Jack Plate Operation?

[Tim Kelly]

I don't have one, but have never really understood how they are used. Do they replace trimming the motor, or are they an extra to trimming the motor? Would you trim the motor as normal and then raise the jack plate, or is it there for some slightly different purpose? If someone could post a dummies guide to using a jack plate it would be great to understand them. Thanks

[J Francho]

What's up Tim!

 

There's a ton of info out there if you search for it.  In basic terms, the jackplate replaces the transom.  Meaning the motor mounts to the jackplate much like it would directly to the transom. Since the tilt/trim pumps are part of the motor mount, it doesn't affect that at all.  What you get is some engine setback and the ability to adjust engine height.  This is really only an advantage for riser/pad hulls, tunnel hulls, or a flat bottom boat designed to run in skinny water.  I've never seen on installed on a deep or semi V hulled boat.  There are manul jackplates (like on mine and Jim's Bullets) nad hydraulic models.  The Hydraulic versions allow you to adjust height while running. I'm fine with the manual version, as it was a pain o get the boat setup to run with a fast plane out after the holeshot.  I could probably extract a few mph raising it an inch while at WOT, but you've ridden in my boat - it's fast enough, lol.

 

Just a sidenote - Tim took the my avatar pic.  Welcome aboard, bud!

[Siebert Outdoors]

I have a hydrolic jackplate and I will never own a boat again with out it.  It does not replace the trim but only aids in its effectiveness.  The Jack plate allows me to raise or lower the whole motor without changing the angle of the prop.  This works real nice in shallower water where you still need the thrust.  With learning how to run a jack plate it makes running in many situations safer.  You can adjust for shallow, deep, waves, etc. 

[Tim Kelly]

Hi John

I remembered you came on here, so I thought I'd have a look. Great site and not as annoying to load as the new version of NYBass! Love the look of the signature jigs. I wish the perch over here would take them! A bit too big for them to take on I think.

I understand what a jack plate looks like and where it goes, it's how you use it (the powered ones) I'm puzzled by. Do you use it every time you take off or is it just to help optimise the boat to the load or wave conditions on the day?

[Siebert Outdoors]

I adjust mine depending on conditions.

[Tim Kelly]

Ok. thanks. Does that mean you have an average height for normal use, but then drop it down if there's a big wave and you're going slow or up to squeeze the last bit of performance in perfect conditions? 

[Siebert Outdoors]

For normal running it does have a sweet spot that all over performance is good.  Its one of those things that you have to run the boat and learn and feel how it handles and changes as you trim up or down.

[bassum1]

Have run hydraulic jack plates on all my boats. They do not replace the trim on your motor. They have many uses. First you can get up on plan in shallow water. You can run your boat in skinnier water .I fish tidal waters allot and you can run shallow flats to get to deeper water. Also you can a just the height on the motor to compensate for the load

you are carrying. Sometime you may have more tackle or someone who weighs more or less than your normal load. Also you can a just it for the water conditions like if the water is rough you can get a better ride and more speed. If I'm

running a long distance I will watch my gps speed and can a just the jack plate for maximum speed and you will need to a just it on the fly because you maybe in a creek or part of the lake that is calm then run into rough water so you need to a just. This will give you the best ride and speed and gas consumption for the conditions.

I hope this helps. For safety reasons I suggest pro trim for hydraulic plats so you do not have to take your hands of the steering wheel.