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1991-1992 Sea-Doo XP 580 Specs and Review [Video]
The first-generation Sea-Doo XP 580 (or 587) is one of the most iconic PWCs in history. This model debuted in late 1990 and remained in production through 1992.
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 Sea-Doo XP 580 review!
Sea-Doo XP 580 Review
The history of Sea-Doo musclecrafts started in 1991 when the first Sea-Doo XPs hit dealerships. This legendary Sea-Doo line went through four generations, which were as follows:
- 1991-1992 Sea-Doo XP 580 (587) – 1st GEN
- 1993 Sea-Doo XP 650 (657) – 2nd GEN
- 1994 Sea-Doo XP 657x (657x)- 2nd GEN
- 1995 Sea-Doo XP 720 (717) – 3rd GEN
- 1995 Sea-Doo XP 800 Limited (787x) – 3rd GEN
- 1996 Sea-Doo XP 800 (787) – 3rd GEN
- 1997 Sea-Doo XP 800 (787) – 4th GEN
- 1998-2002 Sea-Doo XP Limited (951) – 4th GEN
- 2003-2004 Sea-Doo XP DI (951) – 4th GEN
You can learn about all other generations by following the links above!
1991 Sea-Doo XP 580 Review
The first generation Sea-Doo XP was known by several different names, including Sea-Doo XP I, Sea-Doo XP 580, and XP 587.
Each of these names referred to the same machine, which was actually a Sea-Doo SP with more features and a twin-carb power mill as well as a tuned exhaust.
The power source of the 1991 Sea-Doo XP was the Rotax “Yellow” 587 engine. This unit was a 580cc, 2-stroke twin featuring two Mikuni carbs, CDI ignition, and an advanced oil injection system.
Thanks to the dual carburetor configuration and a tuned exhaust pipe, this Yellow 580 engine option cranked out 56 HP at 5,750 RPM. In contrast, the basic single-carb SP offered only 50 HP at 5750 RPM.
These two models shared the same fiberglass platform measuring 96 inches in length, 41.5 inches in width, and 36.2 inches in height. Compared to today’s flagship models, the differences are more than staggering:
Due to its small dimensions, the XP was very nimble and offered a lively riding experience.
The top speed of the first generation Sea-Doo XP was about 45 mph under ideal conditions. Riding at this speed, its 8.7-gallon fuel tank offered a cruising time of 1.3 hours.
Standard features included a safety lanyard, dual mirrors, small control panel, tool kit, tow hook, front and rear eyes, and deck mats. Regarding gauges, the ski utilized an electric tachometer and an electric fuel level gauge with a low-oil lamp.
Under the front hood, there was a small watertight storage unit with a removable plastic basket.
Unlike the predecessor 1990 SP, the new XP came equipped with a rear grab handle, which was a game-changer for deep-water reboarding.
The dry weight of the machine was only 365 pounds, while the load limit was 352 pounds. As you can imagine, this tiny ski was only recommended for solo rides!
Aside from its limited capacities, another drawback of this machine was its lack of a trim system, which caused the hull to “porpoise.”
Despite this, its high-performance engine and advanced features made the XP instantly popular among riders.
Therefore, it was no surprise that the manufacturer upgraded the model for the following season.
1992 Sea-Doo XP 580 Review
The 1992 Sea-Doo XP returned with some new features and an upgraded engine, but the body and propulsion were carried over without any significant changes.
For this model year, Sea-Doo dropped the “Yellow” Rotax 587 engine and replaced it with the more advanced “White” Rotax 587 engine.
Compared to the Yellow, the new White 587 was designed with a more advanced cooling system and different exhaust manifolds. The electrical system also saw some upgrades as the MAG housing got a better design and more effective cooling.
The the engine’s other features remained unchanged.
Surprisingly, according to the official operator’s manual, the dual-carb White Rotax 587 engine only cranked out 56 HP at 6250 RPM in the 1992 Sea-Doo XP.
Although the new engine was rated for less horsepower, it offered about the same top speed (45 mph) as its predecessor.
Another remarkable change on the 1992 XP was the manual trim system, which effectively reduced porpoising issues. The ski feadured a “trim knob” mounted on the left side of the top deck for setting the trim.
Aside from these differences, the 1991 and 1992 Sea-Doo models were basically identical.
1991 Sea-Doo XP 580 Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the 1991 Sea-Doo XP 580 specifications into these charts!
