Riva Ride Plate installation question

[Rob1124]

Hello,

First of all I gotta say I love this forum! So much information and good advice from all of you.

I am planning on doing the ribbon delete this week and was wondering if installing the Riva Ride plate is worth it.
Is it an easy install like just removing the 4 bolts and putting the new one in? Do I need to apply any sealant?
I am looking for a smoother ride and not too crazy about top speed but wouldn’t mind a couple mph more

thanks in advance!

[K447]

For which model and year?

You will also have to unscrew the speedometer paddle wheel sensor from the old ride plate, then install it onto the new ride plate.

The Riva ride plate just bolts up in place of the stock ride plate.

[Rob1124]

Sorry forgot to add the model.
2016 VXS

sounds like a pretty easy installation then.
Thanks

[BLASTER 1]

Sorry forgot to add the model.
2016 VXS

sounds like a pretty easy installation then.
Thanks

Hint/ On the paddle wheel screws use a good phillips head when removing those tiny screws the heads strip easily. Also its a good idea to chase the threads on the rideplate usually there full of powdercoat.

[Rob1124]

So I dont have to apply any silicone or sealent on the new plate?

[K447]

So I dont have to apply any silicone or sealent on the new plate?

You should confirm the factory rubber sealing strip is properly positioned and making a seal with the front/top edge of the ride plate.

The factory intake grate has large void spaces that can cause jet pump ventilation. Some of us take the time to fill the voids.

Aftermarket intake grates have a ‘pump seal’ kit that fills those voids.

There are a number of things that can be done to improve the sealing, alignment and performance of the jet pump, intake grate and ride plate. Some are minor, some can make a noticeable difference.

It is common for the transom plate factory sealant to seep water into the hull while riding. In my case the sealant failed, creation an air gap that greatly reduced acceleration from low speeds. The fix for both issues is to remove the transom plate, clean off the old sealant, then re-seal with a much better sealant. I use 3M 4200 Fast Cure sealant.

[Rob1124]

This might be a stupid question but how are you guys able to temove the plate with the ski on the trailer? The bolts are right above the trailer bunks.

[Impulse20098]

This might be a stupid question but how are you guys able to temove the plate with the ski on the trailer? The bolts are right above the trailer bunks.

Haha I have the exact same question. About to add the Riva ride plate as well.

[Rob1124]

I have searched this forum and watched youtube videos but cant find any information on removing it

[K447]

... how are you guys able to temove the plate with the ski on the trailer?

The bolts are right above the trailer bunks.

Attach trailer to tow vehicle and latch the coupler. This prevents the trailer from tipping backwards. Do not skip this step.

Set parking brake in tow vehicle. If you have wheel chocks, place them front and back of trailer wheels.

Loosen winch strap a few turns. Re-latch winch.

Check that winch ratchet catch is actually latched.

Slide hull rearwards on bunks until winch strap is tight. You may need some help if the bunks are not slippery.*

Check whether hull is far enough back to remove the ride plate. If not quite, loosen winch another turn or two. Relatch winch. Slide hull farther back.

Once the hull is far enough back, crank winch until all slack is removed from winch strap. Just snug. Latch winch.

* I use Liquid Rollers dry silicone spray product to reduce bunk friction. One person can slide a hull on the bunks.