A new inner product is developed based on the Fourier analysis to study the scattering of surface waves by a floating semi-infinite elastic plate in a two-dimensional water domain of finite depth. The eigenfunctions for the plate-covered region are orthogonal with respect to this new inner product. The problem is studied for various wave and geometrical conditions. Especially, the influence of different edge conditions on the hydrodynamic behavior is investigated and compared. The edge conditions considered in the present study involve (i) a free edge, (ii) a simply supported edge, and (iii) a built-in edge. The hydrodynamic performance of an elastic plate is characterized for various conditions in terms of wave reflection and transmission, plate deflection, and surface strain. It is observed that the hydrodynamic behavior depends on the wave conditions, the geometrical settings, and the edge conditions. The built-in edge condition induces the maximum wave reflection and the minimum wave transmission. The free edge condition leads to the maximum plate deflection.