Re: 1860 CCT Deluxe Jack Plate
I believe you have the prop tunnel, since it is a CCT (last I checked, the jet tunnels were CCJ). Don't use a jet on a prop tunnel - it won't work very well!
The tunnel will cost you around 5mph on the top end compared to the same boat with no tunnel. The custom tunnel boat mfrs. are adding vents to the tunnel to reclaim most of that lost speed, and a lot of DIY'ers are doing the same thing. The big commercial builders like G3 won't do it though because it adds to the learning curve of operating the boat, which is a big negative when you're selling to thousands of people in the general public. Anyway, you can search the web for "vented tunnels" and probably get a bunch of info on it. I've done it and it works.
For a prop, custom props are best. Check with Baumann props out of Houston, TX. They specialize in building props for tunnel boats. I have a double-cupped 3-blade from them that outperforms the 4-blade Merc Trophy Plus that I used to have on my boat. The prop design makes a huge difference on tunnel boats. They also have four-blades, but the three-blades perform just as well on holeshot and you get a little more top-end. They are also priced competitively. Give them your specs and they will usually get the right prop to you the first time - if not, you can send it back and they will replace it with the best one based on your performance changes.
For putt-putting around in shallow water, run the jackplate up. For holeshot, run the jackplate low, then raise it once you get on plane. If you have room, run the boat in a tight circle to help get up on plane quicker.
Btw, it is anti-ventilation plate, not anti-cavitation plate. A good custom prop will ventilate a LOT less than any factory prop.
