jack plate info

[Joker2]

I am going to fill in the notch in my transom as part of my complete transom redo wondering if a Jack plate helps the performance or hinders it? Someone told me it will make the boat ride better in a heavier sea. Just wondering if this is credible info? Thanks

[Joker2]

Is there anyone out there with any info on this?

[nymack66]

Do a search on jack plate numerous blogs on it, the guys here convince not to install one on mine, I brought it new and sold it for a loss..You decide ..

[tsubaki]

The one I have is for a different purpose than what you are intending to use it for.
I'm primarily using it for shallow water and to raise the motor when stored trailered to have the motor vertical and for the boat to drain.
The idea as far as better performance in rough seas should pertain to smaller boats that tend to wave skip causing cavitation (ventilation), the larger size boats may not have that problem.
An untested portion (as far as I know) is what my neighbor has. His 21" prop ventilates when starting off (it takes several careful seconds to get on plane) but will run 45mph. The 17" prop immediately gets on plane and carries any load but only does 37mph. The thought process was to use the 21" prop, install a jack plate and run deeper till getting on plane. So far he ain't spent the money on one to try it.

[tsubaki]

Also one other added benefit in using any of the jackplates (fixed, manual or hydraulic) is the setback. this solves any steering cable problems most guys ***** about, then again hydraulic steering would fix that problem too.

[Blue_Runner]

The reason I put a jackplate on my old V20 was to raise the motor 5 inches so I could put a 25" motor on the 20" tranny.

[Blu_Lunch]

Originally Posted by Blue_Runner

The reason I put a jackplate on my old V20 was to raise the motor 5 inches so I could put a 25" motor on the 20" tranny.

That's why we installed one too, the Merc is a 25 inch shaft, I like to be able to tuck the motor all the way in, with the 19 pitch prop it planes fast.
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/album115/PDR_0036_1

[Skools Out]

why are you running a plate? that motor isn't going to work right on a plate. you need a 25" motor now. the motor will not be in deep enough water now to work, it will run hot and suck air bad terrible idea.

Originally Posted by tsubaki

Also one other added benefit in using any of the jackplates (fixed, manual or hydraulic) is the setback. this solves any steering cable problems most guys ***** about, then again hydraulic steering would fix that problem too.

[willy]

Taking in all the opinions I have seen here and elsewhere I would not put one on to correct transom height issues (20v25) but I would have loved to put one on to address fishing in skinny water.
I have some spots that I sneak into, I am sure we all do and if I was able to raise the motor five or six inches then that would be ideal. I have had my V in real skinny water, two feet or so and I used the auxilliary 9.9hp Suzuki I had on to do it. You are always taking a big risk with your big engine down, or even trimmed up to do it cause of rocks, debris etc. and you are causing your engine to suck more air in along with sand and mud.
So if your purpose is to get into skinny water then it should be ok, if you are doing it for general running or engine shaft length problems then it might not be a good idea for the reasons skools sites.

[tsubaki]

Skools, it goes down deeper than needed.
The cavitation plate will actually be 1/2" below the keel when lowered completely.
The photo's are deceiving.