how do i know if i damaged my ride plate?

[skinwalker]

I finally got my boat running for the first time yesterday and it ran around 30-35mph. Its a 95 90hp baja jetboat. We tested it quite extensively out of water and it sneezed once and i've read that it can damage the ridge plate which will cause power loss. What can i do to examine the plate for damage? Should i take pictures and post? Is there an obvious method or visual clue?

 

[emoney]

Re: how do i know if i damaged my ride plate?

From what I understand, the ride plate needs to sit flush with the bottom of the hull. Post some pics and we'll be able to see better, but make sure you get the area next to the hull too.

 

[skinwalker]

Re: how do i know if i damaged my ride plate?

near the front end of the boat the plate looks alittle lower than flush.. which causes me alittle concern. I will post pics. Curious if that means the plates bent or if that means need new gasket

 

[skinwalker]

Re: how do i know if i damaged my ride plate?

http://postimage.org/image/2px7z8wx0/
http://postimage.org/image/2pxcxuyec

 

[skinwalker]

Re: how do i know if i damaged my ride plate?

i took the pictures so whats the diagnosis?

 

[emoney]

Re: how do i know if i damaged my ride plate?

According to the manual, there's tabs on the plate that can be intentionally bent sort of like a trim tab on an outboard. I'm no expert, but just looking at the pics you posted it really doesn't seem to be that far off. Any way of "zooming out" with the camera? How big is your boat? 35mph might be all she's got. I ready plenty of places where 38-40 is to be expected out of the 120, at least in my 16 footer.
Do you have a tach to be able to check your rpm's at WOT?

There's only a couple screws holding the ride plate on. When you take it down, you see some "tabs" which is where the adjustment I'm talking about is suppose to occur. If the bend that you're seeing is in these spots, then it's fine. If, however, it's bent somewhere else, then that could be causing it to not have as much power as it should.

 

[emoney]

Re: how do i know if i damaged my ride plate?

If you decide to take the ride plate off, you might want to check your impellar as well to make sure it's not worn/frayed/etc. Also, there's gear oil that goes in the stator at the impeller. Holds a little less than 3 1/2 ounces.

 

[calledinsick]

Re: how do i know if i damaged my ride plate?

Looks like it's blown out. Best bet is to take the intake grate off then the ride plate. A manual impact driver works well to loosen the screws/bolts. Take the ride plate out gently and try and preserve the gasket/seal (foam). I blew mine off worse than that and with some patience and perseverance you can get it back in shape. The key is baby steps!

I used a couple of blocks of wood to help. One I placed between the ride plate and the floor where I wanted a slight bend. The other I placed on top of the plate (or bottom depending on which way you lay it on the floor and are looking to re-shape) and used as a cusion for tapping out with a hammer (not striking the plate directly but striking the wood block). Someone else stated they used a dead-blow hammer. I also took a few passes in the bench vise using wood blocks to protect the plate where I wanted to re-shape and applying slight pressure/force against the extended end. Remember...BABY STEPS!!

Make a few minor adjustments then go put it in place and see how it fits. Pull it back off (mark shape points with chalk if needed) and shape a little more. I also use Dawn dish soap on the foam gasket to help slide the plate into place.

Hope this helps and isn't too confusing...

 

[moonbuggy]

Re: how do i know if i damaged my ride plate?

It really isn't that bad, I've seen way worse (look at my thread about '93 Jazz intermittent power loss, there's photos and stuff about ride plates).
I would:
1. leave it on
2. mix Dawn dish soap and water in a spray bottle
3. squirt it all over the seal
4. then using a dead-blow hammer just smack it right back up into place. You may have to use a piece of plexi-glass on edge (or similar) to manipulate the gasket some, but really doubt it. Mine was stomped out on the gravel bar and still ran fine that way.

Now to your top speed issue: Thats the problem (35mph is 10 to slow) I'm currently working on with my 14' bayliner jazz 90hp. Check the thread mentioned above.