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The 2nd generation Sea-Doo GTI 720 was released for the 1997 model year. This ski shared its engine with its predecessor but utilized a larger deep-V hull and a more modern top deck inherited from the 1996 GTX.
If you want to learn all about this popular 2-stroke Sea-Doo runabout, this post is for you.
We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know into this 2nd generation Sea-Doo GTI 720 review!
1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Review
The history of Sea-Doo’s 2-stroke GTI series started with the 1996 Sea-Doo GTI 720.Over the years, this model underwent several generations, including:
- 1996 Sea-Doo GTI 720
- 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720
- 2001-2005 Sea-Doo GTI 720/GTI LE 720
- 2003-2005 Sea-Doo GTI RFI/GTI LE RFI
1997 Sea-doo GTI 720 Review
Compared to its short-lived predecessor, the new 1997 GTI 720 returned with a more modern body and features. This was no surprise as the ’97 GTI had borrowed its deep-V hull and rounded top deck from the flagship ’96 GTX.
This platform was built from composite fiberglass and measured 122.8 inches in length, 46.9 inches in width, and 37 inches in height. This means that the new hull was 3.8 inches longer than the ’96 model.
Thanks to this innovative “Dry Ride” hull design, the GTI effectively kept water spray away from the riders. The extra-long dimensions also ensured better stability and predictability.
The new model had a larger front storage bin, a small integrated glove box, and a watertight storage tray beneath the rear seat.
Unfortunately, the increased dimensions also contributed to a significant increase in weight, as the dry weight of the GTI had jumped from 484 to 578 pounds.
The saddle, just like the entire front hood, along with the mirrors, gauge cover, and handlebar cover were dressed in yellow. The top deck and the hull were painted white for the most harmonious look and it had pink Sea-Doo decals.
Unlike the body, the power source of the GTI 720 was carried over from 1996 without any changes.
This 718cc, 2-stroke twin Rotax 717 power mill featured two diaphragm-style Mikuni BN-40i carburetors, a CDI ignition, electric start, oil injection, and an open-loop water cooling system. This unit cranked out an amazing 85 HP at 7000 RPM and ensured plenty of low-end power.
The propulsion system was the proven Bombardier Formula pump driven by a direct driveshaft. This axial-flow, single-stage jet pump was finished off with a redesigned easy-to-use reverse system.
All of these features made the GTI the perfect PWC for tow sports. According to Water Ski magazine, the Sea-Doo GTI 720 was the official tow vehicle of the Sea-Doo wakeboard series, as well as the official PWC of the American Ski Association in 1997.
Standard features of the 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 were as follows:
- Handlebar-mounted start/stop button
- Large front storage
- Glove box
- 15-gallon built-in fuel tank
- 1.6-gallon oil reservoir
- Watertight removable rear storage tray
- Electric start
- Tether cord
- 3-position fuel valve (ON, OFF, RES)
- Overheating warning device
- Docking eyelets
- Bilge drain plugs
- Analog speedometer
- Analog fuel gauge
- Low-oil warning light
- Rear grab handle
- Water tank trap drains
- Reverse gate
- Large, 2-piece seat with seat strap
- Sponsons
- Tool kit
The’97 GTI was also equipped with an analog speedometer and a fuel gauge featuring a low-oil warning light.
1998 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Review
By 1998, the Sea-Doo GTI 720 had picked up a little weight, as the new model weighed 593 pounds, which was a 15-pound increase over its predecessor.
Aside from this and the new green-white color scheme, the GTI 720 didn’t have any changes for this model year.
https://youtu.be/vSB-C-G8wLk
1999 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Review
According to the official operator’s manual, the 1999 Sea-Doo GTI 720 was released with a single-carb Rotax 717 engine.
The hull was also 1.6 inches longer than the ’98, as its measured 124.4 inches in length. Despite this, the new GTI 720 dropped slightly as its dry weight was 586 pounds.
Regarding design, the ’99 model returned with a white hull and top deck, while the seat, hood, mirrors, handlebar cover, and gauge cover were painted purple.
2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Review
The 2000 Sea-Goo GTI 720 was 0.4 inches shorter but 48.4 inches wider than its predecessor. Its weight also increased from 586 pounds up to 605 pounds.
This ski returned with a completely white body, while the other colors featured a unique Cozumel green/white color scheme.
Like the ’99 model, the 2000 GTI also featured a single-carb Rotax 717 power source.
The 2nd generation Sea-Doo GTI 720 was discontinued after the 2000 model year to make room for the more advanced, 3rd generation GTI.
2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the 2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 specifications into these charts!
