Looking for some Sea Dooo help

chipj29 · 06-02-2005, 08:12 AM

A couple things. First, one more link to the list codeman gave. Try www.sea-doo.net There is a message board on there with lots of awesome information. Green hulk is a member there.
Secondly, I don't have OPAS on my ski, but if I did I would disable, based on what I have read. There are no benefits to having it unless you are a novice rider. I would guesstimate that well over 50% of the people on Sea-Doo.net have eliminated OPAS and have no regrets in doing so. Most of the comments I have seen are similar to what codeman has said above.

codeman671 · 06-02-2005, 09:21 PM

I checked with Riva today on this, they suggest for rec riding that you use their competition kit for the opas. It clips the fins up at high speeds but still allows them to drop out at low speeds. They highly recommend not disabling it altogether unless you are in competition and using aggresive sponsons with minimal docking and putting around. It looks like the R&D kit does the same. The rxt is a big boat to swing in confined areas. Can't wait to next week to try it!!!

chipj29 · 06-03-2005, 08:04 AM

Codeman, from what I have heard, you are going to LOVE that new RXT! After breakin, I hear they are almost as fast as the RXP. I think I read that a stock RXT was gps'd at around 68. And you will get to that speed in no time! Have fun, be careful!

jetskier · 06-04-2005, 01:06 PM

Hi all,

The OPAS system is meant to provide steering control when you do not have power. A jet propulsion system provides steering by directing the flow of water in a direction. When there is no power, there is no steering or control.

The OPAS system on the Sea Doo uses a pair of fins to provide steering control at very low speeds. This works even when there is no power, the fins do cause drag. At low speeds, this is not a problem. When you increase speed, the water pressure increases and is used to lift the fins and retract them.

I find that there are times that the power control and the off power control conflict and create handling issues. This is true in chop when the pressure can fluctuate and cause the fins to drop and rise. In addition, when you speed up and slow down, there is a point where the fins retract and fall that is a bit variable.

Personally, I just don't like the craft handling with the OPAS. I find that there are times that it is not predictable. Without it, it behaves in a more predictable fashion. So, I have disabled it. I have been riding a PWC for years without this system and know how to handle the craft. I think that the system might be good for new riders or renters...but, for an experienced rider, I don't see too much value.

Regards,
jetskier

06-02-2005, 08:12 AM	#1
chipj29 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bow Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 521 Thanked 308 Times in 162 Posts	www.sea-doo.net A couple things. First, one more link to the list codeman gave. Try www.sea-doo.net There is a message board on there with lots of awesome information. Green hulk is a member there. Secondly, I don't have OPAS on my ski, but if I did I would disable, based on what I have read. There are no benefits to having it unless you are a novice rider. I would guesstimate that well over 50% of the people on Sea-Doo.net have eliminated OPAS and have no regrets in doing so. Most of the comments I have seen are similar to what codeman has said above.

06-02-2005, 09:21 PM	#2
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,539 Thanks: 222 Thanked 828 Times in 499 Posts	Riva I checked with Riva today on this, they suggest for rec riding that you use their competition kit for the opas. It clips the fins up at high speeds but still allows them to drop out at low speeds. They highly recommend not disabling it altogether unless you are in competition and using aggresive sponsons with minimal docking and putting around. It looks like the R&D kit does the same. The rxt is a big boat to swing in confined areas. Can't wait to next week to try it!!!

06-03-2005, 08:04 AM	#3
chipj29 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bow Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 521 Thanked 308 Times in 162 Posts	Rxt Codeman, from what I have heard, you are going to LOVE that new RXT! After breakin, I hear they are almost as fast as the RXP. I think I read that a stock RXT was gps'd at around 68. And you will get to that speed in no time! Have fun, be careful!

06-04-2005, 01:06 PM	#4
jetskier Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Reading, MA and South Down Shores Posts: 854 Thanks: 57 Thanked 183 Times in 114 Posts	OPAS - Good Discussion!!! Hi all, The OPAS system is meant to provide steering control when you do not have power. A jet propulsion system provides steering by directing the flow of water in a direction. When there is no power, there is no steering or control. The OPAS system on the Sea Doo uses a pair of fins to provide steering control at very low speeds. This works even when there is no power, the fins do cause drag. At low speeds, this is not a problem. When you increase speed, the water pressure increases and is used to lift the fins and retract them. I find that there are times that the power control and the off power control conflict and create handling issues. This is true in chop when the pressure can fluctuate and cause the fins to drop and rise. In addition, when you speed up and slow down, there is a point where the fins retract and fall that is a bit variable. Personally, I just don't like the craft handling with the OPAS. I find that there are times that it is not predictable. Without it, it behaves in a more predictable fashion. So, I have disabled it. I have been riding a PWC for years without this system and know how to handle the craft. I think that the system might be good for new riders or renters...but, for an experienced rider, I don't see too much value. Regards, jetskier