jackplate

[craneman]

Looking for some info. IV been looking into adding a jackplate to my boat but don't know much about them. What exactly do they do? What will it help? Is it worth spending the money?

 

[BulletTJ]

A jackplate will give you more setback on the motor. This allows you to raise the motor height also. As for it helping your boat that depends on the boat and motor. If your boat is a heavy hull and you dont have a low water gearcase it may not help as much. If you can tell us what type of boat and motor you have it would make it easier.

 

[craneman]

I have a eighteen foot winner with a 1987 150 XP. It already runs out very well for what it is.

 

[TOMMY 20RXD]

GO FOR IT , YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!

 

[BulletTJ]

It will probably help you. I am not sure what size plate you will need. The more set back you have, it will slow your holeshot down. I am running a 10" Hydraulic plate and it has a much better hole shot than it did with the 4" extensions on it. If you dont have a water pressure gauge I would get one. You need to keep an eye on the water pressure while you adjust the jackplate.

 

[craneman]

How hard are they to install?

 

[BulletTJ]

If you have a lifting ring for the motor and access to something to lift the motor they are not hard to install. Remove the 4 bolts that attach the motor to transom. Dont unhook the motor cables or wiring. Use a good marine grade sealer to seal around the holes in the transom. Bolt jackplate to transom and then bolt motor to jackplate. I usually use the middle set of bolt holes on the motor bracket.