Dimensions
| Sea-Doo XP 580 | Dimensions and Capacities |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers | 1 operator and 1 passenger |
| Overall length | 244 cm (96 in) |
| Overall width | 105 cm (41.5 in) |
| Overall height | 92 cm (36.2 in) |
| Weight | 166 kg (365 lb) |
| Load limit | 160 kg (352 lb) |
| Hull Material | Composite (fiberglass) |
| Fuel tank | 33 L (8.7 US gal) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity | 65 mL (2.2 US oz) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level height | up to plug |
| Injection oil reservoir | 2.8 L (95 US fl oz) |
Engine Specs
| Sea-Doo XP 580 | Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Rotax 2-stroke, type 587 |
| Induction type | Rotary valve |
| Exhaust system | Water cooled/water injected |
| Lubrication - type | Oil injection |
| Lubrication - oil type | Sea-Doo Injection Oil |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Bore | 76.0 mm (2.992 in) |
| Stroke | 64.0 mm (2.520 in) |
| Displacement | 580.7 cm3 (35.43 in3) |
| Compression Ratio | 5.9 : 1 |
| Maximum Power | 41 kW (55 HP) at 5750 RPM |
| Maximum Torque | 70 Nm (51 lbf.ft) at 5250 RPM |
| RPM Limiter Operation @ | 6500 RPM ± 200 |
| Cooling Type | Water cooled, total loss type - Direct flow from propulsion unit |
| Overheating Beeper, Switch On @ | 96-99 °C (205-210°F) |
Propulsion
| Sea-Doo XP 580 | Propulsion |
|---|---|
| Propulsion system | Bombardier Formula pump |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Impeller Rotation (seen from rear) | Counter-clockwise |
| Transmission | Direct drive |
| Coupling Type | Crown Splines |
| Impeller shaft reservoir oil type | Sea-Doo synthetic oil polyolester 75W90GL5 - type C gear lube |
| Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle) | ~ 28° |
| Pivoting angle of variable trim system | N.A. |
| Minimum required water level for jet pump | 60 cm (2 ft) |
| Impeller Diameter | 139.5 mm (5.49 in) |
Electrical Features
| Sea-Doo XP 580 | Electrical Specs |
|---|---|
| Magneto generator output | 160 W @ 5500 RPM |
| Ignition system type | Capacitor Discharge Ignition (Breakerless) |
| Spark plug - Make and type | NGK BR7ES |
| Spark plug - Gap | 0.6 mm (0.024 in) |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Ignition timing - BTDC | 2.18 mm (0.086 in) (19 ° ± 2°) |
| Ignition timing - Note | Checked with engine cold. Marks must align @ 6000 RPM) |
| Battery | 12 V, 20 A |
| Starting system Fuse | 8 A |
| Charging system Fuse | 15 A |
| Gauges Fuse | 2 A |
Carburation
| Sea-Doo XP 580 | Carburation |
|---|---|
| Fuel - type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Carburetor - type and number | Diaphragm type P/N 270 500 093 (MAG side) |
| Diaphragm type P/N 270 500 092 (PTO side) | |
| Carburetor adjustments - Low-speed mixture screw | ~ 1- 1/4 turn |
| Carburetor adjustments - Idle speed | 1300 to 1500 RPM |
Performance
| Sea-Doo XP 580 | Performance |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 60 |
| Cruising time at full throttle - Fuel tank without reserve | ~ 1.3 hours |
| Cruising time at full throttle - Fuel tank reserve | ~ 13 minutes |
| Maximum Speed * | 73 Kmh (45 mph) (39 knots) |
| * 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.
