96 Searay F16 questions

[WingsAGMC]

Morning Folks!
I just snagged this old girl and have a few questions which I hope y’all can help with but the biggest is the intake portion at the bottom of the boat - on mine the rubber piece (I believe it’s called a grate or something close to it) has completely come off the front side towards the bow of the boat.
I can get it back on no problem, my question is how or what is the best way to lift the boat on the trailer to reattach the aforementioned piece?
Thanks well in advance!

 

[stpetesearayderf16]

It sounds like you're talking about the seal/gasket for the ride plate. I've heard the best way it to unscrew, lower, replace the seal and then use a jack pushing a 2x4 cut to length to push the plate back into place.