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1995 Sea-Doo XP 720 Specs and Review [Video]

1995 Sea-Doo XP 720 Specs and Review [Video]

In 1995, Sea-Doo introduced the innovative XP 720 along with its powerful brother, the race-intended XP 800 Limited. Each of these machines was built on the all-new X4 platform, which is considered to be one of the best race PWC hulls ever built.

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 1995 Sea-Doo XP 720 review!

1995 Sea-Doo XP 720 Review

The history of the immortal Sea-Doo XP family started in 1991 with the introduction of the XP 580. This popular series underwent several major upgrades over the years, including:

You can learn all about the other generations by following the links above!

The all-new Sea-Doo XP 720 was revealed in late 1994 and hit dealerships in 1995. This model was also known as Sea-Doo XP 717, or simply Sea-Doo XP III.

The XP 720 replaced the second-generation XP 657x, which was only offered in the 1994 model year.

Like its predecessors, the new model instantly became popular among riders, and with good reason.

It was built on the sporty X-4 hull, which was designed from scratch by Sea-Doo in cooperation with Bullit Marine.

Although it was the same size as the 1994 model, it offered a much better riding experience. This was not a coincidence since the new X-4 platform was specially designed for racing purposes.

Therefore, it offered excellent handling and outstanding cornering abilities, since it could make sharper turns than any other sit-down type jet ski of its time (except for sport class).

Thanks to this hull, Sea-Doo XPs were very successful on the racecourses, but they were also one of the most-desired skis among performance-minded riders.

This innovative platform measured 100 inches in length, 41.5 inches in width, and 36.2 inches in height.

Regarding design, the hull was narrowed at the front and extended towards the stern. It also featured sponsons, a “tuneable” ride plate, and removable trim tabs on the rear for better handling and stability.

For maximum performance, the third-generation XP 720 got a more powerful engine, the Rotax 717. This 2-stroke, 718cc twin featured two Mikuni carburetors and cranked out 85 HP at 7,000 RPM.

Power was delivered towards an axial-flow, single-stage jet pump, which utilized a new 4-inch spacer on the front. The main idea behind adding this spacer was to increase the pump’s water volume, which resulted in a slightly higher top end.

The 1995 Sea-Doo XP 720 topped out at 50 mph in stock condition thanks to this addition.

Unfortunately, this modification resulted in poorer performance on choppy waters, as the pump needed more time to fill itself with water after unhooking.

Unlike the hull and engine, the top deck was carried over from the 1994 model without significant changes. The red and green color scheme and decals were replaced with a more vibrant yellow and purple combination, while the base color of the top deck remained white.

The front hood still housed built-in mirrors and gauges. Many said that this triple-gauge hood looked like the batwing-fairing on motorcycles!

While the ‘94 XP was only equipped with regular gauges, the XP 720 came with a multifunction LCD gauge. This advanced unit housed a digital bar-graph fuel level gauge and a set of warning lights, including low battery voltage, engine overheating, low oil level, and low fuel level.

To the greatest regret of speed-junkie buyers, the XP still featured a tachometer but no speedometer since the latter was only available on the GTX model.

Keeping safety in mind, Sea-Doo also introduced its innovative control system secured by the unique D.E.S.S. (Digitally Encoded Security System) key.

The standard features of the 1995 Sea-Doo XP 720 were as follows:

  • Watertight front storage
  • Safety lanyard
  • Dual mirrors
  • Rear grab handle
  • Integrated vents
  • Electric trim system (VTS)
  • Tow hook
  • Front and rear eyes
  • Tachometer
  • Trim indicator gauge
  • Multifunction gauge
  • Overheating beeper
  • Bilge drain plug
  • Tool kit
  • D.E.S.S. key

When it comes to riding experience, it’s safe to say that the 3rd generation Sea-Doo XP offered outstanding handling and cornering ability. It could even carve very sharp turns with stock sponsons, but its performance was upgradable with larger aftermarket sponsons.

Due to its aggressive attitude, the XP required some experience as it could easily slide out in inexperienced hands.

Finally, we must not forget to mention the reliability issues. Although the 717 engine proved to be more reliable than the 787, it wasn’t completely bulletproof.

One of the common issues with the Rotax 717 engine was weak exhaust pipe bushings.

When these bushings wore out (which happened often), it caused the bolts and the exhaust clamp to break. This filled the engine compartment with exhaust fumes, preventing the engine from breathing.

Therefore, the exhaust system on these models required regular inspections, just like the grey oil lines, which were also prone to breaking or falling off.

1995 Sea-Doo XP 720 Specs Chart

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the 1995 Sea-Doo XP 720 specifications into these charts!

