Re: Jack Plate on motor
To get on plane, the motor starts out at it's lowest jackplate position, but it is possible the optimum starting position is somewhere above that, but only practice can determine which best, but it's not going to be one of the highest positions to get on plane. Once on plane, the motor can be raised vertically such that the prop is still chopping the water, but some part of it is surfacing for maximum, all-out straight-line speed.
At this point, there is almost no serious handling left and the Ranger is a flat rock skimming across the water.
Generally, be it a jackplate or power tilt/trim, you start low and get on plane, then raise the engine to get the prop up in cleaner water, which removes load from the engine. Good for engine; good for economy.
There is a point where the prop loses bite or blows out. Have to know where this is, and have to know what is safe and what is not.
