Super Jet Shorting an SJ differences?

[Quinc]

Planning to shorten my SJ and reading through different builds I have found two ways of shorting in. Cut them straight and glass them straight or glass them at an angle/rocker.

I am hoping you guys can let me know the pros/cons to either way and difference in ride-ability?

 

[yamanube]

You will likely not notice any difference in the ride. Straight cut makes it easier to reinstall scuppers and exhaust.

 

[BrightE's]

No difference in riding. Aesthetic difference mainly. I had no trouble adding a drain pipe and cutting at an angle the exhaust on the back of an '04 superjet.

 

[schicks]

hey BrightE were you happy with the mod? How did it affect your riding? would you shorten the SJ again?

 

[BrightE's]

I was super happy with it. It helps the nose come up a good bit. I had installed tubbies at the same time though, so it's slightly hard to tell which is accounting more for the raised nose. If I could do it again I probably would have taken more like 4 to 6 inches off, but I only weigh 155 pounds, so it takes more for me to bring the nose up when popping or spinning off waves.

As far as the amount of work goes, it was quite laborious, but worth it in every sense.

My build thread is here if it helps at all (shortening is on the 2nd page): http://www.x-h2o.com/threads/130983-BrightE-s-Generic-RN-Build!

Also, this hull is going to be up for sale in the next month or two if you are interested in skipping out on some of the work.

 

[kkwedell]

I cut mine at an angle. I did around -5.25 and love it!!!

 

[kkwedell]

 

[IS0LD0UT]

I have mine straight cut -3 inches and defoamed. I think it makes a big difference when you shorten.

 

[mthomps]

Say you shorten 5 inches but keep the ride plate full length, it will still run like a stock superjet but let the nose pop up when/if you want it to?

 

[Robnobnorb]

Do you take the foam out and not replace it with anything. ??

 

[BrightE's]

Say you shorten 5 inches but keep the ride plate full length, it will still run like a stock superjet but let the nose pop up when/if you want it to?

All a longer plate is going to do is keep the nose down, it won't effect much else (so long as it is not an AM finned plate). When you shorten the ski, it's going to slip out slightly easier, so no it won't run like stock. Part of the advantage many are after though when shortening is to get the back to slip out a little more, in addition to sitting lower and bringing the nose up.

 

[BrightE's]

Do you take the foam out and not replace it with anything. ??

It's a ideal time to remove water logged foam since you'll have cut into the tray a good bit at this point. Get the old foam out, and you can fill with a variety of things. If you fill with expanding urethane (like what is in there in an OEM ski), it is likely going to just get logged with water again, and add weight. A lot of guys, myself included, who replace foam, are doing so with Expanded Polystyrene foam sheet, or Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) sheet.

I decided to go with the more expensive EPP foam because it is impervious to solvents, in case any gasoline some how got back there, it won't eat it apart.

 

[yamanube]

I did a straight cut at -4" with a flush cut plate and it wasn't as drastic of a difference as I thought it would be.

 

[schicks]

Yamanube did you flush cut the ride plate? how many nozzles have you broken? I am thinking about cutting mine down this winter and getting 50lbs of wet foam out and try it out before I go to an aftermarket hull. I love the way the superjet handles, but I want to be able to get the nose up and out of the water quicker and easier like an aftermarket hull.

 

[yamanube]

Yamanube did you flush cut the ride plate? how many nozzles have you broken? I am thinking about cutting mine down this winter and getting 50lbs of wet foam out and try it out before I go to an aftermarket hull. I love the way the superjet handles, but I want to be able to get the nose up and out of the water quicker and easier like an aftermarket hull.

I did have the ride plate cut flush with the hull, even in the shallow (knee deep) daytona surf I never broke a nozzle but I was always very aware of the fact that my pump hung way out (also never got inverted). I think the biggest difference is leaving the tray long or not, I rode mine at -4 and it was a noticeable difference, I rode a -4 with the tray cut back 4" as well and it was a totally different animal, much more nose high. I would suggest doing no less than a 4" cut and leave the tray long, adjust your plate to your liking. BTW, I am 160lbs, a heavier rider may have different results. I could ride wide open on my ski all day long without issues, the short hull made it turn quicker and no intake grate made it slide for days.