Dimensions

1995 Sea-Doo XP 720Dimensions 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)
Weight187 kg (412 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, 1.2 U.S. gal))

Engine Specs

1995 Sea-Doo XP 720Engine Specs
Engine typeRotax 2-stroke, type 717
Induction typeRotary valve
Exhaust systemWater cooled/water injected
Exhaust valve
Lubrication - typeOil injection
Lubrication - oil typeBombardier Rotax Injection Oil
Number of cylinders2
Borena
Strokena
Displacement718 cm3 (43.81 in3)
Maximum Power85 HP
RPM Limiter Operation @7000 RPM (+100, -50)
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 : 2

Propulsion

1995 Sea-Doo XP 720Propulsion
Propulsion systemBombardier Formula pump
Jet pump typeAxial flow, single stage
Impeller Rotation (seen from rear)na
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 system~ 10°
Minimum required water level for jet pump90 cm (3 ft)
Impeller Diameterna

Electrical Features

1995 Sea-Doo XP 720Electrical Features
Magneto generator output160 W @ 6000 RPM
Ignition system typeCapacitor Discharge Ignition (Breakerless)
Spark plug - Make and typeNGK BR8ES
Spark plug - Gap0.5 - 0.6 mm (0.020-0.024 in)
Starting systemElectric starter
Ignition timing - BTDCna
Ignition timing - Notena
Battery12 V, 19 A
Starting system Fuse 5 A
Charging system Fuse15 A
Gauges Fusena
Fuse - VTS system15 A
Fuse - Holder relayna

Performance

1995 Sea-Doo XP 720Performance
Horsepower85
Cruising time at full throttle - Fuel tank without reserve~ 48 min
Cruising time at full throttle - Fuel tank reserve~ 10 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.

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.NameYearEngineccHPTop Speed (mph)Weigth (lbs)Hull Design
IXP 5801991"Yellow" 5875805545365I gen. SP
IXP 5801992"White" 5875805645365I gen. SP
IIXP 65019936576507045373II gen. SP
IIXP 650x1994657x6508050412II gen. SP
IIIXP 72019957177188550412X-4
IIIXP Limited 8001995787x RAVE786+11056434X-4
IIIXP 8001996787 RAVE78111056434X-4
IVXP 8001997787 RAVE78211056525Parabolic
IVXP Limited1998947 RAVE95113060551Parabolic
IVXP Limited1999947 RAVE95113060551Parabolic
IVXP Limited2000947 RAVE95113060561Parabolic
IVXP Limited2001947 RAVE95113060561Parabolic
IVXP Limited2002947 RAVE95113060561Parabolic
IVXP DI2003947 DI95113060561Parabolic
IVXP DI2004947 DI95113060605Parabolic

Vintage Sea-Doo XP 720 For Sale

If you are considering purchasing one, you probably want to know where to find a Sea-Doo XP 720 for sale. As this model vanished from the market in 1995, 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 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 1995 Sea-Doo XP 720!

What is a Sea-Doo XP 720?

The Sea-Doo XP 720 was a performance 2-stroke sit-down PWC manufactured by Bombardier.

What Year did Bombardier Make the Sea-Doo XP 720?

The Canadian manufacturer marketed the Sea-Doo XP 720 in the 1995 model year.

What Kind of Engine Did the 1995 Sea-Doo XP 720 Have?

The engine of the 1995 Sea-Doo XP 720 was a 2-stroke, 718cc, “Rotax 717” twin featuring dual Mikuni carbs.

How Much Horsepower Did a 1995 Sea-Doo XP 720 Have?

The 1995 Sea-Doo XP 720 provided 85 HP at 7,000 RPM.

How Many People Could Ride a 1995 Sea-Doo XP 720?

The tiny Sea-Doo XP 720 was rated for two riders, but riding with a passenger on this tiny ski was virtually impossible!

How Much Weight Could a 1995 Sea-Doo XP 720 Hold?

The total weight capacity of the Sea-Doo XP 720 was 352 pounds.

What Size was the Sea-Doo XP 720?

The Sea-Doo XP 720 was 100 inches long, 41.5 inches wide, and 36.2 inches high.

How Much Did a Sea-Doo XP 720 Weigh?

The dry weight of the Sea-Doo XP 720 was only 412 pounds.

Did the Sea-Doo XP 720 Have Reverse?

No, the Sea-Doo XP 720 was manufactured without reverse.

Was a Sea-Doo XP 720 a 2-Stroke Ski?

Yes, the Sea-Doo XP 720 utilized a 2-stroke twin engine.

What Size Storage Compartment Did a Sea-Doo XP 720 Have?

The Sea-Doo XP 720 featured only a small front storage compartment.

How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo XP 720 Hold?

The Sea-Doo XP 720 utilized a 9-gallon fuel tank and a 1.2-gallon oil reservoir.

How Much Fuel Did a Sea-Doo XP 720 Use?

The Sea-Doo XP 720’s fuel consumption was about 11 GPH at WOT.

How Fast Did a Sea-Doo XP 720 Go?

The top speed of a Sea-Doo XP 700 was 50 mph under ideal conditions.

Could the Sea-Doo XP 720 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?

Although it was equipped with a tow eye, the Sea-Doo XP 720 was not recommended for tow sports.

How Much is a Sea-Doo XP 720 Worth?

It’s hard to tell the exact price of a Sea-Doo XP 720, as it strongly depends on its year, condition, and location. But as a rule of thumb, the prices typically range from $300 up to $3,000.