broken wakeplate

I bought my Outback LSV in 2006 brand new. This weekend however my family went on vacation. We had to tie the boat up inside of docks instead of the shore station I usually put it in. Two of the days were extemely windy, (two boats sank in the docks) and I think the waves were beating on my wakeplate. Now it is stuck in the up position. When I try to move it down it makes a weak humming noise. Does anyone know of a fix I can do by myself because to take it to the dealer is over 2 hours away, and probably very expensive as my warranty is over. Thanks for any suggestions.