jack plate

[dumb_dog11]

what does a jack plate do? i think its to lift the outboard when u have ur motor on, but im not sure

is it worth the extra grand?

[cart7t]

Jackplates serve a couple purposes when used in the setup of a bass boat.  They provide engine offset.  Essentially this is moving the engine further back off the transom which changes it's ability to lift the hull.  Think of it in terms of a bar across a fulcrum to lift a load as a lever.  The longer the bar, the easier the load is to lift.

Now, that's kinda simple in theory and when you get to boat hulls, simply sticking a jackplate on it is not a cure all nor is there a rule as far as the setback distance.  Jackplates can be bought with anywhere from 6 - 12" of of setback.  Which size you purchase varies from hull to hull.  Part of the reason is another purpose of the plate, it moves the prop away from turbulant water coming off the back end of the boat into cleaner water.  Again, depending on hull design, the proper distance can be a trial and error deal.

The last reason for the jackplate is ability to raise or lower engine height easier vs. a motor bolted directly onto the transom.  Just loosen a few bolts and you can make the adjustments far easier.  Hydraulic jackplates can be adjusted while on the fly on the water.  Expensive though.

If you think a jackplate is something that would help the performance of your boat the best thing to do is to get with other owners of the same make and model of the boat you're currently running and find out what they're running.  Bass boat setup is a very hit and miss kind of thing and can get VERY expensive in the process of finding that sweet spot.  A jackplate along with a matched prop can fine tune your boat for maximum performance.  It can also help the overall performance of rigs that have problems with things like holeshot, mid-range performance, porpoising or hull lift.  

[Tin]

It can also help the overall performance of rigs that have problems with things like holeshot, mid-range performance, porpoising or hull lift.

Ahh.. Findin that perfect prop. Its like finding a needle in a haystack, but once you do. O what a difference