Abstract: A stern drive system includes a jet nozzle that is pivoted with respect to a mounting bracket and is steered by two hydraulic cylinders. An anti-rotation brace includes a rod pivotably mounted to the bracket and a sleeve pivotably mounted to the jet nozzle. The rod, the sleeve and the pivot mounts are constructed such that the antirotation brace prevents the jet nozzle from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the stern drive system, thereby allowing a modular, compact stern drive which provides advantages in terms of reduced manufacturing cost, reduced maintenance cost, and increased ease of installation.