Jack Plate Thoughts/Concerns/Help

[Holgatelbi]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on a manual Jack Plate in order to raise my motor a few inches.

Going manual more due to cost than anything else. The Etecs are known to want to run with the cav plate right even with the water coming off the transom. Some say a hair higher. Mine is running 1.5" - 2" below and motor is in the highest mounting hole. Probably going with Vance Manufacturing JPL4400 4" set-back unless hanging it back further would be advantageous.

Opinions - Thoughts - Concerns requested

[Noname Dave]

For what you want I would agree on a manual JP.

I installed a 4" hydraulic on the 201 I had and it did make a significant difference on bow rise coming up on plane but I did get accustomed to it.

For your intention I would go with a 3" setback.

[Holgatelbi]

Thanks NoName.

I would really like the hydraulic, but can't justify the additional $1000.

Not sure if they have a 3" but will look before ordering.

[Noname Dave]

I went with a CMC. You can get one on ebay for about $775 including shipping.

There is also another new one on ebay up for bidding.

[Holgatelbi]

I might consider the extra $$$. I just think I'll be a "set it & forget it" guy. My son fishes the skinny water so maybe I'll get him to poney up the difference. Yea, right.

[pharmnyc]

Back in the day I went with a porta bracket and a new 250 Etec and it made a world of difference on my 224. Porta bracket has more functionality

[pharmnyc]

Back in the day I went with a porta bracket and a new 250 Etec and it made a world of difference on my 224. Porta bracket has more functionality

[keyman]

Just a question regarding additional hardware requirements. Does the jack plate come with mounting hardware? The reason I ask is when we added wedges to our 250 we had to purchase longer mounting bolts. Dealer wanted like $20 each for Yamaha bolts. We eneded up purchasing hardware elsewhere. Also the difference was using NC verses NF threaded stainless steel bolts.

[1988Mako230]

How does one know (guess) that set back is needed?

[Holgatelbi]

Sorry, I didn't see recent posts. As for bolts/hardware I bought with the bracket from Vance.

As for set-back advantages, I went with the least I could get. I didn't want it hanging too far off the back of an original transom.

I just needed my motor 1" - 2" higher out of the water

[nickdavies]

I am running a '79 235 with 150 Merc 4S- I used a 8" set back jack plate- it moves the motor back out of the boat and gives you more room in the back of the boat- also further back the higher you go so motor is higher out of water at rest. With all that said- the main reason I want a jack plate is motor install and removal- If you are bolted to transom you must breach hull every time you take a motor on or off- with a jack plate 4 bolts thur alum bracket and you are swinging form hoist. If you have hydraulic steering-or think you might add it- you need to check clearance- a 3" set back may place the hyd lines and fitting in a position to contact transom when tilted- 4" on my boat did that for sure.

[Sailor]

I have a 4 or 5" setback if you are interested. It's a fixed style.