2012 GTI SE - Ride Plate is rough

[gmanzee]

Hi to all - First post on this Site!
I have recently acquired two GTI SE's. I'm getting them prepped for use this season - Can't wait. I waxed the hulls and they came out very nice. Question: should I do anything with the Ride plates? I have some buildup / rough surface / white type corrosion there? Should I sand this smooth?

 

[Coastiejoe]

Sanding it smooth is fine. Corrosion is pretty common is salt water. What we do is spray all the metal parts down with WD 40 or CRC Lubricant after each ride. This dissipates the water and prevents corrosion.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Welcome to the forum.
Where do you ride?

See below for other threads for MI riders & first name basis.

 

[devonte007]

I had the same problem with my ride plate. Since it seems that you do not do much salt water riding (being in MI and all), probably nothing to worry about.

I sanded mine down, prepped it well, and applied some rustoleum enamel 2 years ago, just because I did not like the way it looked. So far it has held up great and no cooling problems.

If you do choose to coat it make sure it is some type of coating that will easily dissipate heat and not insulate the ride plate or you may have overheat issues.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Many of them he boats have painted their ride plate and had over heat issues. I don't put anything on mine other than a spray lubricant. Still look like new.


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[Seadoobuddy]

Wow, I didn't know that it could over heat. WHY/HOW?

 

[Coastiejoe]

In many cases, the closed loop cooling water (antifreeze) runs through the ride plate and back to the engine. The ride plate is touching the water you are riding on, which cools the antifreeze as it passes through it.

If it is painted with a substance that does does not allow the ride plate to absorb the coolness of the water you are riding in, the antifreeze gets hot and can overheat the engine.

It is basically the radiator of your ski.

 

[gmanzee]

Got it. I'll Keep it clean and lubricate when I take it out of the water. Thanks to all Its great to draw on all your experience!

 

[Coastiejoe]

Here is a picture to help you better understand your cooling system.




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