Re: Bent Ride Plate/Repair
Any raised surface will effect performance! You will notice as 'cavitation' - sounds like it's slipping/spinning.
Most of the time they can be fixxed. Take small steps to straighten. Remove plate, remove grate from plate. I use several wood blocks - mutliple to set the plate on and one to use for dead blows. Hold the plate up to the bottom of the boat and see/chalk where it needs to be bent. Place on wood blocks (wood block on each side of area to be flatened/bent), place a block on top to strike, tap with hammer. Check for fit, repeat as necessary. Move plate in small increments on blocks so as to use a 'gentle' bend/flattening. Takes a while but is worth it.