Cavitation quick question

[vilord]

My '96 challenger cavitates on take-off, very slow starts (30 seconds) with just me in the boat. Has some of the steam issues that factory had with his boat too...

So today I'm replacing the neoprene seal and putting on lots of RTV per Derek's suggestion.

The question: Do I need to pull the ride plate as it says in the manual?
If it is not required, should I do it anyway is there more to seal in there or is it a waste of an afternoon?

Thanks!

 

[robin savell lloyd]

Extream caution should be taken when removeing the ride plate as you may not be able to locate another if you break it and there are other complications that can arise. I learned this the hard way! My boat does not cavitate now but if I were to ever do it again the only thing I would do is reseal the pump to the shoe if every thing else looked ok as I believe that this is wear most cavitation lies. These big boats are known to suck air easier than a pwc. :cheers: read up on pump shoe http://www.groupk.com/sdjetboats-1.html

 

[vilord]

The ride plate already has a chunk out of it next to the speedo sensor... i don't want to chance it, only a few weeks left in the season here.

The silicone on the ride plate looks good anyways, no visible gaps along the mating surface.

As for the pump, the silicone that was on there was missing in spots, and the neoprene seal was ripped. New seal and new silicone all around, we'll see how she performs tomorrow
By the way, as you had stated before, this is extremely easy to do, only took me about an hour from start to finish, I'm glad I went for it.

As for the prop and the wear ring, the ring looks good, gap is under a millimeter all around... very very minor scratches in a couple places, but decent sawtoothing on the impeller. I guess I'll be getting a new impeller before next season

 

[robin savell lloyd]

If impeller works ok after you seal your pump to shoe I would not replace it. :cheers:

 

[vilord]

Good point! I'll try it tomorrow after the RTV's had a chance to dry...

Thanks very much for the pointers!:cheers:

 

[vilord]

H*** yeah! used to be 15 seconds to get on plane, now its up in like 3 (with just me on the boat).

I'll stick with the original impeller, thanks

And thanks for the help, I was getting really disappointed in this boat, thinking of selling/trading up.