OK I'm a bit thick here can somebody please post some pics of this mod and explain what i should be trying to achieve here (like line up the plate with the hull)

my only concern is that i would be putting a gap between the ride plate and the hull if i was just using a couple of washers and not have the 2 surfaces flush together ???

The only part of the ride plate that's flush to the hull is the mounts, so don't sweat the extra space. Take the ride plate off and get some stainless fender washers about the same size as the mounts and same ID as the bolts to minimize the stress on the hull around the inserts.

IMO, start with lining the front of the plate up with the hull, then experiment with washers (or no washers) under the back of the plate to see what works best for you. With the Riva plate I use one fat washer under the front of the plate, which lines the angled sides up with the hull, and no washers under the back of the plate. Makes the ski faster and faster out of the hole, but requires stepping the sponsons and shimming the trim tabs with washers to control porposing.

sw

5/16 - 1 1/2" washers work perfect