How to Block off OPAS Steering on a Jet Ski

Jet skis come equipped with a steering system known as Off Power Assisted Steering (OPAS) which essentially helps to ease steering. Although it is not recommended for recreational use, many jet ski racing leagues remove the OPAS systems in order to boost speed. There are kits available known as OPAS block-off kits, which serve to cover the hole where the OPAS system was installed after the system is removed. It takes about two hours to remove OPAS and block it off.

Things You'll Need

  • Socket set
  • Vice-grips
  • Block-off kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use the socket set to remove the bolts holding the OPAS lever, or tie rod end, to the Jet Ski U lever.

    • 2

      Use the socket set to remove the U lever from the steering nozzle.

    • 3

      Use a pair of vice grips to twist and unscrew the tie rods from the tie rod ends.

    • 4

      Use the socket set to remove the OPAS blade bolts and then remove the OPAS blades from their cylinder support assemblies. Also unbolt the four cylinder support assemblies with the sockets set. Set the cylinder support bolts aside for later use.

    • 5

      Snap the O-rings into their fittings on the back of the four back-off plates. The plates and O-rings are included in the block-off kit.

    • 6

      Place the back-off plates over the holes where the cylinder support assemblies were located and then install the cylinder support bolts to hold the plates in place. Tighten these bolts with the socket set.