Sea-Doo XP Comparison Chart
We’ve also compared the key specs of the different Sea-Doo XP models head-to-head in one chart:
| Gen. | Name | Year | Engine | cc | HP | Top Speed (mph) | Weigth (lbs) | Hull Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | XP 580 | 1991 | "Yellow" 587 | 580 | 55 | 45 | 365 | I gen. SP |
| I | XP 580 | 1992 | "White" 587 | 580 | 56 | 45 | 365 | I gen. SP |
| II | XP 650 | 1993 | 657 | 650 | 70 | 45 | 373 | II gen. SP |
| II | XP 650x | 1994 | 657x | 650 | 80 | 50 | 412 | II gen. SP |
| III | XP 720 | 1995 | 717 | 718 | 85 | 50 | 412 | X-4 |
| III | XP Limited 800 | 1995 | 787x RAVE | 786+ | 110 | 56 | 434 | X-4 |
| III | XP 800 | 1996 | 787 RAVE | 781 | 110 | 56 | 434 | X-4 |
| IV | XP 800 | 1997 | 787 RAVE | 782 | 110 | 56 | 525 | Parabolic |
| IV | XP Limited | 1998 | 947 RAVE | 951 | 130 | 60 | 551 | Parabolic |
| IV | XP Limited | 1999 | 947 RAVE | 951 | 130 | 60 | 551 | Parabolic |
| IV | XP Limited | 2000 | 947 RAVE | 951 | 130 | 60 | 561 | Parabolic |
| IV | XP Limited | 2001 | 947 RAVE | 951 | 130 | 60 | 561 | Parabolic |
| IV | XP Limited | 2002 | 947 RAVE | 951 | 130 | 60 | 561 | Parabolic |
| IV | XP DI | 2003 | 947 DI | 951 | 130 | 60 | 561 | Parabolic |
| IV | XP DI | 2004 | 947 DI | 951 | 130 | 60 | 605 | Parabolic |
Vintage Sea-Doo XP 580 For Sale
If you are considering purchasing one, you probably want to know where to find a Sea-Doo XP 580 for sale. As this model vanished from the market in 1992, it’s already a collectible item, so finding one is not an easy task!
We recommend that you start your research on dedicated vintage 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 XP 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 XP 587!
What is a Sea-Doo XP 580?
The Sea-Doo XP 580 was a popular 2-stroke sit-down jet ski manufactured by Bombardier. The model was known by various names, including:
Sea-Doo XP 580
Sea-Doo XP 587
Sea-Doo XP I
First-generation Sea-Doo XP
What Kind of Engine Did the Sea-Doo XP 580 Have?
The Sea-Doo XP 580 engine was a 2-stroke, 580cc Rotax 587 twin featuring two Mikuni carburetors. In the 1991 model year, the model featured the “Yellow” Rotax 587 engine, which was replaced with the more advanced “White” Rotax 587 engine option for 2002.
How Much Horsepower Did a Sea-Doo XP 580 Have?
The 1991 Sea-Doo XP 580 powered by the “Yellow” Rotax 587 engine rated at 55 HP.
Could the Sea-Doo XP 580 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Although it was equipped with a tow eye, the Sea-Doo XP 580 wasn’t recommended for tow sports.
What Year did Bombardier Make the Sea-Doo XP 580?
The Canadian manufacturer marketed the Sea-Doo XP 580 from 1991 through 1992.
Was a Sea-Doo XP 580 a 2-Stroke Ski?
Yes, the Sea-Doo XP 580 utilized a 2-stroke twin engine.
How Many People Could Ride a Sea-Doo XP 580?
The tiny Sea-Doo XP 580 was rated for two riders, but riding with a passenger on this tiny ski was virtually impossible!
How Much Weight Could a Sea-Doo XP 580 Hold?
The total weight capacity of the Sea-Doo XP 580 was 352 pounds.
What Size was the Sea-Doo XP 580?
The Sea-Doo XP 580 was 96 inches long, 41.5 inches wide, and 36.2 inches high.
How Much Did a Sea-Doo XP 580 Weigh?
The dry weight of the Sea-Doo XP 580 was only 365 pounds.
Did the Sea-Doo XP 580 Have Reverse?
No, the Sea-Doo XP 580 was manufactured without reverse.
What Size Storage Compartment Did a Sea-Doo XP 580 Have?
The Sea-Doo XP 580 featured only a tiny removable front storage bin.
How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo XP 580 Hold?
The Sea-Doo XP 580 utilized an 8.7-gallon fuel tank and a 0.74-gallon oil reservoir.
How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo XP 580 Use?
The Sea-Doo XP 580 fuel consumption was about 6-7 GPH at WOT.
How Fast Did a Sea-Doo XP 580 Go?
The top speed of a Sea-Doo XP 580 was 45 mph in stock condition.
How Much is a Sea-Doo XP 580 Worth?
It’s hard to tell the exact price of a Sea-Doo XP 580, as it strongly depends on its year, condition, and location. If you are lucky, you may find a neglected one for a couple of dollars. On the other end of the spectrum, there are restored Sea-Doo XP 580s with hefty price tags of $1,500-$2,000+.
