Skidplate on a T-Nytro?

[Blue Light]

I wanted to get other opinions.

A buddy of mine thinks that a full skidplate on a Nytro helps alot with floatation. I kind of think that between the turbo and the Simmons GII skis its not really an issue. Also, I've seen his skid plate full of snow, like a scoop shovel? Opinions please.

 

[tomx]

I run a Skinz plate, but I'm rolling stock, so my opinions could be completely invalid. This years model actually has cutouts that allow snow to drain better.

I'd really like to ride another Nytro side by side in the same conditions to tell if it makes much a difference. The first day I put it on, I rode two days in a row, same conditions, about 1-2ft of new, mid 20's, and day two when I put on the skid I was floating down hill pow like never before. The front end became feather light as soon as I was in deep, mind you, this is downhill. But it may be purely psychological. And yep, it holds some snow. I keep thinking I'll bore out some 1" holes in the bottom, but I don't really seem to care enough to do it.

I really picked it up as an extra layer of protection from stumps, which it has done right be me so far. Pegged a couple last year off the plate and was none the worse for wear.

I did have some problems with it ripping off initially under full load of some true cascade concrete, so I put some ubolts on it and haven't had a problem since.

My snow shovel pic from Sunday 12-14-08.

 

[Blue Light]

Thanks for your reply. They do hold the snow...and I think you'd have to be carefull cutting holes as I think they could cause a little drag (kind of like a ported/drilled track in firm conditions), probably not much though. I'm thinking with the wide Simmons a skid plate would be less of an issue as far as floatation goes, not to mention turbo HP. For protection they're a no brainer.

 

[rotax]

i drilled holes in the lower ribs, just small enough to let the melted water drain out after it thaws out..
yes, while its in the cold/snow, its going to just sit and hold ice/snow... oh well.

if it doesn't help with floating it definately helps with driving other trees/stumps/rocks...\


your front end isn't ALWAYS going to be in the air and floating...no matter what you may wanna wish for.

 

[Nikolai]

I ran all last year without a skidplate, and this year put the Yami skidplate on. Definitely holds more snow which then turns to ice. PIA but I think it's worth it.

 

[skidooboy]

i ran the oem yamaha plate last year, ice/snow build up tore the nose cone right off the sled. even with de-icing it everyday. this year i decided i would try to mod the skid plate as i thought a two piece design would be better for the above issue. i cut the front of the plate to cover the nose cone (mostly for appearance) the i had a piece of dimondplate (aluminum atp) fabbed to close to the underside of the sled an skid plate, then i custom fit it to my sled. it retains the stock large drain, has good looks and the aluminum plate undereath is alot stronger than plastic.

personally i do not like the looks of the skins/yamaha float plate, their hole is nothing more than a band aid. it is a giant shovel waiting to add more weight to the front of your sled. even with the two piece design i have came up with mine will still hold wet snow in the gap between the nose and the motor area but a quick poke, and it is gone. with my set up, the snow cant get under or trapped in the plate. so i have eliminated my issues. i tried mine as a test, i will be making another for my wifes sled soon.

might not be for everyone, but it works for me. ski

 

[Blue Light]

Pics?