O.P.A.S. System steering mod -fixed vanes to Sliding Vanes

[mookerblu]

So my cousin and I were comparing our Sea Doos today. Mine is an '07 RXP and his a '08 RXT. His side vanes (used for steering) will move up and down depending on speed.

This is an excerpt from the manual describing it:
Models with Sliding Side Vanes
(O.P.A.S. System)
When engine is running at approximately
75% or more RPM, the side
vanes are automatically raised to upper
position since they are not required
at that vehicle speed range.
Between 30% and 75% engine RPM,
side vanes are gradually raised from
lower position to upper position.

When throttle is released and engine
RPM drops, the side vanes are automatically
lowered thus assisting steering
control

________________________________________________

Sooooooo.... I noticed when riding his, that his will steer A LOT better and I'm jealous

Looking at the parts diagrams, it looks like his has a spring and mine doesn't. I'm wondering if anyone has converted their "fixed vanes" into "sliding vanes".

The Spring is the key part and standard on his....
see part #20 on this http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.com/seadooforums/Seadoo_oem/Seadoo_PWC.asp?Type=13&A=164&B=17

and on mine it has the spacer instead of a spring keeping them raised at all times.... part #22 http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.com/seadooforums/Seadoo_oem/Seadoo_PWC.asp?Type=13&A=149&B=18

do you think its possible to just buy the spring and install it in place of the spacer? They look to be the same size.......

 

[loco12]

I would be looking at removing the OPAS system completely, was the best mod I have done to my RXP so far.
There must be more than just a spring that is different? What controls them going up and down?

 

[mookerblu]

I am not sure what controls them, but I think it is just the movement of the water. Four of us checked them out, and one thought was they were vacuum controlled.... not sure about that one though. You can physically move the ones with the spring up and down.
Here is the part sheet compared side by side...

 

[red2blue]

The opas paddles on the rxt are raised by water pressure. The hose that feeds the system is at the top of the pump as you look from aft.

The RXP doesn't require the paddles to aid steering because it has a vts to help control the attitude of the hull.

The paddles are a drag. Block Off's of varying design are available which will reduce or eliminate porpoising and enable higher top speed.