A Mind of It's Own

[seemoski]

I have a 2005 GTX Wake edition that I bought new. From the very beginning, it has veered of in a different direction than were I was steering. I was told by the dealership that that was just the way 'they' were. This summer however, it has gotten worse. I feel like I have to fight to keep it heading where I want to go. Has anyone else had this problem and can it be fixed?

 

[ScubaDoo]

You need to adjust the nozzle at the jet pump till it steers correctly...

 

[Michael211_2000]

Your OPAS paddles may not be operating in sync... one or the other may be sticking, which would result in what you describe. You could try spraying the cylinders they're mounted on with silicone lube spray to make them slide better. Water pressure from the jetpump pushes them up at higher speeds by a piston, springs built into them push them back down when you slow down. If one is sticking, you can see where that might cause steering problems even if you're trying to go straight.... you'd have drag on the opposite side from the sticking paddle!

Also you could upgrade to an aftermarket performance intake grate... the OEM grate does little too nothing beyond keeping large objects out of the pump, you can actually lose the OEM grate and not notice it's missing for awhile! LOL! Aftermarket grates have deeper rails which help the watercraft track straighter and turn tighter at higher speeds, and have the added benefit of directing more water to the top of the pump giving you more thrust. RIVA, Aquavein, etc. I went with an Aquavein by R&D, mostly because it closely resembles the intake grate in my big jet boat's Berkely pump.

Regards!

- Michael

 

[bigJake]

hmmm, sounds like you got the "Christine" model.