Jack Plate

[hawghunter1744]

Okay, so I've used the search here and found nothing. I've looked on the internet and I really just can't find the answer that I'm looking for. So would someone please explain EXACTLY what is the point of a jack plate? What are the benefits of having one vs not? Should I look into one for better performance on my boat?

[GLADES]

A jack plate does 2 things, it sets the motor back 6", 12" + to allow the prop to spin in cleaner non cavitated water. Another benefit is that the motor can be raised to its highest point to reduce drag allowing for greater top speed. If you have a V4,V6,or V8 outboard, its a good thing to have. I am sure others will expand on my comments.

[Ellesar]

Not all hulls benefit from a jackplate, and the ones that do usually respond to a specific setback (setback is how far back the motor is placed from the hull when on a jackplate). Another thing a jackplate gives you is more bow lift. The biggest benefit is that you can more easily adjust how low your motor sits in the water. All hulls have different "sweet spots" that give the best performance. Even hulls of the same model can have different sweet spots. Usually you will have an idea of where to start but then its a process of trial and error to see where your motor needs to sit to give you the best performance. Without a jackplate you have a very limited number of options regarding where your motor sits, usually a few holes. With a jackplate you can move it up and down in very small increments are really dial your boat in.

There are two kinds of jackplates, manual and hydraulic. The hydraulic is nice because you can move your motor up and down eith the flip of a switch, even while you are running down the lake. A manual plate requires you to loosen some bolts to make the adjustment so its not something easily accomplished with the boat in the water, you really have to get it back on the trailer to make an adjustment.