7,000 RPM.
Did the 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Have Reverse?
Yes, the 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 was equipped with manual reverse.
What Size Storage Compartment Did a 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Have?
The 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 featured four storage compartments with a total capacity of 33.8 gallons.
How Much Weight Could a 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Hold?
The total weight capacity of the 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 was 535 pounds.
How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo GTS 720 Hold?
The 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 utilized a 15-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a 2001 Sea-Doo GTS Use?
The 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 fuel consumption was about 9 GPH at WOT.
Could the 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Yes, the 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 was equipped rated for three riders, so it could legally tow a skier.
How Fast Did a 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Go?
The top speed of a 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 was 50 mph in stock condition.
Was a 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 a 2-Stroke Ski?
Yes, the 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 utilized a 2-stroke twin engine.
How Much is a 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720 Worth?
It’s hard to tell the exact price of a 2001 Sea-Doo GTS 720, as it strongly depends on its year, condition, and location. But as a rule of thumb, the prices typically range from $200 up to $2,000.
