Upgrade Your Ride: Why the New Front Skid Plate from Vessel Powersports Is a Game-Changer

November 19, 2025

ByChris Nichols 0 Comments

Upgrade Your Ride: Why the New Front Skid Plate from Vessel Powersports Is a Game-Changer

If you own a 2014+ Honda Rancher, Foreman, or Rubicon, you know how brutal the trails — especially muddy, rocky terrain — can be on your machine. That’s why we designed our Front Skid Plate to deliver serious protection without the downside of trapped mud or added weight

🚜 What Makes This Skid Plate Special

1. Premium 5052 Aluminum Construction
   Made from 1/8″ thick 5052 aluminum, this skid plate offers excellent durability and corrosion resistance while keeping the design lightweight and agile. 

2. Smart, Mud-Friendly Design
   Unlike bulky full skid plates that collect mud and gunk, our front half skid plate covers from the front frame back to the front differential — giving you protection where you need it most, without sacrificing airflow. 

3. Winch-Mount Compatible
   We made sure the skid plate integrates seamlessly with winch mounting points. So if you're running a winch setup, this plate won’t get in the way. 

4. Easy Maintenance & Access

   • Drainage & Cleaning: The half-design reduces places for mud to hide, making it easier to wash off after a ride. 

   • Fluid Access: Includes a built-in access hole for front differential fluid changes — no need to remove the whole plate.

   • Tie-Down Friendly: Designed so your tie-down straps won’t be blocked if you secure your ATV to a trailer. 

5. Finish Options

   • Bare Metal: Clean, rugged, ready to be customized or left raw.

   • Textured Black Powder Coat: Adds durability and a sleek, finished look for those who want protection and style. 

6. Complete Installation
   Comes with all stainless-steel hardware for a quick and secure install.

✅ Why It’s the Right Choice for Mud Riders

• Protection Where It Matters: By focusing coverage on the front frame down to the front differential, you shield the most vulnerable part of your ATV without installing a full-length skid plate. 

• Lightweight Strength: Thanks to the 5052 aluminum construction, you get durable protection without adding a ton of weight that could affect ride dynamics.

• Low Maintenance: Less trapped mud, easier cleaning, and straightforward access for fluid changes make this a real rider’s plate.

• Built for Off-Road Use: Whether you're bouncing over rocks, splashing through mud, or dragging your rig through the woods, this skid plate is ready for it.

📦 Fitment: Which Models It Supports

• 2014 Honda Rancher, Foreman

• 2015–2025 Honda Rancher, Foreman, Rubicon 

• Compatible with winch mount systems. 

🔧 Installation Tips

1. Clearance: Before installing, make sure any aftermarket bumper or front setup won’t block the plate’s mounting points.

2. Fluid Change Access: Use the access port on the plate for your next front differential fluid swap — saves time and hassle.

3. Tightening Hardware: Since the plate comes with stainless steel hardware, double-check torque specs to avoid stripping or loosening.

💡 Final Thoughts

If you're serious about trail durability but don’t want to deal with the mess and weight of full undercarriage armor, this Vessel Powersports Front Skid Plate is built to deliver. It’s a well-balanced solution — rugged enough to protect, smart enough to keep things clean, and designed with the real-world needs of Honda Rancher, Foreman, and Rubicon riders in mind.

Chris Nichols