Cavitation plate question

[ben2go]

I have a 1980 Tecumseh 5hp Gamefisher with a broken cavitation plate.The boat I am planning to use this motor on is not designed to plane.So the lower unit will remain submerged.The cavitation plate doesn't help with water flow into the water pump intake.Can I just cut off the rest of the cavitation plate or do I really need to weld the broken section back on?

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Cavitation plate question

If it works, don't fix it.

 

[F_R]

Re: Cavitation plate question

The plate has little to do with planing. It is there to discourage the prop from sucking air from the surface. If it doesn't do that on your boat, don't worry about it. With only 5hp, it probably isn't a problem.