hydraulic jack plate

[REELWORLD42]

I have a 99 Stratos 21 SS Extreme with a 6" manual jack plate ,do you think a hydraulic jack plate would improve the performance enough to justify the cost ? I'm running a 225 ho Johnson .

 

[jim4596]

I have had two of them on different boats. I dont think there is any performance improvements other than you can lower it to come out of the hole better. what you will see is that you can raise the motor to run in shallow water and its more convenient when you want to raise the motor for better top end. but the boat will probably run faster on top end with a regular plate (cause the hydraulic plates are so heavy). but i like them and I wouldnt have a boat without one, just dont think there is a performance improvement other than holeshot. let me also recommend that if you get one, dont get a detwiler. you can call me if you want to know why.

 

[wrechin2]

Another advantage is the ability to adjust the height for each water condition. Not enough difference in weight to be very noticeable on top end. But it depends on the plate. My 6" hydraulic is only about 30 LBS heavier (including the motor/pump) than my 8" manual plate. Just my thoughts.

 

[jim4596]

my detwiler weighs about 70-80 lbs. whereas my rapid jack might have weighed 10-15 lbs. huge difference to me. (not trying to argue with you wrechin at all just stating my observances). but on a 20' bullet, that makes a huge difference. dad runs a 20' bullet and he went back to a rapid jack to keep from flooding the back deck everytime you come off plane. on my stratos it wasnt as noticeable.