Setback or Jack Plate

[studlymandingo]

I am considering installing a setback plate on my 18.5' Center Console. I have a 150 HP Mariner V6 outboard and will be installing hydraulic steering as soon as the kit arrives. I have considered installing some sort of setback plate or possibly a jack plate. I use the boat to go offshore for diving and fishing and was wondering if the additional setback of the motor would give it more of a longer boat "feel" in the water. What are the experiences of you guys that have installed a jack plate on your rig, does it make the difference?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Setback or Jack Plate

thought you disappeared. i don't think the benefits, would out weight the cost.

 

[JB]

Re: Setback or Jack Plate

Setback does give a boat a longer "feel" when maneuvering. Not always an advantage, more often the opposite.

Jack plates allow easier adjustment of the engines vertical position (What DHadley calls the "X" dimension). Power jackplates allow this to be done underweigh for greater speed and economy, but fine tuning the X along with trim for any particular sea condition can take you a long time.

Unless small differences in top speed and fuel economy are a high priority I don't think it is a worthwhile investment. Five or six C notes will buy a lot of fuel.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Setback or Jack Plate

Good insight there. There is a guy locally that has one that is 8" in setback and has a manually adjustable jackplate. It works for up to 300 HP outboards. He will sell it to me for 75.00. I am installing a hydraulic steering setup as soon as it arrives; and I was thinking if it were a worthwhile endeavour, I could install the jackplate at the same time. It is a Rite Height brand plate.

Tashas.. I had my laptop stolen near Christmas last year. I had closed my e-mail account registered here with iboats, so I couldn't retrieve my password to log-in. I finally figured out how to forward mail from my former address to my current e-mail. I am now updated with the iboats forum.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Setback or Jack Plate

hey studly... long time no see.

anyways, if you dont buy that jackplate thingy can i get it? i boat the same waters here as you and i know your vessel, its nothing but positives that youll get. my pal had a 19CC and a 200 merc and he said everything felt better. i have one for my mako and i want to put it on my new aqau sport ASAP! you see tons of guys around here running them doing the same thing as you.

myoutboards@yahoo.com

i got a new boat last night..... when are we going out?

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Setback or Jack Plate

I went to pick it up the other day and of course it was already sold. I'll be keeping my eyes open for more.

What boat did you get mike? I just got out on Sunday and hope to be out this weekend, waiting on my hydraulic steering setup to arrive. I also have a fuel leak I'm going to have to trace down.