Jackplates

[fyshrmn]

I'm thinking of purchasing a jack plate for my boat and just wanted some feed back. Do you think they are worth the money? Do they increase the speed and fuel milage enough to justify the cost? How do they effect the boats handling?

[tomc]

thats a good question!adding a jack plate is like going to the casino,you can win,or you can lose

this is what a jackplate does,it will let you find the optimum egine height,which will very with load conditions and prop you run,you might be able to raise or drop your motor to increase the holeshot,but the holeshot is affected more by prop pitch it wiil aslo shift the center of gravity back a little bit,and alow the prop run in cleaner water.
if your boat is aluminum check with the manufaturer,some aluminum boatmakers lower the max horsepower rating when you add a jackplate,due to the extra stress it puts on the transom
the correct heigth for an outboard,is the cavatation plate on the motor(just above the prop) should be 1-2 inches max above/below the centerline of your hull/keel
you may add 1-4 mph by adding one,or you could be dissapionted and spend more money on props,as far a handleing it depends on hull design
if it was me,and i was happy with the boats performance,and was just trying to improve on it.i wouldn't get the plate,instead i would spend that money on haveing it finely tuned up. just my 2cents

just a note,keeping your hull clean,and well waxed accually gains on miles per gallon and speed
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[tubeN2]

Just like tomc stated, jackplates do have there advantages and divantages.

Where I am at in Cali, most fishermen will remove them for the lakes but use them for the saltwater. Tune ups and wax are the better way to go on the lakes.[cool]
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