anyone know of any pros or cons for installing a jackplate on a skeeter ss 90 16 ft bass boat with 90 hp motor? also, any thoughts regarding setback distance?
IMHO, you might gain a couple MPH. I don't think you'd gain much by going with more than about 6 inches of setback. One thing to look out for is if you're going to need to reroute your steering cable, you may end up cutting another hole in your boat.
size of the jackplate will depend on how much if any extra length you have on your steering.
I agree, you might pick up a couple MPH.
They do help with handling a little...and it is nice to be able to "fine tune" the set up.
there are alot of Bass guys who think they are a must. ( so it might help with resale if you ever sell the boat). I do not know if they are a must. The cost vs benefit is a personal decision.
I have seen several guys spend $1200 and more to pick up 2-4 MPH out of their rigs...which I wonder about...but if it is important to them I suppose it was money well spent.
There are some boats that REALLY benefit from a jackplate. Hydra Sports of my era ( late 80's) benefit from them. It is hard to get the set up right so you do not suffer prop wash out on these boats ( especially taking off in moderate chop). Moving the motor back into clean water with a jackplate clears that problem right up.
My boat will be getting a 5" set back...hopefully this spring...but IMO opinion if you do not suffer problems like prop wash etc....then only you can decide if the expense is worth the limited advantage a jackplate offers.
