2005 rxt opas block off. Handles terrible

[Minton33]

As the title states my rxt has block off plates on it with the opas removed. I got it like that and rebuilt the engine and just got it going a week or so ago. I’ve always had older 2 strokes, some bigger ones like the gtx rfi and compared to them this rxt handles horribly at lower speeds. At idle it’s fine. But from right above idle to probably 20 miles per hour or so you damn near have to go full throttle to get it to even consider turning. And even then it’s barely turning. It rolls as much as it turns. Once you get going it handles fine.

I get it’s a bigger ski but I’ve rode bigger than it before. I work at a Seadoo dealer and have test ridden all kinds of makes and models of Seadoo and Yamaha and I’m thinking this is one of the worst handling ones I’ve rode at lower speeds.

Anyway my parts ski still has all the opas system on it and I’m thinking about replacing whatever parts are known to leak and transferring it all over to this ski. Anyone have any opinions on if it’ll actually help or not? I can’t imagine it’s supposed to handle like this. When we went out the other day everyone that rode it said the same thing. It runs good but the handling absolutely sucks

 

[Minton33]

Seems the 4tec forum is dead. Interesting being as the 2 stroke forum gets quick replies

 

[Milehighguy303]

the only recommendation I have is to just make sure you are not taking on any water in the hull. Handling gets very difficult, tippy, etc. if you have 20 gallons of water in the hull. You don’t mention taking on any water, so I will assume you are not having large amounts of water drain out when you open the two drain plugs.

But just having the OPAS paddles removed, nobody really complains about handling that I have read. They are only for low speed/idle handling help anyway.

 

[Minton33]

the only recommendation I have is to just make sure you are not taking on any water in the hull. Handling gets very difficult, tippy, etc. if you have 20 gallons of water in the hull. You don’t mention taking on any water, so I will assume you are not having large amounts of water drain out when you open the two drain plugs.

But just having the OPAS paddles removed, nobody really complains about handling that I have read. They are only for low speed/idle handling help anyway.

Yeah I actually have less water come out of it when I pull the plugs than any of the older 2 strokes I’ve had. The first time I took it out almost none came out. I was very surprised.
I haven’t really found anyone complain about it iether but I’m going to take the stuff off of my parts ski and reinstall it. And tbh I’m disappointed enough in it that if it doesn’t help I may get rid of it. It rides great and it’s fast but it’s not playful or sporty at all unless you’re hauling ass. My friend has an 07 rxp with the opas still installed and while it is a smaller more sporty ski, it doesn’t feel like this at all. I noticed no handling problems at all over the old 2 strokes, aside from just feeling heavier and more planted

 

[etemplet]

I am about to remove this system from a 2002 GTX DI so I find your opinion troubling. I've read nothing but good things about removing the OPAS system even to the point of gaining a little top speed. Off Power Assisted Steering is just that. I don't think the system is designed to steer the ski. OPAS does help and slow speed but that is only because you are "Off Power" which is the intent of the system. I'm gonna install the block off plates on my current ski pretty soon.

Just a note... I have 2 GTX DIs (2002 & 2003) both rudders on the right side are broken off at the bottom of the plastic housing exposing the internals. The 2002 when I rode it got a mind of its own regarding directional control at about 40+mph. I'm curious as to why these things are broken. Difficult for me to believe the previous owner damaged both skis on the same side... unless maybe it is a docking issue.

 

[Milehighguy303]

For what it’s worth… I still have the OPAS paddles on my 2007 GTI SE 155 at 350+ hours. They don’t leak and they work great, so I have never thought of removing them. But I don’t see any correlation to removing them and handling. I can imagine that being playful and making sharp turns maybe doing 15 mph, the paddles could help slightly. But likely negligible and not really a factor. I don’t have any good explanation for poor handling at higher speed with OPAS removed.

I have always sprayed WD-40 down both sides of the OPAS tubes after each ride, hoping that it might keep the linkage rods sliding thru the rubber boots and not wearing or catching and tearing the boot. Maybe keeping the rubber a bit more pliable. Not sure it has helped, but apparently hasn’t hurt.

 

[Minton33]

I am about to remove this system from a 2002 GTX DI so I find your opinion troubling. I've read nothing but good things about removing the OPAS system even to the point of gaining a little top speed. Off Power Assisted Steering is just that. I don't think the system is designed to steer the ski. OPAS does help and slow speed but that is only because you are "Off Power" which is the intent of the system. I'm gonna install the block off plates on my current ski pretty soon.

Just a note... I have 2 GTX DIs (2002 & 2003) both rudders on the right side are broken off at the bottom of the plastic housing exposing the internals. The 2002 when I rode it got a mind of its own regarding directional control at about 40+mph. I'm curious as to why these things are broken. Difficult for me to believe the previous owner damaged both skis on the same side... unless maybe it is a docking issue.

I’m going to put it back on and I sure hope it helps. Compared to my 2000 gtx rfi this rxp handles horribly. Hell my 96 challenger handles better than it does. I’m wondering if maybe the opas had more effect on the steering of certain models than others. Maybe on the smaller 2 stroke hulls it didn’t make as much of a difference? Idk. I haven’t got around to putting it back on yet. When I do I’ll post the results of it here. If it doesn’t help I will probably be selling it next spring. The steering is so dead under 30 or so that it’s not even really fun to ride. Borderline dangerous compared to my old skis as you pretty much have to either stop completely or full throttle it to get it to turn at all.

My buddy has an rxp that still has the opas and I had no complaints of its handling. And yes I realize that’s a smaller more sporty hull. But it’s still big compared to the old 2 strokes

 

[etemplet]

Just curious but is your ski turning better to left or to right or having problems in both directions. I've ridden an old Yamaha that was very difficult to change direction.

Yep I love the 1996-2002 GTX Hulls. I'm not a fan of the larger hulls. Give me a 1996 SPX and I'm good. LOL

 

[Minton33]

Just curious but is your ski turning better to left or to right or having problems in both directions. I've ridden an old Yamaha that was very difficult to change direction.

Yep I love the 1996-2002 GTX Hulls. I'm not a fan of the larger hulls. Give me a 1996 SPX and I'm good. LOL

It’s both directions. And I really like my gtx also but tired of buying oil for 2 skis and a boat Everytime we go out. Gas is already expensive enough. and everyone I ride with has either a turbo or sc 4 stroke and tired of getting left behind. I wish I could have that hull with the 1503 in it. That would be badass

Any specific reason on the 96 spx? I have a 96xp I’m fixing up and hoping to have the topend back together in the next couple weeks. Heard the x4 is a blast but have not got to ride one yet.

 

[etemplet]

96SPX is a X4 Hull (I'm told) with the smaller 717 engine. I don't like the 96XP because it is to ferocious. Gotta hang on and it's like riding a fast dirt bike, you gotta be on your toes all the time.

I had a good time riding a GS with the 717 engine. I found that hull much more stable. It was small and just as much fun to me. Like a sports car not a race car. I haven't ridden a GS with a 787 but I bet that would be cool. The 717 fits better in the hulls and is a little easier to work on.