Abstract: The jet power unit of a water craft is provided with a steering plate which is deflectable upwardly but which is continuously oriented in the direction of but spaced below the flow of water from the jet. The jet power unit preferably includes movable steering deflectors at its exhaust port which steer the craft by deflecting the jet flow to one side or the other, the steering plate including linkage means for pivoting the plate relative to the craft in response to movement of the jet deflectors to maintain the plane of the steering plate parallel to the direction of jet flow.