Unlocking peak performance from any vehicle, whether it’s a car like a 2015 Gti or a personal watercraft (PWC), often comes down to minimizing friction. After extensive testing, a simple, readily available solution has emerged for PWC enthusiasts looking to gain an edge: WD-40 Silicone Lubricant. This isn’t your standard WD-40; this silicone-based spray is designed to create a water-resistant, friction-reducing layer, specifically beneficial for the ride plate of your watercraft.
The experiment involved applying WD-40 Silicone Lubricant to the ride plate of a PWC. The results were immediately noticeable. This specialized spray, linked here https://www.wd40specialist.com/products/silicone-lubricant/, proved to be remarkably effective in reducing water friction. Unlike standard lubricants that wash away quickly, this silicone formula adheres to bare aluminum, beading up water like wax even after a ride.
The performance gains were significant. The PWC reached a top speed of 61 mph at 7400 rpm on two-thirds of a tank of fuel. This speed was limited by the engine’s RPM, indicating that reduced friction allowed the engine to reach its power band limit more efficiently. Applying the spray to the flat bottom surface of the ride plate was crucial. Experimenting with the angled part of the plate led to instability, causing the back of the watercraft to feel loose and actually decreasing top speed to 58 mph. This illustrates the importance of targeted application for optimal results – a principle applicable to performance modifications in vehicles like the 2015 GTI as well, where precision tuning is key.
Interestingly, the reduced friction also had a positive impact on wake and stability. At full speed, the wake was significantly diminished, and porpoising, a common issue at high speeds, became virtually nonexistent. These improvements further contribute to the overall performance enhancement.
The application process is straightforward. Ensure the ride plate surface is clean and apply a coat of WD-40 Silicone Lubricant, allowing it time to dry completely before hitting the water. This simple, affordable modification, costing only around $5 per can, offers a tangible performance boost.
This friction reduction technique, combined with other performance enhancements like filling ride plate holes and optimizing propeller choice for water temperature, suggests even greater potential. The experimenter is confident in surpassing their previous top speed of 62+ mph with further prop adjustments to match water conditions and engine RPM. The ability to consistently maintain speeds above 60 mph is a testament to the effectiveness of this simple modification.
Comparing these results to high-performance PWCs like the GTR 215 highlights the efficiency gained. The modified PWC now exhibits comparable acceleration up to its horsepower peak around 53 mph. Beyond this speed, while supercharged PWCs like the GTR 215 continue to build power, this modified PWC achieves notable gains with less weight, reduced ride plate friction, performance tuning requiring high-test fuel, and a lower pitch propeller (11/19 vs 14/19). Importantly, these performance improvements are achieved while maintaining a fuel burn rate of approximately 10 gallons per hour, significantly less than the GTR 215’s 16.5 gallons per hour and even the naturally aspirated 1.8L Yamaha’s 13.5 gallons per hour.
For anyone looking to maximize their watercraft’s performance, or even those interested in applying friction reduction principles to other vehicles like the 2015 GTI in different contexts (aerodynamics, rolling resistance), WD-40 Silicone Lubricant on the ride plate is a surprisingly effective and affordable starting point.
