is jackplate really needed

[basspro68]

i have a 18.5 bass boat made by slingshot---it has tilt and trim but also has a jackplate that didnt have a motor to be able to use it.its hydraulic and the motor is half the price of a jackplate new dont want to spend that kind of money.is it really needed whats the pros and cons of it.it has a 200 hp mercury on it.could i take it off and be just as good or do i need to keep trying to find a used motor and wiring for it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: is jackplate really needed

the motor will run fine, as long as it is set up correctly, in proportion to the keel of the boat, and propped correctly. the jackplate, just give instant adjustment, to enhance the preformance of the boat.

 

[captbjack]

Re: is jackplate really needed

if it cmc jackplate you can call them and they will make you an awsome deal on a new one for being a cmc owner.

 

[txmntman]

Re: is jackplate really needed

A jackplate is used to raise or lower the entire engine vertically in relation to the boat's transom easily and while underway. I have seen it used primarily on fishing bay boats, and used to run in very shallow water. They are particularly effective when used with a tunnel hull. I've had bass boats, and I've had bay boats, and I would have little use for one on a bass boat. They will likely give you a slight performance edge, but I can't see under most conditions that performance would be a reason for using a jackplate. IMHO, I would only use one for really shallow water running at slow speeds.

Your mileage may vary...

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: is jackplate really needed

Performance and skinny water is the 2 things that come to my mind.
I have a 10" Bobs on hydraulics with the low water pick up.
I can run on plane in skinny water with no problem.
Only on water I know though.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: is jackplate really needed

Even using it as a manual plate I'd bet your performance (efficiency) is better with it than without. If it were mine I'd sure keep it and look for a pump later. You can use other brands of pumps, you might have to change fittings but don't limit yourself to one brand of pump.

What brand jackplate is it?

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: is jackplate really needed

Just to add, does the Merc have a low water pick up on it?
If not, watch how far you raise it so you don't get the pick up out of the water. Would make a good day go bad in a hurry.

 

[jddenham]

Re: is jackplate really needed

Would the low water pickup add drag that would effectively combat the raising of the motor?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: is jackplate really needed

In some cases, yes.

 

[BillP]

Re: is jackplate really needed

A good jackplate setup will let the motor run with 1/2 the gearcase hub out of the water. In very soft sand/mud the prop literally screws itself through the sand and a 20'r can run in ankle deep water...that type of running also scrubbed off 20 mph from top speed (65 down to 45). It takes a low water pickup, water pressure gauge and prop change with massive pitch increase to appreciate how much a jackplate can help.

bp

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: is jackplate really needed

Don't forget to factor in the setback that the plate provides.