Re: Size of a cavitation plate
Cavitation plate is actually a misnomer: It is really an anti-ventilation plate, but almost everyone calls them "cavitation plates." Ventilation is when the top of the prop, which is close to the surface of the water, sucks in air. This ventilation can result in cavitation--thus the misnomer. The plate acts as a barrier to air intrusion.
Your plate was designed with the prop and lower unit in mind and as such should not cause problems. However, being slightly smaller, it may need to be set a little deeper in the water (this may already be designed into the lower unit length. If your engine has power trim, you may find that you may need to run the trim in a little more. Conversly, since there is less area on the new plate it may have less effect on hull trim and you may need to run it out a little more. None of these are insurmountable problems. OMC engines have had various sized cavitation plates over the years and in actuality, you may experience no difference or problems at all.