2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Dimensions
| 2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 | Dimensions and Capacities |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers | 1 operator and 2 passengers |
| Overall length | 315 cm (124 in) |
| Overall width | 123 cm (48.4 in) |
| Overall height | 104 cm (41.9 in) |
| Weight | 275 kg (605 lb) |
| Load limit (passengers + luggage) | 243 kg (535 lb) |
| Hull Material | Composite (fiberglass) |
| Fuel tank | 56.5 L (15 US gal) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Capacity | 100 mL (2.7 US oz) |
| Impeller shaft reservoir - Oil level height | up to plug |
| Injection oil reservoir | 6 L (1.6 US gal.) |
2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Engine Specs
| 2000 Sea-Doo GTI 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-Rotax Injection Oil |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 718 cm3 (43.81 in3) |
| Maximum Power (approximately) | 85 HP |
| RPM Limiter Operation @ | 7000 RPM ± 50 |
| Cooling Type | Water cooled, total loss type - Direct flow from propulsion unit |
| Overheating Beeper, Switch On @ | na |
| Fuel - type | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Carburetor - type and number | Mikuni BN 40i, Diaphragm type - Quantity : 1 |
2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Propulsion
| 2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 | Propulsion |
|---|---|
| Propulsion system | Bombardier Formula pump |
| Jet pump type | Axial flow, single stage |
| Transmission | Direct drive |
| Coupling Type | na |
| Impeller shaft reservoir oil type | Sea-Doo synthetic polyolester oil 75W90 GL5 |
| Pivoting angle of direction (nozzle) | ~ 23° |
| Pivoting angle of variable trim system | na |
| Minimum required water level for jet pump | 90 cm (3 ft) |
| Impeller Diameter | na |
2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Electrical Features
| 2000 Sea-Doo GTI 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 | 0.5 - 0.6 mm (.020-.024 in) |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Battery | 12 V, 19 A |
| Fuse - MPEM | 5 A |
| Fuse - Electrical System | 2 x 15 A |
| Fuse - VTS System | na |
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.
2nd Generation Sea-Doo GTI 720 For Sale
If you are considering purchasing one, you probably want to know where to find a 2nd generation Sea-Doo GTI 720 for sale. As this model vanished from the market in 2000, 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 2nd generation Sea-Doo GTI 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 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720!
What is a Sea-Doo GTI 720?
The Sea-Doo GTI 720 was a mid-range 2-stroke 3-seater Sea-Doo PWC.
What Year did Sea-Doo Make the 2nd Generation GTI 720?
Sea-Doo marketed the 2nd generation GTI 720 from 1997 through 2000.
What Size was the 2nd Generation Sea-Doo GTI 720?
The dimensions of each 2nd generation Sea-Doo GTI 720 model were as follows: (LxWxH in inches)
- 1997 Sea-Doo GTI 720: 122.8 x 46.9 x 37
- 1998 Sea-Doo GTI 720: 122.8 x 46.9 x 37
- 1999 Sea-Doo GTI 720: 124.4 x 46.9 x 37
- 2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720: 124 x 48.4 x 41.9
How Much Did a 2nd Generation Sea-Doo GTI 720 Weigh?
The dry weight of the 2nd generation Sea-Doo GTI 720 ranged from 587 up to 605 pounds:
- 1997 Sea-Doo GTI 720: 587 pounds
- 1998 Sea-Doo GTI 720: 593 pounds
- 1999 Sea-Doo GTI 720: 586 pounds
- 2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720: 605 pounds
Where were the Storage Compartments on a 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720?
The 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 featured a tiny glove box, a large front storage compartment, and a watertight storage tray beneath the rear seat.
How Many People Could Ride a 2nd Generation Sea-Doo GTI 720?
The tiny 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 was rated for three riders.
What Kind of Engine Did the 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Have?
The engine of the 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 was a 718cc, 2-stroke Rotax 717 twin.
How Much Horsepower Did a 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Have?
The 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 provided 85 HP at 7000 RPM.
Did the 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Have Reverse?
Yes, the 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 was equipped with manual reverse.
How Much Weight Could a 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Hold?
The total weight capacity of the 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 was 535 pounds.
How Much Fuel Did a 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Hold?
The 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 utilized a 15-gallon fuel tank.
How Much Fuel Did a 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Use?
The 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 fuel consumption was about 8.8 GPH at WOT.
Could the 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Tow a Skier or a Wakeboarder?
Yes, the 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 was designed for tow sports!
How Fast Did a 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Go?
The top speed of a 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 was about 48 mph under ideal conditions.
Was a 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 a 2-Stroke Ski?
Yes, the 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 utilized a 2-stroke twin engine.
How Much is a 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720 Worth?
It’s hard to tell the exact price of a 1997-2000 Sea-Doo GTI 720, as it strongly depends on its year, condition, and location. But as a rule of thumb, the prices typically range from $500 up to $2,500.
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